A number of factors affect our digestive system every day including stress, poor diet and the use of antibiotics. When the beneficial bacteria in our intestines is overrun by bad bacteria, any number of different ailments can arise and lead to cramping, bloating, gas and fatigue. One solution to this problem is to find more ways of getting probiotics such as acidophilus and lactobacillus into your body, which will help restore the delicate balance and help your digestive system work as it should. If you're unsure how to increase your probiotic intake, here are three simple sources.



Probably the most common and well-known source of probiotics is yogurt. The downfall is that most people buy the type of yogurt that is full of sugar, which is one of the favorite foods of yeast. This can lead to an overabundance of yeast which can cause many of the same ailments that you're trying to combat as well as a host of other problems. A better choice is to use plain yogurt and if you don't like the flavor, to simply add some honey or fresh fruit. Yogurt can be eaten daily while taking antibiotics as well as a few days following in order to prevent digestive troubles.

Another source of probiotics is kefir, which is rather uncommon in most households. Kefir is a fermented drink made by combining milk and kefir grains for several days. Due to the fermentation process, the final product contains minimal amounts of lactose which makes it a good choice for those who are lactose-intolerant. Kefir can easily be made at home which makes it a convenient source of probiotics. It has numerous other health benefits as well and can be consumed daily for overall health.

Lastly, if yogurt and kefir are not good options, supplements can be used. You will want to first make sure that you are buying a quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Always check to make sure that the type and number of microorganisms is listed on the label as well, so that you know exactly what you will be taking. Lastly, check the expiration date because this type of supplement is living and becomes much less effective and beneficial as it ages. If you choose a supplement, you will want to make sure that you are taking it consistently each day in order to reap the maximum benefit.

If you find yourself suffering from digestive ailments or you are taking antibiotics, you may want to consider taking probiotics to support the balance of bacteria in your gut. While it is best to try to get it from your diet, that may not always be possible due to food allergies or preference and a quality supplement may be necessary. You must remember that simply taking probiotics is not going to solve the problem though and that it is also necessary to also adjust your diet and lifestyle in order to bring your body back into balance.