Pre- & Probiotic Drinks

Your body plays host to a hidden population of bacteria called probiotics that live in a mutually beneficial relationship with your gastrointestinal system. Unlike the harmful bacteria known as pathogens, the "friendly" bacteria that inhabit the lower end of your small intestine and your colon confer healthy effects. In turn they benefit by feeding off the byproducts of human digestion, which are called prebiotics. Probiotic and prebiotic products are currently on the market, and researchers continue to investigate their potential health-giving effects.

Probiotic Drinks

Probiotic microorganisms have been used for thousands of years in the creation of fermented milk products such as yogurt. Lactobacillus bulgaricus, named for the Bulgarian people whose longevity appeared to be enhanced through extensive yogurt consumption, and Streptococcus thermophilus are the two most common probiotic bacteria used as yogurt starter cultures. According to Bethlehem University, probiotics are currently available in beverage form as drinkable yogurt, probiotic-enriched milk and kefir, a fermented milk beverage.

Prebiotic Drinks

In order for probiotic microorganisms to survive within the human body, they consume prebiotics, the leftover byproducts of our own dietary consumption, which are indigestible to us but provide vital nutrients to our intestinal flora. Having an appropriate supply of prebiotic material in the body is beneficial to human health in that it helps stimulate the growth and activity of friendly bacteria, according to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, or ISAPP. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates found in foods like garlic, artichokes, wheat, oats and soy. It is difficult to obtain enough prebiotics through ordinary consumption of these foods, so it is recommended by the ISAPP that you seek out drinks that are specifically labeled as being fortified with prebiotics. MayoClinic.com notes that prebiotic supplements can also be purchased and stirred into beverages.

Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics have been noted for having positive effects on a number of health conditions, most often having to do with gastrointestinal illnesses. When the natural flora of your intestines is disrupted, whether through antibiotic use or infectious pathogens, problems such as diarrhea, ulcers, vaginal infections and stomach disorders can result. By repopulating the gastrointestinal system with friendly bacteria through the consumption of probiotic products, you may be able to decrease the symptoms associated with these disorders. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics have shown promise in treating diarrhea, shortening intestinal infections, reducing the recurrence of bladder cancer and treating irritable bowel syndrome.