Probiotics are a type of "good" bacteria found in some foods and supplements. We usually think of bacteria as something that can cause diseases or other problems. But probiotics can help keep your gut healthy. Your body doesn't need probiotics. You already have healthy bacteria in your gut. But it usually doesn't hurt to take them, and adding them to your diet might help.

How Probiotics Are Good for You They might lower the number of "bad" bacteria in your gut that can cause illness or inflammation. They can also replace those problem germs with good or helpful bacteria. Researchers are studying when and how probiotics might best help. There's more research for some illnesses than others. They might help people with: Diarrhea , especially when it's linked to specific antibiotics. Probiotics also might help with infectious diarrhea, especially in children.

, especially when it's linked to specific antibiotics. Probiotics also might help with infectious diarrhea, especially in children. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some probiotics might keep ulcerative colitis in remission (a state of little to no disease activity) and prevent Crohn's disease from relapsing and getting worse.

(IBD) including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some probiotics might keep ulcerative colitis in remission (a state of little to no disease activity) and prevent Crohn's disease from relapsing and getting worse. Irritable bowel syndrome . Probiotics can sometimes help ease symptoms, including stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Probiotics also are being studied for many other conditions. There isn’t as much research yet, but some people say that probiotics have helped them with: Preventing and treating yeast infections

Preventing and treating urinary tract infections

Lactose intolerance

Skin conditions such as eczema

Treating certain stomach and respiratory infections, especially in children

Treating allergies and asthma

Decreasing inflammation, such as from rheumatoid arthritis