How can I increase my probiotic intake?

Probiotics may be obtained from the diet through cultured yogurt and milk, or supplemental forms of the probiotics themselves. Certain groups of people may need more probiotics than do completely healthy patients, including those who are taking antibiotics, suffering from diarrhea, travelling, or suffering from lactose intolerance.

Dietary sources
The food industry adds probiotics to yogurt and milk, as dairy products seem to be the best vehicles for culturing bacteria. Of all intestinal probiotics, acidophilus and bifidobacterium best tolerate storage conditions and are safe for ingestion.

When buying yogurt, the consumer should read the label to verify that the product contains active, or live, bacterial cultures. Milk may also be inoculated with probiotics, which help those with lactose intolerance.