Probiotics are living microorganisms found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi and kefir.
How important are they, and what are their known health benefits?
We look at the science.
Many food and supplement companies claim they can do everything from fix bad skin to fight cancer.
Just how good are they for you, anyway, and do you really need them?
Read on for five research-backed benefits.
Pictured Recipe:Homemade Kimchi
1.
The truth is, our bodies are teeming with both good and bad bacteria.
In a healthy gut, the good bacteria outnumber the bad.
Illness, a poor diet or taking certain medicines can throw that balance out of whack.
Prevents and Treats Diarrhea
Multiple studies show probiotics can help with diarrhea, especially in children.
Got the opposite problem?
Some studies suggest probiotics may help with constipation, too.
More research is needed, experts say.
Still, eating more probiotic foods probably won’t hurt-and they may help get you going.
Other early research suggests probiotics may help treat acne, rosacea and sun damage.
Experts say probiotics' ability to ease inflammation, hydrate skin and fight infection all play a role.
Regularly eating probiotic-rich foods may slightly reduce blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
Certain strains of probiotics also help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Some research suggests probiotics may help raise “good” HDL cholesterol as well.
The Bottom Line
Can you live without probiotics?
To be safe, stick to a healthy diet and eat a variety of foods every day.
