Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for health, particularly for the digestive system¹. They are often called "good" or "friendly" bacteria because they help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the gut¹.

Probiotics can be found in various forms, including yoghurt, fermented foods, and dietary supplements². Common types of probiotics include species from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, as well as the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii².

Some potential benefits of probiotics include:

1. Restoring Gut Flora: They help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria disrupted by illness or treatment¹.
2. Supporting Digestive Health: Probiotics may alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance³.
3. Immune System Support: They may enhance immune responses and protect against harmful microorganisms⁴.
4. Other Health Benefits: Emerging research suggests they may have roles in preventing infections, reducing the side effects of antibiotics, improving dental health, and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers⁵⁶.

However, not all health claims about probiotics are supported by strong scientific evidence, and their efficacy can vary based on the strain and individual¹². If you have an existing health condition or a weakened immune system, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking probiotic supplements¹.

Footnotes

1. NHS Probiotics Information ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

2. ODS Probiotics Overview ↩ ↩² ↩³

3. Role of Probiotics in Human Health ↩

4. Probiotics: Mixed messages ↩

5. Probiotics and Prebiotics ↩

6. Probiotics and their fermented food products ↩