We hear about food products enriched with probiotics all the time and we all know that probiotics are good for us, but very few of us actually know what probiotics are. Here is a short outline.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, yeasts and bacteria that promote the health of the human digestive tract. Also called good bacteria, probiotics are mainly found in fermented dairy products. The most common probiotic is Lactobacillus, a component found mainly in yoghurt and essential in the process of digesting lactose. Another common probiotic, also found in dairy, is Bifidobacterium, efficiently used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics have been efficiently used in the treatment of several conditions linked to inflammatory processes in the body. The symptoms and conditions that can be helped or, in some cases, even completely cured with probiotics include inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhoea caused by infections or by the extended use of antibiotics, eczemas, urinary and vaginal problems and allergies.
You can ensure your probiotics intake either by consuming large amounts of fermented dairy products or through diet supplementation. Probiotic supplements usually come in the form of tablets or capsules and are generally considered to be safe and efficient, but they should not be taken without consulting a doctor first. For more natural solutions, be sure to visit New Spring Integrative Medicine.