Does Cooking Sauerkraut Kill The Probiotics

What Are Probiotics?

CC0/NeuPaddy/Pixabay

Probiotics seem to be all the rage lately. You may have heard about them on TV, read about them on your yogurt packaging at the grocery store or your doctor may have even suggested you take them. All of these sources make them sound like a good idea, but if you don't know what they are, you may be hesitant to make them a part of your health regimen which is understandable. This guide will not only tell you what probiotics are, but explain almost everything else you need to know about them.

What are Probiotics?

You may think of probiotics as supplements, and while they do come in that form, they're actually a type of good bacteria that is naturally found in your digestive system. You may be surprised to learn that your body has more bacteria living inside of it than it does cells. Some of that bacteria is good, and some of it is bad. The key is making sure you have a healthy balance. Unfortunately, many people have more bad than good bacteria in their system which can lead to health problems. This is usually due to bad diet, and it may occur after you've been on antibiotics for an illness or infection.

What are Some Sources of Probiotics?

Probiotics occur naturally in the body, but if you want to add more good bacteria to your digestive system, you'll have to find a way to access more. Luckily, there are several supplements available on the market that you can take to help replenish that good bacteria. They may be available in tablets, capsules, powders that mix in with water or other beverages and liquid form. You can buy them at pharmacies, drug stores, alternative medicine shops and even many grocery stores. Probiotics are also found in some foods. Many yogurt companies tout the probiotics in their products as part of their marketing campaigns. Some cheese, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut all have probiotics as well.

What are the Benefits of Taking Probiotics?

While the science isn't completely settled on probiotics, many experts believe regular supplements offer a number of health benefits. Most of them involve improving your digestive health. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or diarrhea caused by viruses, parasites or antibiotics, many doctors believe probiotics can help decrease your symptoms. But many studies have shown that probiotics may help other conditions as well. These include skin problems, like eczema; mental health issues, like depression and certain oral health conditions. Probiotics may also help protect your heart by lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, protect your vaingal and urinary health and they may give your immune system a boost.

What the Reasons Not to Take Probiotics?

If you're relatively healthy, taking probiotics supplements generally won't hurt you, but they can cause side effects, and there may be some situations where they can do more harm than good. During the first few days after you start taking them, you may experience gas or bloating. This will generally go away once your body is used to the supplements. Some strains can also lead to weight gain. People who shouldn't take probiotics include:

People with pancreatitis
Anyone taking medications that suppress the immune system
Anyone currently undergoing treatment for a fungal infection
People with weak immune systems
People who have frequent infections.

If you have dairy allergies, or you are lactose intolerant, it's important to make sure your source won't interfere with those complications.

Should I Take Probiotics?

The bottom line is that if you're interested in taking probiotics, it's probably best to speak with a doctor first to make sure you're a good candidate and won't be causing your body any harm. Be sure you're not taking them as a magic cure for any health problems you already have — eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle are still the best ways to promote optimum health. If you are already healthy, probiotics are generally safe to try, though if you experience any negative side effects or an allergic reaction, it's best to discontinue them and talk to a doctor right away.