Hitherto, intake of supplements has been recommended by physicians to get that extra health boost and to keep the good bacteria in the gut healthy. However, such prescriptions may change if the findings of a new study are anything to go by.

The study conducted by Gail Cresci, dietician and assistant professor of surgery
, Medical College of Georgia (MCG) avers that the best way to keep good bacteria in fine fettle is to eat a healthy and nutritious diet instead of taking costly and potentially ineffective supplements.

Gail Cresci who bagged the 2009 'Excellence in Practice Award for Clinical Nutrition' by the American Dietetic Association said, "Consumers are buying stuff like crazy that is probably not even helping them and could potentially hurt them."

Good balanced diet
The author was apprehensive that poor diets were harming the bacteria inside the human body. The overuse of antibiotics, too, was having an adverse impact on the health.

Cresci avers that common, broad spectrum of antibiotics mop
not only the bad bacteria but also the good ones.

There is growing evidence to suggest that a healthy gut microbiota enables preserve a healthy weight. Previous studies have established that when bacteria from a hereditarily plump mouse are transplanted in a thin, lean germ-free mouse, the latter gains weight without altering its food intake.

Cresci claims that a good, balanced daily diet derives 30 percent or less of calories from fat. No more than 10 percent are derived from saturated fats. The majority come from monounsaturated fats such as olive and canola oils.

Cresco recommends the consumption of dairy products to ensure sufficient protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Intake of fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables provide the requisite amount of fiber in the body.

Bacteria benefit human body
Cresci equated the good bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract to another living being inside the body that enables one to remain in good physical shape.

"If you do good by your bacteria, they will do good by you," Cresci said.

There are close to 800 bacterial species and over 7,000 strains dwelling in the average gut. Although many sound and appear similar they differ in their usefulness.

A little Lactobacillus acidophilus, when combined with some Lactobacillus bifidus, has proved tremendously useful in thwarting antibiotic-induced diarrhea. On the other hand, Lactobacillus bulgaricus combined with some Streptococcus thermophilus is of no use.

"You need to be careful," Ms. Cresci cautioned. "You don't just give the same probiotic to try and treat everybody."