Studies show that most North Americans have less than half the amount of good bacteria needed for optimal health. That’s because dietary and lifestyle factors destroy those bacteria. Those factors include stress and lack of sleep, prescription medications and digestive aids, and even sugar and carbonated drinks. As these factors deplete the good bacteria in the bowel, the body becomes vulnerable to numerous diseases. Probiotics assist in restoring the body to its natural state of balance, with enough good bacteria necessary to boost the body’s immune system and defend the body against toxins, bacteria, and allergens. It does so by recolonizing the gastrointestinal tract with lactobacillus and bifidobacteria and helping control the growth of various forms of bacterial and fungal infections, including vaginal infections.