What are probiotics?

Why probiotics matter

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that help with digestion and immunity.

What the evidence says:

• Probiotics look promising for a few specific uses, such as preventing diarrhoea that comes with antibiotics.
• For many other conditions the evidence is still mixed, and it isn't clear which strains help whom.
• Probiotics from food have a long record of safe use in healthy people.
• People who are seriously ill or have weak immunity face more risk from probiotic supplements.

Probiotics in Indian food

The simplest way to get probiotics is through traditional foods:

• a katori of homemade dahi
• a glass of chaas
• fermented foods like idli, dosa and kanji

Feed your gut bacteria too, with fibre from vegetables, fruit, whole grains and pulses.

If you're thinking about a probiotic supplement, especially if you have a health condition, a weak immune system or are on treatment, check with your doctor first rather than picking one off the shelf.