Probiotic food is food that contains live bacteria, which is considered beneficial and not harmful to humans. The first example of probiotic food was the introduction of acidophilus to milk, which in some cases helped people who had difficulty digesting milk to be able to tolerate milk better. The specific bacteria used in probiotic food like acidophilus milk is Lactobacillus acidophilus. Such milk was available in the 1920s, and yogurt predates it, but was not specifically supplemented for probiotic effects.
One can still find probiotic food like acidophilus milk. However, the field has opened up to contain other strains of bacteria and other types of food. One naturally thinks of yogurt as a probiotic food, and it may contain lactobacillus acidophilus. One may also see other bacteria listed on probiotic food like yogurt, primarily Lactobacillus bulgaricus, lactobacillus GG, and variants of bifidobacteria.
Most probiotic food is fermented at least partially. A short list of probiotic food choices includes miso soup, some soft cheeses, yogurt products like kefir, sauerkraut and many pickles. Those who feel probiotic food is beneficial are now also interested in prebiotic food. It does not generally contain bacteria but appears to help healthy bacteria grow in the intestines. Prebiotic foods include Jerusalem and regular artichokes, oats, honey, many fruits, and goat’s milk. Human breast milk is also thought to have prebiotic properties that may explain why it so benefits the human newborn.
Many people add probiotic bacteria to their food or take it in capsule form. However, it is unclear how well probiotic bacteria work. Lactobacillus GG, one of the newest probiotics, has shown that it can survive processing by the gut and be especially beneficial to the colon. Not all probiotics have shown evidence that they promote better intestinal health. Some studies do show that eating yogurt during antibiotic treatment may help prevent diarrhea, and is beneficial in reducing risk of yeast infections in women.
Some experts in alternative medicine claim many other benefits to eating probiotic food or using supplements. Such claims include reduction in eczema, cessation or reduction in mental illness, improved immunity, and reduction of childhood allergies and asthma. These claims have yet to be verified, though in most cases few derive harm from probiotic food or supplementation.
Some people may experience mild stomach upset, diarrhea or flatulence during the first few days of probiotic supplementation. Further, some people may be allergic to or intolerant of certain probiotic supplements, or to the probiotic food in which they are presented. However, in most cases, probiotic food is well tolerated, and at the very least, may provide one with better intestinal health. Eating prebiotic foods may also be a good way to promote regularity, and certain prebiotic foods like oats have other benefits, like increasing one’s daily fiber and lowering cholesterol.
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