Millions of people suffer from colds, flu and stomach upset every year. Research is showing that this could be caused by a lack of good bacteria in your stomach. Fortunately, there are supplements you can take to increase the amount of good bacteria and improve your health.

It's strange to think that you can treat and even prevent illness with bacteria, but it's true. Your body contains trillions of bacteria - some are good and some are bad. When the number of good bacteria starts to decrease due to antibiotics or a poor diet your chances for illness are increased.

Probiotic supplements have been shown to have many health benefits. Research has shown that taking probiotics can help aid digestion and keep you regular. Studies show they can also help eczema and vaginal and urinary infections, and they can help prevent or lower your chances of catching a cold or the flu.

Probiotics are not "one size fits all". There are many different strains of probiotics each having its own power. If you're having stomach issues like an upset stomach from an illness, from antibiotics or from traveling or because you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), look for the probiotics that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus GG, and Lactobacillus coagulans. These can be found in your local health food store, drugstore and in yogurt you can purchase from your grocery store.

If you suffer from eczema, studies have shown that taking a probiotic that contains lactobacillus acidophilus can help, especially in children. If you want to avoid getting colds and the flu supplement your diet with probiotic strains lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, or bifidobacterium lactis.

Millions of women get urinary or vaginal infections each year, many due to antibiotics which can kill both the bad bacteria in your body and the good. Taking a probiotic that contains Lactobacillus coagulans, lactobacillus reuteri, or lactobacillus rhamnosus can help prevent these kinds of infections and can also lessen their severity if you already have one.

Beyond the above health benefits, studies are showing that probiotics can actually help you lose weight. A recent study done at Stanford University has shown that the amount of good bacteria is higher in those who maintain a healthy weight and it's lower in those who are overweight. Researchers are suggesting that it's possible to increase your intake of healthy bacteria (probiotics) to lower your weight.

Whichever probiotic you choose look for products that say "clinically proven" on the box or label. Also pay attention to the directions. Some products need to be refrigerated.