What Are Probiotics And
How Can They Help You?

So, what are probiotics and how do they work?

Probiotics help the body rebalance the growth of beneficial bacteria. This aids digestion and promotes better colon health.

In Greek, probiotic literally means 'for life'.

Probiotics should not be confused with antibiotics, which are used to destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Probiotics are microorganisms that are similar to the healthy bacteria we have in our gut.

When you take probiotics, you are sending in more of these friendly bacteria to help your body digest your food, and take care of your body.

Probiotic Foods

Some foods that contain probiotics are:

• Cottage Cheese
• Yoghurt
• Fermented Milk
• Unfermented Milk
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Some Juices and Soy Beverages

These foods have to be manufactured in such a way that the bacteria are not destroyed during processing.

Probiotics can also be added to your diet through supplements, which can often be the best option, unless you find some high-quality food products.

When Should You Use Them?

You can use probiotics whenever you want. The oral use of probiotics is considered safe and is even recommended by the World Health Organization under specific guidelines.

More research needs to be done on probiotics, but preliminary results show some potential health benefits. Here are some of the reported benefits:

• Manage Lactose Intolerance
• May Decrease the Risk of Colon Cancer
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Improves Immune Function
• Reduces Inflammation
• Improves Mineral Absorption
• Provides Relief from Diarrhea
• Prevents Harmful Bacterial Growth Under Stress

I always try to use probiotics when I'm traveling. We all know how our stomach is affected by travel, and I've found that taking a probiotic supplement really helps in keeping my stomach working normally.

I also use probiotics when I am sick or have stomach problems. It has shown to help me get rid of diarrhea.

If you're transitioning to a healthier lifestyle or just doing a cleanse, it might be beneficial to supplement with some probiotics to help your body heal and adjust.