probiotics are foods which encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Due to viral or bacterial infections, diet, lifestyle changes, or the use of antibiotics, the normal bacteria in our intestines may become depleted, requiring the use of probiotics to help them recover - otherwise more harmful bacteria could set up camp in your digestive system and cause you all sorts of problems including ulcers, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.

Yogurt is one type of food which is considered a probiotic, because beneficial bacteria are used to make it.