Probiotics are live, tiny microorganisms that can give health benefits when consumed in sufficient amounts. They are often referred to as “good bacteria” and are believed to promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.
How Do Humans Take In Probiotics?
There are several ways to introduce probiotic organisms into the body, including:
Food
Many fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, contain probiotic organisms. Eating these foods regularly can help promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.
Supplements
Probiotic supplements are available in many different forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. These supplements often contain a combination of different probiotic organisms and can be taken orally.
Probiotic-enriched foods
Some foods, such as certain brands of cereal, juice, and snack bars, are fortified with probiotic organisms. These foods can be a convenient way to introduce probiotics into the diet.
While some probiotics occur naturally in the human gut, others must be ingested intentionally. Some traditional dairy foods contain important probiotics, which give them their tangy taste. There are many different probiotic organisms, but some of the most important ones include the below.
Lactobacillus
This is a genus of bacteria that includes many different species, such as L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus. Lactobacillus is commonly found in the human gut and is often used as a probiotic to promote digestive health. It has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties and may help prevent infections.
Bifidobacterium
This is another genus of bacteria that is commonly found in the human gut. Bifidobacterium species, such as B. bifidum, B. lactis, and B. longum, are often used as probiotics to promote digestive health and may also have immune-boosting properties. Take this probiotic quiz to find out more about how digestive health can be impacted by live microorganisms.
Streptococcus Thermophilus
This is a species of bacteria that is commonly used in the production of yogurt and other fermented dairy products. It has been shown to have probiotic properties and may help improve lactose digestion.
Streptococcus thermophilus is used in the production of yogurt because it helps to ferment the lactose in milk into lactic acid, which gives yogurt its characteristic tangy flavor and thick texture. This practice originated in Central Asia and the Middle East, where people have been fermenting milk to make yogurt for thousands of years. The use of Streptococcus thermophilus in yogurt production was likely discovered through trial and error, as people observed which microorganisms produced the desired texture and flavor in their fermented milk products.
Saccharomyces Boulardii
This is a yeast species that is often used as a probiotic to promote digestive health. It has been shown to be effective in treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics and other infections. This enzyme is not naturally found in the human gut, but is contained in the yogurt drink kefir, which originated in the Middle East. Kefir consumption is increasing in the Western world – largely due to the health benefits that it offers. It also happens to taste extremely good.
Read Also
- Burn Smart, Not Hard; Shape Burn: Clean Protein for Weight Management
You want to feel light, strong, and confident. You don’t want crash diets or fake promises. You need a plan that works with your body, not against it. That’s where Shape Burn comes in. You can burn fat without losing strength. You can eat better and stay full. You can manage weight in a way… Read more: Burn Smart, Not Hard; Shape Burn: Clean Protein for Weight Management - Creatine Basics: How Much Is 5g, How Much Water You Need, and Whether Pills or Powder Work BetterIf you’ve ever walked into a supplement aisle or scrolled through fitness TikTok, you’ve probably seen people talking about creatine — usually with a shaker bottle in hand and promises of better workouts and faster gains. And honestly? They’re not wrong. Creatine is one of the most researched and effective supplements for muscle strength, recovery,… Read more: Creatine Basics: How Much Is 5g, How Much Water You Need, and Whether Pills or Powder Work Better
- Understanding Breast Cancer in Men: Key Facts and SymptomsBreast cancer is often thought of as a disease that only affects women. However, men can develop it too. Although it is less common, early detection and awareness are important. Read on to learn key facts, symptoms, and ways men can take action to protect their health. How Common Is Breast Cancer in Men? Breast… Read more: Understanding Breast Cancer in Men: Key Facts and Symptoms
- Raising Awareness: Breast Cancer Facts for Older MenBreast cancer does not affect only women, and many older men do not realize they are at risk. Because the signs can be easy to miss, many men learn about the disease only when it has progressed. Learning the basic facts now can help you stay aware and respond early. If you want to protect… Read more: Raising Awareness: Breast Cancer Facts for Older Men
- How Regular Exercise Transforms Senior Living for the BetterGetting older is something everyone experiences, but how we age can be greatly influenced by the choices we make. One of the best ways for seniors to stay healthy, happy, and independent is through regular exercise. Staying active isn’t just about fitness-it can improve nearly every part of life. From building strength and energy to… Read more: How Regular Exercise Transforms Senior Living for the Better
- The Importance of Mammograms and Early Detection for Aging WomenAs women age, taking care of their health becomes even more important. One key part of women’s health is regular breast screenings. Mammograms are a simple but powerful tool that can detect breast changes early. Early detection can save lives by finding problems before they become serious. For aging women, staying informed and proactive about… Read more: The Importance of Mammograms and Early Detection for Aging Women
