You Asked: Can I Get Probiotics from Food?

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut. They are living things — mostly bacteria. They are found throughout your digestive tract, especially in your intestines. Probiotics help to keep the bad bacteria that enters your body in check, and they assist in promoting a well-functioning digestive system.

Certain probiotics even produce those helpful digestive enzymes that break down your foods.Certain foods do provide probiotics. These include: kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, kombucha and some types of cheese. However, due to cooking, storage or food preservation methods, the probiotics are often partially or completely killed off before you eat them. These foods still deliver health benefits, as dead probiotics are known as postbiotics. These compounds possess their own beneficial qualities! They also offer plenty of nutrition.

But, if you’re looking to support a specific aspect of your health and well-being using probiotics, talk to your health-care provider about choosing a probiotic supplement for women’s health, bloating, mood, digestion, regularity, etc.