What Is the Meaning of Probiotic?

Yogurt often contains probiotics.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) notes that probiotics are bacteria similar to the beneficial microorganisms that exist naturally in your digestive tract. Probiotics are typically consumed in food or supplements.

Function

As Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D. notes, probiotics are not required for good health. They can provide some of the same benefits, though, as the bacteria that naturally exists in your gut.

Effects

Dr. Picco says that probiotics aid digestion and counter detrimental bacteria.

Uses

Picco claims there is "encouraging evidence" to support probiotic use to treat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and yeast infections. Probiotics may also play a role in preventing bladder cancer recurrence and eczema in children.

Foods

Yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh and some juice and soy beverages contain probiotics, according to NCCAM. Sometimes the bacteria occur naturally or are added during processing.

Types

NCCAM notes that the two most common types of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

References

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): Introduction to Probiotics
• Mayo Clinic: Probiotics: What are they?