There’s a link between probiotics and health

     Probiotics are live microorganisms that are almost the same as the naturally-found bacteria in our bodies. A wide variety of these “good” bacteria live in the gut and promote digestive health. Each group of these bacteria have diverse strains with unique benefits. Overall, probiotics regulate digestion and immune function so making them part of our diet can be helpful, especially because they can be disrupted by medications or illness.
     Probiotics can be especially beneficial for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome by helping regulate symptoms or those with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases by reducing inflammation and delaying future flare-ups. Probiotics also replenish good bacteria destroyed by antibiotic use, help improve eczema and prevent allergies in children, and aid in digestion of carbohydrates such as lactose, providing relief for people with lactose intolerance.
     Instead of choosing probiotics in a pill form, try including foods in your diet that are naturally rich in them. Examples of fermented foods that are great sources include:
     —Yogurt, a cultured and fermented milk product soured and thickened by adding lactic acid producing culture such as Lactobacillus burglarious and Streptococcus thermophiles.
     —Kombucha, a fermented, lightly effervescent beverage produced by fermenting sweetened black or green tea.

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