Probiotic Foods Found In Supermarkets

Probiotic foods are as near as your grocery store. Friendly bacteria or probiotics in some commonly available foods provide health benefits such as aiding digestion and assisting the immune system. Certain strains of probiotic bacteria, according to P. C. Calder, C. J. Field and H. S. Gill in the text "Nutrition and Immune Function," can stimulate and regulate the immune system, help regulate cholesterol and triglyceride absorption, synthesize certain vitamins and limit inflammation within the digestive system. Dairy products are the primary food source of probiotics in the U.S., according to the Meals Matter website. Some probiotics are also available in supplement form.

Milk

Fermented milk and unfermented milk with added cultures contain the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, according to the website Probiotics.org. These friendly bacteria help with absorption of B vitamins, vitamin K, calcium and fatty acids. They also reduce lactose intolerance and reduce some allergic responses. Fermented and unfermented milk with added cultures may also contain Bifidobacterium bifidum, a friendly bacterium that enhances the immune system and aids digestion while inhabiting the colon. Milk with added probiotic bacteria such as acidophilus milk and fermented milk products such as kefir are the main sources of probiotics available in supermarkets.

Yogurt and Frozen Yogurt

Lactobacillus rhamnosus naturally preserves yogurt. Some persons who are lactose intolerant can consume milk because this friendly bacterium reduces the inflammatory response to dairy products. It also aids digestion and helps the immune system fight pathogens in the intestines, according to Calder, Field and Gill.

Yogurt also provides Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum to help with absorption of some vitamins and minerals and to further enhance the immune system's ability to combat pathogens.

Cheese

Some cheeses contain Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria produce organic acids that lower the pH of the intestine and thereby retard the growth of pathogenic bacteria that are acid-sensitive, according to Kathleen Mahan and Sylvia Escott-Stump in "Krause's Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy." The organic acids that friendly bacteria produce block the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Supplements

Some probiotic supplements are available for purchase in supermarkets or health food stores. Read supplement labels for instructions on refrigeration if needed to retain viability of the microorganisms. In general, foods may make a better choice for probiotics because of synergistic effects and natural buffering of stomach acid by foods that help stabilize probiotics. Taking supplements is convenient but may not be consistent enough to provide ongoing support. Foods that contain protiotics can be incorporated into daily food choices and may more easily become a habit, according to the Dairy Council of California.