Cebu City – As scary as it is, bacteria have always been known to cause sickness/disease. The thought of consuming bacteria is almost next to absurd having known its reputation, but that shouldn’t be the case for probiotics. Few understand the vital importance of probiotics are to our overall health. Ever wonder what those kinds of food are?

Probiotics (from pro and biota, meaning "for life"), are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in your body. These contain good bacteria that helps keep your body healthy and functioning well. This good bacterium helps you in many ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when you have too much of it, helping you feel better.  Probiotics can aid digestion and keep your gut health in check. It helps absorb nutrients.  Initial results of studies show its potential benefit in the prevention and treatment of some gastro-intestinal problems like diarrhea, irritable bowel movement; urinary tract infections; vaginal infections and eczema in children. However, it is always better to consult your physician when experiencing these problems.

Food sources comes typically from fermented food, e.g., yogurt, kimchi, fermented pickles, miso soup, buttermilk, etc. There are also fermented drinks like fermented tea or fermented dairy drink that introduce extra probiotics into your diet. Although these food items are not typical in a Filipino’s diet, but these sources are available in grocery stores or markets.  With most of our people nowadays continue to take in nutrient-poor meals, probiotics may provide added help. Grab probiotics now and take them in after or during a meal. // NO I Gab Flores, RND