Probiotics are bacteria plain and simple!

Yes, bacteria that lives in your body and defends it against infectious diseases. Probiotics are found in all types of foods and are also available in the form of pills. Think of them as “good” bacteria that provide balance with the bad bacteria present in your body.

Probiotics promote a healthy immune system and aids in digestion. These microorganisms are already present in the body and in a large amount. However, the ratio of good and bad depends on your lifestyle.

Did you know that there are more bacteria in your body than human cells? The ratio stands at 3:1 and this is the reason why you will find various types of probiotics when you will visit a pharmacy.

There are more than hundred different types of probiotics and a few serve different purposes. Made for specific conditions, each probiotics contains a particular blend of microbes that help with daily health problems.

Function of Probiotics

Probiotics are primarily known as the remedy for various gut ailments. They have gained reputation in the medical industry as the medicine that help people tame diarrhea.

Took a visit to a country where they had sketchy water?

Probiotics will help you get back to your normal routine!

Probiotics may even help you treat problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, vaginal and urinary health problems, receding gums and teeth and chronic digestive issues.

Who Can Take Probiotics?

The short answer is: Anyone can take probiotics. Even when you are healthy or don’t have any struggles relating to your body, probiotics can be very beneficial. If you are gluten free or are following a special diet, you are neglecting these microorganisms.

At this point, your body might need an intervention but the struggle to maintain your weight can obscure this. So, get in touch with a doctor and come with a diet plan that will help you achieve your goal, as well as keep up your probiotics count. Often, this can lead to a healthy outcome and after that, you won’t be requiring any probiotics.

7 “Friendly” Bacteria

The most common friendly bacteria that your body needs in order to keep up with the demands of your changing body include:

Saccharomyces boulardii
Lactobacillus bulgarius
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Streptococcus thermophilus
Bacillus subtilis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Lactobacillus reuteri

13 Foods Rich in Probiotics

Certain foods such as yoghurt and yeast are extremely rich in probiotics. In fact, yoghurt is rated as the number one food that is the richest in probiotics. A yoghurt cup a day can help you keep your body healthy and protect your immune system. Following are 13 other types of foods that are rich in probiotics:

Kefir
Kombucha
Natto
Coconut Kefir
Sauerkraut
Salted Gherkin Pickles
Raw Cheese
Kvass
Apple Cider Vinegar
Brine-Cure Olives
Miso
Tempeh
Dark Chocolate

Now that you have an idea what this bacteria can do for your body, it’s time to reassess your diet and include the above mentioned food types in your daily meals. In case you are thinking about taking a supplement, consult a doctor first.