Probiotics are slowly becoming a new health craze, with people buying products and supplements that are rich in 'active cultures'. They are the main sources of overall health, when it comes to the digestive system. Taking these once every few times a week will greatly benefit you with evident changes that you will notice over a period of time. Bacteria doesn't necessarily mean dirt ridden organisms that cause nothing but trouble, but good ones that your gut needs. The main bacteria present in probiotic formulas are those that naturally occur in one's gut, yes that's true. When these fail to do their part due to a depletion in their count, it is then that the system's health takes a backseat. These bacteria not only reside in your gut, but also make their way right to your colon and intestines, basically making room for itself throughout one's digestive system. Depending on how they function, the body takes on its varying changes. For example, when the immune system goes for a spin, the toxins that build-up thus cause certain diseases to occur, and are fueled because of the lack of essential bacteria. The bacteria's main function is to produce naturally occurring antibiotics that it manufactures as its defense mechanism when harmful agents come forth. Without these to protect and serve the body, it is left susceptible to illnesses and other health related issues. They not only protect the system from harm, but also improve one's bowel functioning, produces vitamins, encourages the occurrence of digestive enzymes and more. If one were to constantly fall ill or feel out of sorts, then the main problem causing the situation would be a lack of beneficial bacteria that helps in everyday functions. When we ingest foods that aren't desirable to the system, like those that are stale or not fresh enough for the system to handle, or unclean water for that matter - these can lead up to the infestation of harmful toxins that can override the system and deplete good bacteria in the process. That is why it is important to sustain its growth and balance within the digestive system, by either eating foods rich in probiotics, buying supplements or drinking products that are enhanced with these active culture microorganisms. List of Probiotic Bacteria The bacteria teeming within products that are specially enhanced with these organisms, are those that can be easily bought from grocery stores. These will feature the list of bacteria that the product is infused with, which is very important to check on the ingredients section printed on the wrapper or the container of the product. Some companies fail to mention these and still label them as probiotic. Always buy only those products that come from trusted companies that have been distributing their produce for years with a dedicated consumer following. Research these brands and find out more about what they're doing to help people, without being the object of scam. The following kind bacteria are most commonly found in products that aid the body in multiple functions. Bifidobacteria These bacteria occupy the colon in large numbers, where at least 90% of this is present in your system and accounts as healthy organisms that you have from the time you were born. There are 30 species of these bacteria which probiotic companies infuse into their packaged goods. These are: Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium pseudo longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, and Bifidobacterium breve. These bacteria are responsible for easing problems related to one's bowel function, like bloating, gas, abdominal pain and semi-evacuation. It also helps improve one's glucose tolerance, metabolic functioning and cholesterol levels. Lactobacillus These bacteria are found in the urinary, genital and digestive cavities, and can help fight against many ailments and bodily conditions. Some of the bacteria found as part of supplements and foods that contain these microorganisms are: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, L. acidophilus DDS-1, and Lactobacillus johnsonii. These bacteria can help with problems like traveler's diarrhea, skin disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory infection (protects against), lactose intolerance, and UTI to name a few. Other bacteria that are found in probiotic products are S. boulardii, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Probiotic foods are now replacing ordinary eats when it comes to eating healthy, and people are slowly becoming accustomed to a new way of being conscious of what they put into their systems. Just be sure to go easy on these products (can prove to be harmful if taken excessively) and not overindulge yourself, since twice a week is more than enough to keep the bacteria manifested from within.