Probiotics ("good/ friendly" bacteria) are important to maintain good intestinal health. They protect against other "unfriendly" bacteria and microorganisms. Probiotics are vital to the development of a healthy immune system. Probiotics can help clean out the intestinal tract of accumulated toxic waste, increase the availability of certain vitamins, kill parasites, prevent fungal/ yeast infections, lower cholesterol, assist with allergies, help with proper digestion, promote bowel regularity, and reduce lactose intolerance. Poor diet, stress, chlorinated water, antibiotics and the birth control pill can damage your intestinal flora. Good measures would include cleaning up you diet, eliminating sugar, adding yogurt and supplementing with probiotic capsules.