What Are Probiotics and Why Should I Take Them?

 The next time you’re at your favorite drug or grocery store and you’re wondering what kind of vitamin supplement you should get, seriously consider buying some probiotics. We’re pretty sure you’ve heard of them before, but don’t feel bad if you’re not exactly sure what they do.
​In your body, you have what is known as good bacteria and bad bacteria. You need probiotics in your system because they help to keep your body full of good bacteria (and yeast), especially in your gut. Why does that matter? It’s because close to 80 percent of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. This means that when your gut is in good shape, chances are the rest of your body will be as well. Not only that, but your digestive system is a significant part of your neurological system (your brain). If you’ve been feeling irritable, sluggish or you have a hard time concentrating, it may be because your gut needs a little fine-tuning. Probiotics can help to get that done! Other health benefits that come from probiotics include reduced colds and flus; less bodily inflammation; prevention of gum disease and kidney stones; treatment for skin disorders like acne and eczema and even weight loss—all things that we need for our overall health and well-being. If you’re someone who has a daily vitamin regimen, taking a supplement is one way to go. On the other hand, if you absolutely HATE swallowing pills, there are other ways to get your daily probiotic fill. 

Probiotic Foods
One of the easiest ways to get more probiotics in your system is to eat what are known as fermented foods. They have probiotics in them. Plus, they contain gluconic acid and acetic acids; they make the pH levels in your body more receptive to receiving probiotics in your systems. Top on our list of fermented foods include pickles, sauerkraut, kombucha (a fermented drink made from black tea and cane sugar), raw cheese and yogurt (preferably the kind that is organic and comes from either goat or sheep’s milk).
Another way to get your probiotics in is add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water or cup of juice. It’s another way to digest fermented (or “sour”) foods if you don’t like any of the options we already mentioned.
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Probiotic-Increasing Foods
Something else to pick up the next time you’re at the grocery store are some fiber-rich foods; not so much for the amount of probiotics that are in them, but their ability to increase the production of probiotics in your body. Great high-fiber foods include avocados, berries, peas, coconut, sweet potatoes, chia seeds, acorn squash, black beans, lentils and nuts.

If you don't like taking pills, probiotics like this one are available in liquid form.

Things to Remember About Supplements
Since quality is everything when it comes to supplements, if you do decide to take probiotics in pill, capsule or even liquid form, there are a few things to keep in mind. Research reputable brands (Garden of Life is a good one, for starters). Look for the kind that has no less than 10-30 different kinds of strains (including bacillus coagulans, lactobacillus rhamnosus, saccharomyces boulardii) in it. The count of probiotics needs to be in the billions; no less than 10 billion. Pay close attention to the expiration date on the container (the fresher, the better). And ALWAYS store your probiotic supplement in the refrigerator. The potency within them will not be properly preserved otherwise. Also, avoid probiotic products that have sugar in them. Sugar is a horrible source of probiotics.
If you follow all of these steps, you’ll be on your way to a healthy gut (digestive tract) in no time! That means more energy, a stronger immune system, less bloating (and even urinary tract infections), more weight loss and even less of a need for antibiotics.
Gee. All that from taking—or eating—probiotics on a daily basis?
You betcha!

Make sure that your probiotic contains 10-30 different strains of bacteria