Overview
Probiotics are similar to tiny dots that connect to the immune cells in your gut, a place where 70% of the body’s immune cells live. Probiotics work with the immune cells to help support their normal functions in the body system.
Probiotics are a mixture of live bacterial and yeasts [1] that live naturally in your body. Bacteria are often viewed in a negative light as something that makes you sick. However, there are two types of bacteria constantly on and in your body―good and bad bacteria. Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that help keep your body healthy. When you get an infection, it results from more bad bacteria knocking your body system out of balance. Good bacteria keep you healthy by helping your immune system function and controlling inflammation. Bacteria can also;
- Prevent harmful bacteria you have consumed through food or drinks from flowing into your bloodstream by supporting the cells that line your gut.
- Helps in food digestion
- Prevent harmful bacteria from taking control and making you sick.
You can increase the number of good microbes [2] in your body through foods, drinks, and supplements. Some of the food you take daily may contain certain probiotics. Fermented foods mainly (e.g., Yogurt and pickles) are home to a host of good bacteria that benefit your body. There are also fermented drinks like Sima, kombucha, boza (fermented tea), or kefir (fermented dairy drink) that introduce extra probiotics into your diet.
Experts have concluded that not all yogurts are good sources of probiotics, so here is a list of the trusted ones you can make your pick from.