Also, it's helpful with abdominal ailments such as antibiotic-related diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, and skin disorders like canker sores, fever blisters, eczema and acne.

Bifidobacteria

Bifidobacteria is another “friendly” bacteria that normally live in the intestines. Some think this bacteria restores the natural balance of food bacteria which have been thrown off by encounters with radiation, antibiotics, diarrhea or chemotherapy. Typically used for ulcerative colitis and at times taken for breast pain, lactose intolerance, hepatitis, Lyme disease, cancer, and mumps.

This bifidobacteria is also used to treat eczema in infants and adults alike, along with flu-like symptoms and flu. One of its functions is to boost immune systems and lower cholesterol.

Probiotics are found in active live cultures such as yogurt and other fermented foods. They are also found in supplies such as capsules, liquids and chewables. In one UCLA study, healthy women who regularly ate probiotic yogurt had improved brain functioning.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Kirsten Tillisch, said "Many of us have a container of yogurt in our refrigerator that we may eat for enjoyment, for calcium or because we think it might help our health in other ways. Our findings indicate that some of the contents of yogurt may actually change the way our brain responds to the environment. When we consider the implications of this work, the old sayings 'you are what you eat' and 'gut feelings' take on new meaning."

Ever feel uneasy somewhere?

Speaking of “gut feelings,” research reveals the neural network serving our abdominal cavity or “guts” is extensive and some have nicknamed it “the second brain.” This second brain is known as the enteric nervous system. It controls every aspect of digestion including the small intestine, colon, stomach and esophagus. This could account for the queasiness some of us feel in situations in which we are not comfortable.