Because they help keep your gut healthy.
Probiotics are found in foods such as yogurt, while prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, honey and artichokes. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics are added to some foods and available as dietary supplements. However, these microorganisms may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing good bacteria in your body already do. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they form a synbiotic. The body does not need the addition of food and supplements that contain probiotics to be healthy. However, food and supplements that contain probiotics assist the job of the good bacteria already present in your gut. Probiotics may help keep you healthy by: 1 As said, probably the most well known food product that contains probiotics is yogurt. 2  Supplements: dietary probiotic supplements -- which are available in capsules, tablets, powders and liquid extracts -- each contain a specific type of probiotic. In essence, proponents of a probiotic diet say that probiotics are good bacteria that are needed in the gut, and that their presence could result in a whole host of health benefits, everything from reducing lactose intolerance to curing yeast infections.  3. All foods with probiotics are not created equal. Dairy products typically have the most probiotics, and the amount of live bacteria in these foods is quite good, Hibberd said. To get billions of good bacteria in a serving, choose a yogurt labeled live and active cultures, she said. You don't necessarily need probiotics — a type of good bacteria — to be healthy. However, these microorganisms may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing good bacteria in your body already do. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they form a synbiotic. Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria) normally found in the intestines. They are also sometimes called “good” or “healthy” bacteria. There are more than 400 different types of healthy bacteria found in the digestive tract. It is thought that they help maintain a healthy digestive system and limit the growth of unhealthy bacteria. Probiotics can be found naturally in some foods, including yogurt, soy milk, and sauerkraut. You can also find them added to many different snack foods and drinks. Look for labels that identify “live active cultures” or that include the full name of the bacteria on the nutritional label. Probiotics are often called good or helpful bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics are naturally found in your body. You can also find them in some foods and supplements. Lactobacillus. This may be the most common probiotic. It’s the one you’ll find in yogurt and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help with people who can’t digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Bifidobacterium. You can also find it in some dairy products. 1 (Outside of the body, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the probiotic that is found in some yogurts.). 2  Foods that contain probiotics include: some juices and soy drinks, fermented and unfermented milk, buttermilk, some soft cheeses, miso, tempeh, kefir, kim chi, sauerkraut, and many pickles. 1 As said, probably the most well known food product that contains probiotics is yogurt. 2  Supplements: dietary probiotic supplements -- which are available in capsules, tablets, powders and liquid extracts -- each contain a specific type of probiotic. Probiotics help move food through your gut. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are: 1  Irritable bowel syndrome. 2  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 3  Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites). 4  Antibiotic-related diarrhea. Lactobacillus. This may be the most common probiotic. It’s the one you’ll find in yogurt and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help with people who can’t digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Bifidobacterium. You can also find it in some dairy products.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065 http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_Keeping_Your_Digestive_Tract_Healthy/hic-Probiotics http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/preventive-care/probiotic.htm http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/07/probiotics_n_5563618.html http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065 http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/nutrients/probiotics.html http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/what-are-probiotics http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_Keeping_Your_Digestive_Tract_Healthy/hic-Probiotics http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/what-are-probiotics
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