By Brittany Nelson, RD, CHWC
Not all bacteria are bad for you. In fact, you’ll often see “good” bacteria—called probiotics—on labels in the grocery store and in the drugstore aisle next to your vitamins. But what are probiotics and how do they help you?
The name probiotics comes from pro and biota, meaning “for life.” The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” And in this case, the “host” is you.
Probiotics and your health
If you’ve taken probiotics, chances are it was in conjunction with antibiotics. In cases where broad-spectrum antibiotics (designed to kill all bacteria in your body, even good bacteria) are necessary, probiotics help reintroduce good bacteria back into your body and reduce side effects such as diarrhea.
Like your intestinal tract, your vagina also has its own balanced ecosystem that can be thrown out of balance by many things, including antibiotics and spermicides. So introducing probiotics can restore balance there, too, helping with problems such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
Finding probiotics in food
Foods that may contain probiotics include:
- Yogurt
- Miso
- Tempeh (similar to tofu)
- Some juices and soy beverages
Probiotic supplements
It’s important to know that in the US, probiotic supplements are not regulated as drugs—they are classified as food. That means the Food and Drug Administration has no control over whether manufacturers are living up to their claims or if there are live bacteria in the product. The amount and potency of the bacteria can vary, even from bottle to bottle.
Plus, probiotics can have some side effects. So always talk with your healthcare provider who can give you the guidance you need about the probiotics best for you.
Sources: Gastro.org, NIH.gov