The benefits of probiotic drinks have been known since the 1930’s. First appearing on supermarket shelves in the 1990’s, probiotics have now become one of the most popular health supplements in supermarkets today.
Probiotic products are produced in various forms and work by increasing the amount and variety of bacteria in the stomach and digestive tract, helping prevent the build-up of bacteria like E.coli, salmonella and other harmful microorganisms.
Probiotic yogurt drinks
- Probiotic yogurt drinks are made from fermented milk and fortified with live bacterial cultures such as Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactococcus lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus. These bacteria are known to be beneficial to the stomach and help promote a healthy balance of bacteria.
Kombucha tea
- Kombucha tea is a probiotic drink made from sweetened and fermented tea, it contains a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts known as Scoby. Because of its high concentration of acetic acid and yeast content, Scoby is known to help balance the stomach and gut bacteria and aid digestion.
Probiotics in tablet form
- Probiotics in tablet form are available and contain ingredients of bacteria and yeast which act in a similar way to yogurt drinks. Some tablets and capsules also contain live bacteria, soluble fiber, and digestive enzymes, these can be used to target specific areas such as the urinary tract.
The aim of taking a probiotic drink is to increase the variety of bacteria in the stomach and digestive tract. Research from the Imperial College London suggests that the bacterial cultures taken in probiotic products thrive best in the stomach when taken regularly.
