We all know that Probiotics are good, live bacteria that live naturally in our body. We have good and bad bacteria living in the body. The bacteria is generally considered as negative which makes us sick and gets inside due to some sort of infection. They knock the balance of our body system. But Probiotics, as they are good helps in eliminating the bad bacteria, thus returning the balance.
Probiotics is actually a part of Microbiome (a community of organisms) consisting of Microbes that are helpful and potentially harmful. These Microbes are combination of Bacteria, Fungi (including Yeasts), Viruses, Protozoa and we have Trillions of such Microbes in our body. Microbiome is unique for each person including Twins. Microbes are called Probiotic when they have the following characteristics.
- Be isolated from a human
- Survive in the intestine after ingestion (eating)
- Have proven benefits to a person
- Can be safely consumed
Where do Probiotics Live
The Probiotics live in our body which host good Microbes and in contact with the outside world. The locations are Gut, Mouth, Vagina, Urinary Tract, Skin and Lungs. The Probiotics keeps us healthy by supporting our Immune Function and controlling Inflammation.
Probiotic Foods
Here are some of the Probiotic Foods.
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- Yogurt – made from milk that has been fermented by friendly bacteria, mainly lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria
- Kefir – a fermented probiotic milk drink. It is made by adding kefir grains to cow’s or goat’s milk
- Sauerkraut – finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria
- Tempeh – a fermented soybean product. It forms a firm patty whose flavor is described as nutty, earthy or similar to a mushroom
- Kimchi – a fermented, spicy Korean side dish
- Miso – traditionally made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a type of fungus called koji
- Kobucha – a fermented black or green tea drink
- Pickles – cucumbers that have been pickled in a solution of salt and water
- Traditional Buttermilk – the leftover liquid from making butter, also called as Grandma’s Probiotic
- Natto – another fermented soybean product, like tempeh and miso containing a bacterial strain called Bacillus Subtilis
- Certain types of Cheese – like Gouda, Mozzarella, Cheddar and Cottage Cheese
Read more about Probiotics and the benefits at Clevland Clinic
Read more about Probiotic Foods at Healthline
Disclaimer: Compiled from various sources and provided for public awareness
