Are bugs really healthy?

QMy friend says taking live friendly bacteria keeps her healthy, but it makes me feel sick! Should I take them? Moira, Penrith

AThese live bacteria and yeasts, known as probiotics, are available as yogurts, drinks or capsules. Your gut is home to millions of bacteria and the right balance of these bugs is important for health. Probiotics aim to restore a healthy balance.

They are safe, provided you have a normal immune system, and side effects such as nausea and bloating usually get better within a couple of weeks.

Whether to take them is up to you – they might improve bowel inflammation, irritable bowel (IBS) or the diarrhoea that is a side effect of antibiotics, but there’s no good evidence they have other beneficial effects.