Understanding Probiotics: Benefits, Sources & How to Buy

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that live in the intestines and stomach. They help your body to maintain a natural balance that contributes to bowel and colon health. Probiotics might assist in treating conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal problems by restoring the natural flora of the digestive system.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase probiotics at the grocery- or drugstore. According to Medicinenet.com, foods that contain probiotic bacteria include yogurt, soy and fermented and unfermented milk. Dannon's Activia yogurt is specifically formulated to contain probiotic bacteria. Fem-Dophilus and RepHresh are products that are also available in grocery- or drugstores.

• 2

  Buy probiotics in supplement form. These products can be found in capsule, tablet and powdered formulas in health food stores. The probiotic Acidophilus can be purchased in supplement form and is also included in some dairy products as an additive.

• 3

  Find probiotic foods, drinks and supplements online to treat a variety of ailments. According to Living.Health.com, Floraster supplements can be purchased at Drugstore.com to help with diarrhea or stomach problems. Sites such as Gardenoflife.com also sell products that contain probiotics to aid in digestive health.

• 4

  Go to your local whole-food food store to purchase probiotics. Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt and fruit beverages such as GoodBelly Probiotic Fruit Drink are available in whole- and natural-food stores. Natural probiotic health bars are available at most health-food outlets as well.