Probiotics is a hot new buzzword in health, but what does it mean exactly? And are probiotics safe during pregnancy? Some experts claim that probiotics not only are safe, but that they're beneficial for pregnant moms.

Probiotics are live microorganisms, essentially good bacteria that are similar to those that are found naturally in the human gut. According to Julie Smolyansky, a nutrition expert and the CEO of Lifeway Foods, a company specializing in probiotics foods such as kefir and yogurts, probiotics were discovered by Elie Metchnikoff, a Russian microbiologist and winner of The Nobel Peace Prize.

"His studies started a huge debate about the importance of integrating lactic-acid-producing bacteria (known as probiotics) into diets," Smolyansky says. "The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes numerous health benefits that can occur when integrating probiotics into a person's diet."

According to Smolyansky, probiotics:

• promote a healthy digestive system
• have been shown as beneficial in treating irritable bowel syndrome and Crones disease
• strengthen the immune system
• treat urinary tract infections
• have been linked to the prevention and management of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children
• have been found to prevent food allergies in children.

"Probiotics are great at regulating and maintaining balance in the digestive tract, as well as aiding in the immune system, which may help prevent illness," Smolyansky says. "But they are also extremely beneficial to take when using antibiotics due to the fact that these friendly bacteria help aid in immune system defense."

Rania Batayneh, a nutritionist and wellness coach and owner of Essential Nutrition For You, says probiotics have many health benefits. "Often, I find that clients who are most in need of supplementing with probiotics are those who feel that the natural balance of their digestive system is upset, for example when they are traveling or under stress, which may lead to stomach problems such as diarrhea, constipation and discomfort," Batayneh says. "This in turn can affect other functions or physiological systems such as the immune system."

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