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What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live yeasts and bacteria which provide people with a plethora of health benefits. They are often included in drinks and yoghurts, in fact you have probably seen many yoghurts containing probiotics boasting ‘good’ and ‘friendly’ bacteria.

Evidence supporting probiotics

Probiotics can prevent AAD: There is evidence to support the fact that enjoying a high dose of probiotics when taking antibiotics as a child can reduce the risk of children developing AAD. Antibiotics are known to occasionally wipe out gut bacteria – and probiotics can fight against this. Probiotics are able to directly kill and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, making them stop toxic substances from being produce which could otherwise make people incredibly ill.

Probiotics can treat infectious diarrhoea: There is evidence showing that probiotics can reduce the length of diarrhoea episodes. This evidence isn’t strong, however many people have tested the method and believe that it works. Why not give it a try?

Probiotics can protect premature babies: Babies that are born earlier than they should be sometimes face the risk of NEC. This is when babies gut tissues become inflamed. Probiotics can assist this greatly and is something in which many parents recommend.

Probiotics help IBS: It has been proven that probiotics can reduce the bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Not every with IBS benefits from probiotics, however if you are suffering from IBS you should give them a try.

Probiotics can help lactose intolerant people: Many people are lactose intolerant; these people are unable to digest lactose (something that is found in dairy products). If these people drink probiotics they can reduce a range of symptoms including cramps, diarrhoea and flatulence.

Probiotic options available

There are so many ways for people to include probiotics in their diets. It has become apparent that many people don’t like to sound of probiotics because they contain bacteria; however we are certain that there is a perfect option for all! If you are looking to introduce probiotics into your diet, here are some of the things that you could try:

• Kefir
• Cultured vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi
• Kombucha
• Coconut kefir
• Natto
• Yoghurt
• Kvass
• Raw cheese
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salted gherkin pickles
• Brine-cured olives
• Tempeh
• Miso

After reading this do you think that you are going to give probiotics a try? Or perhaps you have already tried probiotics? What do you think? We would love to hear your stories and to hear whether you believe in the miracle that is kombucha! Let us know.