This week's Fitbuzz- Health trend is about Probiotics. When the word "Bacteria" is uttered, people have the tendency to think the worst. In fact, a coughing kid can have  grown adults running for cover!

So the thought of taking a daily dose of bacteria might seem literally hard to swallow! After reading this article you'll find that bacteria may not have such a bad rap after all.

A growing number of scientific evidence suggests that you can treat and even prevent some illnesses with supplements or foods containing selected strains of friendly bacteria known as Probiotics. Your intestine is like a freeway that supports over 400 species of friendly bacteria, or Probiotics, that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. These helpful bacteria play an important role in digestion, absorption of nutrients, immunity, and disease prevention. In fact, studies by Shermak and the National Health Institute found that the ingestion of this friendly bacteria has been shown to be effective in preventing or treating conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, lung infections, vaginal infections, and eczema. Not only that, well controlled studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in babies between 4-24 months old in treating constipation and shortening the duration of diarrhea.  (Please consult with your doctor before adding Probiotic supplements or foods to your diet or using them to self-treat any condition)

Top Five Probiotic Foods to add to your diet:

1. Yogurt

2. Dark Chocolate (in moderation)

3. Microalgae such as chlorella, blue-green algae, and spirulina

4. Miso

5. Pickled veggies