Eat Your Bacteria

The word "bacteria" often has negative connotations, but many bacteria are good for you.

Our bodies produce bacteria that naturally live in the intestine and work to aid digestion. Some foods containing bacteria can help strengthen the body's ability to prevent and fight disease.

These helpful bacteria are called probiotics -- active cultures that help reintroduce or change bacteria in the intestine.

Probiotics are found in cultured foods like yogurt, acidophilus milk and kefir (a fermented dairy beverage).

Research suggests probiotic cultures may help keep your immune system healthy and help maintain the good bacteria in your intestine. They may also help shorten the duration of diarrhea, reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance and reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel disease.