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
- Levels of Mental Health Care and When to Seek SupportMental health care can range from occasional outpatient appointments to 24-hour hospital treatment. The appropriate level depends on safety, symptom severity, daily functioning, medical needs, available support, treatment history and personal preferences. A licensed clinician should assess these factors rather than relying on a symptom list alone. Need help now? In the United States, call… Read more: Levels of Mental Health Care and When to Seek Support
- How to Choose a Shilajit Brand Based on the ResearchIn a randomized trial published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2019, 63 active men took 250 mg of standardized shilajit, 500 mg, or a placebo every day for eight weeks, and the benefit for strength retention after a fatiguing workout appeared only at 500 mg. For anyone choosing a… Read more: How to Choose a Shilajit Brand Based on the Research
- How to Incorporate Relaxation into Your Busy ScheduleFinding balance when you have a packed daily agenda often feels out of reach. Between work duties, family obligations, and personal projects, personal rest usually gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Small, intentional shifts in daily habits can help restore calm without requiring hours of extra free time. Continue reading to discover everything… Read more: How to Incorporate Relaxation into Your Busy Schedule
- Red Light Therapy for Skin and Wellness: Meet Vital Red Light TherapyModern wellness is not always about complicated treatments or long routines. Many people are now looking for simple, convenient ways to support their skin, recovery, and overall wellness at home. One technology getting more attention is red light therapy. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support the body’s natural… Read more: Red Light Therapy for Skin and Wellness: Meet Vital Red Light Therapy
- Managing Shock Loss After a Hair Transplant: The Financial and Clinical Imperative of Post-Op CareIn the rapidly evolving landscape of private healthcare, executive leadership within cosmetic and restorative surgery clinics faces a dual challenge: maintaining strict clinical standards while maximizing patient lifetime value (LTV) and brand advocacy. As the global medical tourism and elective procedure markets expand, clinical outcome quality alone is no longer the sole differentiator for premium… Read more: Managing Shock Loss After a Hair Transplant: The Financial and Clinical Imperative of Post-Op Care
- Transform Your Skin Health: Premier Gluta IV Therapy in DubaiThis comprehensive guide explores how modern intravenous wellness treatments can help revitalize your complexion, boost immune function, and support overall cellular health. By incorporating modern IV therapy Dubai services into a routine health regimen, individuals can achieve direct nutrient absorption for optimal results. Selecting a customized gluta IV drip Dubai treatment provides targeted antioxidant defense,… Read more: Transform Your Skin Health: Premier Gluta IV Therapy in Dubai






