In a pickle

PROBIOTICS are a combination of live bacteria and yeasts living naturally in the human body.

Devotees maintain that they are extremely beneficial as the ‘good’ bacteria in probiotics occupy space in the gut, crowding out ‘bad’ bacteria and helping to improve or restore the gut microbiota.

Probiotics are often taken as a supplement, but occur naturally in foods that include yoghurt, kefir, cottage cheese and other cheeses like cheddar, gouda or gruyere.

Sourdough bread is another source as are most green vegetables, garlic and onion. Naturally fermented pickles are another good source but avoid those in vinegar and look for ‘live cultures’ on the label.