Probiotics have been around forever, but you probably haven’t heard much about them until recently. That’s because conventional medicine has finally acknowledged the benefits they can provide. Now, you see probiotics everywhere. Not only are people becoming aware that they can be found in their natural form in many products that have always been available, but they are popping up in new food products as well.

You’ll also find that probiotic supplements are making a good showing; but because they aren’t really regulated, it’s difficult to determine if they contain high enough levels of good bacteria to make them as beneficial as simply eating the foods that contain them naturally.

Fortunately there are enough good probiotics foods on the market so that the average person can get all that they need by simply eating those foods.

Here are a few foods that are good sources of probiotics

• Dairy Products

Good dairy products protect the good bacteria in our bodies from the two fluids that are their natural enemy: Bile and acid. Dairy also provides the perfect growing environment for compounds that promote the function and growth of probiotics. We all know about yogurt and the probiotics benefits from its live cultures, but don’t forget about buttermilk, kefir and acidophilus; they are similarly effective.

• Fermented vegetables

You’ll find probiotics in most pickles, cured olives, kamahi, curio and sauerkraut. Unfortunately if you buy these products from the store, chances are the sterilization/pasteurization process along with the addition of preservatives like sodium benzoate, which kill bacteria in order to make it safe for consumption and also kills off the good bacteria too.

• Probiotics Juice

These are fairly new on the market but you may find some on your grocer’s shelves. These are especially known for the ability to help digest food and build immunity. Some reports claim them to be of benefit for the relief of IBS.

• Added to other foods

Check out some of the foods you’ve been eating on a regular basis. Chances are you’ll find there are some probiotics in them. Food manufacturers are finding ways to put probiotics in foods that don’t contain them naturally. The most popular food items seem to be chocolate candy bars, certain dairy drinks as well as cereal. Believe it or not, you’ll actually find probiotics ice creams in some countries as well as a few types of beverages which tout the name as well.

An interesting note is that although conventional medicine has just started accepting the positive impact probiotics have on the body, they have been performing a number of research projects. Many have shown that what others have known about probiotics for a long time is just coming to light.

Not only do probiotics have the ability to forestall infection, but they are also becoming well known for their ability to assist the digestive system. There are seldom any side effects associated with probiotics, so consider adding them to your diet to enjoy the significant health effects that many people are enjoying.