We have often come across the word probiotics and its health benefits. However, most of us don’t know what exactly it is. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for you and helps to keep your gut healthy. They aid in digestion and help to counter digestive problems.

Probiotics are usually found in supplements and some foods like yogurt. It helps to balance the good and bad bacteria which keeps the body working as it should. Sometimes, your body tends to lose good bacteria especially when you ingest antibiotics. That is why doctors prescribe probiotics along with strong antibiotics as it helps to replace the good bacteria that is lost.

How Do Probiotics Help?

Probiotics help send food through your stomach by affecting nerves that control gut movement. They are very useful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), infectious diarrhea caused by virus, bacteria or parasite and diarrhea caused by antibiotics.

Types of Probiotics

Probiotics comprise mainly of two groups of bacteria. One is Lactobacillus which is the most common probiotic and is found in yogurt and fermented foods. It helps in diarrhea and may help people who are unable to digest lactose.

The other group is Bifidobacterium which is found in dairy products. It helps to ease conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

Saccharomyces Boulardii is a yeast found in probiotics which appears to help fight diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Due to its benefits to health, probiotics are becoming very popular and one can find packed probiotics on the shelves of most grocery stores. Studies have proved that probiotic foods are not only good for our digestive health but also help in improving the immune system, mood, and skin. Probiotics have become a rage among fitness enthusiasts for the obvious reason that it is good for your gut health.