Foods That Contain Probiotics

All humans carry in them a host of microorganisms which contribute to overall health. These helpful microbes are found in the human digestive tract, in the mouth, on the skin, in the vagina and in breast milk. Bacteria similar to the helpful microorganisms in the human body can be found in a number of foods. These bacteria, when present in a food or nutritional supplement, are called probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms which are beneficial to human health.

Sources

Probiotics are found in a number of fermented or cultured foods. In order for a probiotics to be beneficial the bacteria contained in the food must be living, so not all foods made with bacterial cultures contain probiotics. The best sources of probiotics are yogurt, some cultured dairy products, miso, tempeh, certain juices and soy beverages. Desirable bacterial cultures are sometimes purposely added into a juice, beverage or food during the manufacturing process to provide an added health benefit.

Types

Probiotics are not all equal. Each specific strain of bacteria present in a food or supplement has a different purpose in the human body. Strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria are the most common types of probiotics and are used frequently in the manufacture of dairy and yogurt products. Probiotics may also be yeasts, such as Sacchromyces cerevisiae, the yeast found in the supplement Brewer's yeast and beer.

Benefits

Probiotics have been credited with a vast number of health benefits. Everything from improving the overall immune system to lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation has been tied to probiotics consumption. Only a small number of health benefits, mostly digestive in nature, have been clinically proven. Probiotics have been demonstrated to reduce the length of diarrheal illnesses, prevent and treat urinary or vaginal infections and to reduce the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms from illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Considerations

The benefits of probiotics cannot be obtained simply by consuming a food made with a live bacterial culture. The bacteria must be of the correct strain to produce a desired result and they must be processed and stored in such a way that the bacteria remain alive. Additionally, probiotics must be consumed in a high enough quantity to provide any health benefits. Many food products, such as yogurt, are now labeled with information regarding the type of live bacterial culture present in the food.

Use

Probiotics should not be used to treat an illness or disease without first consulting a physician. Foods containing probiotics can be added into the diet to benefit overall health with little risk of side effects. Consuming probiotics foods during and after a course of antibiotic treatment is often recommended to help replenish any healthy bacteria killed in the digestive tract by the antibiotics. Individuals with compromised immune systems should consult a doctor prior to increasing the intake of probiotic foods.

Resources

• More information on probiotics