Many people think of yogurt when they think of probiotics. However, these two terms are not synonymous. Although yogurt can be a source of probiotics, it is not the only source, and not all yogurt contains these beneficial bacteria. It is important to choose a good source of the right type of probiotics to get the possible health benefits.
Probiotics Definition
Probiotics are usually referred to as simply "healthy bacteria". The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, or FAO, held a working group on Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food in 2002 and recommended that probiotics be defined as "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host."
Sources of Probiotics
Although yogurt is probably the most well-known source of probiotics, it is not the only one. Other fermented foods can also be sources of these beneficial bacteria, including miso, soy and juice drinks, fermented milk, and supplements, says Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., who is a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic.
Probiotics Benefits
Consuming foods or supplements containing probiotics might be beneficial to your health. There is promising evidence that these bacteria can help the treatment of urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, diarrhea, bladder cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, and colds and flu, according to the Mayo Clinic. They might even be helpful for overall health.
Considerations
Although probiotics are generally thought of as a good thing, there is some evidence to the contrary as well. According to an article in The Times titled, "Probiotics, Not So Friendly After All?" research shows that for children and those with compromised immune systems, probiotics can actually do more harm than good. There is also evidence that not all supplements contain either the type or amount of probiotics that claimed on the label.
Only the strongest types of probiotics survive the trip through the digestive tract, so you also need to take the right type of probiotics in order to get results. Some particularly beneficial options include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, since these are strong enough to survive the stomach acids to the intestines.
Expert Insight
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. says that as long as you are healthy, it is safe to include in a healthy diet foods containing probiotics, but you should consult your doctor before taking them in supplement form. Prebiotics are now starting to get a lot of press as being a better solution than probiotics, according the The Times. These are substances readily available in foods that support the healthy bacteria already in your gut, rather than supplements containing actual bacteria. Prebiotics are found in foods that contain some types of nondigestible fiber, including inulin and oligosaccharides.
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