Probiotics are micro-organisms that are found in yogurt, fermented and non-fermented milk, cheese and other products. The two most common forms are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Nutrition labels will tell you weather a product contains probiotics. The micro-organisms may be naturally present or added during manufacturing. These living organisms have been known to promote healthy digestion.
Yogurt
Yogurt can contain both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics. Read the products labels and make sure you only purchase products that read "live and active cultures." DanActive and Activia are a few yogurts that will provide your body with probiotics. Kefir, which is similar to yogurt, can provide you with the additional probiotic Lactobacillus caucasus.
Milk and Cheese
Fermented milk contains the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus. You may know this as the common milk product labeled "sweet acidophilus." This can be found at most local grocery stores. Probiotics are added to cheese during manufacturing. Lactobacillus helveticus is one of the common micro-organisms found in cottage cheese.
Other Products
Lactobacillus planatarum and Lactobacillus brevis can be found in non-fermented foods, including sauerkraut and soy products such as tempeh. These are not easily found because most commercial products do not contain probiotics. Read labels carefully and look for words such as "live" or "active" cultures.
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