Includes bibliographical references and index

If the thought of bacteria conjures images of germs that should be avoided, think again! Some friendly bacteria, called probiotics, are not only beneficial, they're essential. Thanks to recent research, it is clear that the healthy bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract are the body's silent partners for good health, optimizing the power of the immune system to fight disease and the "bad" germs we fear. Here is a guide to probiotics and the foods and supplements that contain and support them. Discover: the role of probiotics and prebiotics in restoring healthy balance to our bodies, improving immune system functioning, and curbing inflammation; how to use probiotic foods and supplements to prevent and relieve allergies, bowel disease, yeast infections, and the side effects of antibiotic use; natural sources of prebiotics, the nutrients that help make the digestive tract more hospitable for probiotic bacteria.--From publisher description