Probiotics are good bacteria that help your body, primarily in your digestive tract. Probiotics promote a healthy gut microflora, the complex community of microorganism species, including algae, fungi, and bacteria, that live in your digestive tract. The proliferation of digestive system disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal [acid] reflux, Chron’s disease, and certain cancers are a culmination of our generally poor lifestyle and diet. Choosing a healthy diet rich in probiotics from natural dietary sources has been shown to be successful in impeding, or even reversing, the negative effects and damage of digestive system disorders. Why choose natural dietary sources? All probiotics are not created the same. You cannot go into a store, grab a product claiming it is full of “gut healthy probiotics” and expect to be covered. Probiotic supplements have become very popular, but the probiotics you purchase in a bottle are from bacteria cultured in a laboratory and often contain additives and other fillers to make them easy to pour and measure. It is especially necessary to consume dietary probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics. In general, probiotics are very safe and have no side effects. Good sources of probiotics include sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, miso, tempeh, and kombucha. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates from that act as food for probiotics. Good sources of prebiotics include chicory root, artichoke, dandelion, garlic, leeks, onions, whole wheat, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.¹