Probiotics are beneficial live microbes (primarily bacteria and yeasts) that are normal inhabitants of your digestive system. People eat foods with probiotics (such as yogurt) or take probiotic supplements to improve their digestive processes.

1. Prevent Diarrhea

Probiotics help maintain the balance of beneficial microbes in your digestive tract (the gut microbiome ). This can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea , as antibiotics kill gut bacteria, creating an imbalance that can lead to diarrhea. While research is not yet conclusive, probiotics may also help prevent traveler's diarrhea .

2. Relieve Constipation

While studies have had mixed results, probiotics may help relieve constipation , including these types:

Functional constipation (constipation with no clear c

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