List Of Products That Have Probiotics

List of Products That Have Probiotics

Dec 23, 2010 | By Ashley Tyson

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have similarities to beneficial species within the human digestive tract, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Generally, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in the digestive process and help replenish "friendly" flora after an illness or course of antibiotics. There are several products that contain probiotics.

Yogurt

Yogurt and yogurt drinks generally contain lactic acid bacteria, which help to ferment milk to create the yogurt. There are several friendly lactic acid bacterial strains present in this fermented product, including Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus, according to Allison Tannis, author of the book "Probiotic Rescue." Kefir, for example, is a probiotic yogurt drink prepared by combining cow, sheep or goat's milk with kefir grains, the author notes. When purchasing yogurt, ensure you select those with live and active cultures.

Miso

Miso is a fermented soybean product native to Japan. Miso not only contains beneficial probiotics, but it may also help to prevent free radical damage that leads to certain cancers, according to Andrew Gaeddert in the book "Healing Immune Disorders." Similar to yogurt, miso contains lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacteria, which help in digestion.

Supplements

Several probiotic supplements are available in health food stores. Common bacterial strains include Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and Saccharomyces, according to "The Best Supplements for Your Health," by Donald Goldberg. The author recommends storing these supplements in the refrigerator to maintain its integrity. Generally, each quarter teaspoon will contain 2.4 to 2.5 trillion organisms.