What Are Probiotics?

Simply put, probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for you and help to improve or restore your digestive system. The human body is filled with trillions of bacteria, and those bacteria help you digest your food. It's important to keep them balanced, and when you don't have enough of these bacteria in your system you may notice symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and general stomach irritation. Taking probiotics helps keep your digestion regular, especially when they are incorporated into a regular routine.

Where Are Probiotics Found?

Probiotics are typically found in a wide variety of foods. Yogurt is perhaps the most well-known, but probiotics are also found in kefir, miso, Kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods. Probiotics can also be found in the supplement aisle. They're easy to find in pill and chewable form. 

Which kind of probiotic you take really comes down to need. If you're suffering from a stomach problem (such as taking antibiotics which kill all bacteria regardless of whether they're helping or harming), then probiotics in a capsule will replenish your bacteria balance quickly. If you're just looking to maintain a healthy balance though, you're going to be better off actually eating the foods that contain probiotics because they tend to offer other health benefits like necessary vitamins and minerals.