Yogurt: Probiotics Source
Yogurt is the most familiar source of probiotics -- "good" bacteria like lactobacillus or bifidobacteriathat keep a healthy balance in your gut. Studies suggest that probiotics can help ease lactose intolerance. They also may help tame gas, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. You can pay extra for special digestive yogurt brands, but any with "live and active cultures" listed may help.
Sauerkraut Boosts Digestion
Sauerkraut contains the probiotics leuconostoc, pediococcus, and lactobacillus. Choose unpasteurized sauerkraut because pasteurization (used to treat most supermarket sauerkraut) kills the helpful bacteria. Sauerkraut -- and the similar but spicy Korean dish kimchi -- is also loaded with vitamins that may help ward off infection.
Soft Cheeses Fight Bacteria
While potentially good for your digestion, not all probiotics can survive the journey through your gastrointestinal tract. But research finds the lactobacillus strains in some fermented soft cheeses, like Gouda, are hardy enough to survive. In addition, cheese may act as a carrier for probiotics, which may boost the immune system.Source: webMD
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