Watch CBS News

Dietician: Probiotics Can Improve Your Immune System

BOSTON (CBS) - Have you ever felt rundown, tired or just not healthy? The problem may lie in your stomach.

"Your stomach is sort of the first line of defense when it comes to your immune system," explained registered dietician Felicia Stoler.

There is growing evidence that probiotics found in foods like yogurt may be able to help everything from the common cold to irritable bowel syndrome and even childhood eczema.

WBZ-TV's Kate Merrill reports.

"Probiotics are sort of a good bacteria that are found in foods. What they can do is they can help to enhance and improve your immune system," Stoler explained.

According to Stoler, probiotics may even help when your body is run down from daily activities. If you are not a fan of yogurt you can also find it in sauerkraut, some soy products like miso and there are even chocolate bars and supplements with added probiotics.

Stoler warned that you should always rule out serious stomach issues with your doctor, but probiotics may be worth a shot.

"A lot of people that come to me spend a lot of time going to doctors and they can't find anything wrong, she said. According to Stoler, when they change their diet to include probiotics they often feel much better.

Prebiotics can also help. They are things like bananas, beans honey and whole grains. They act as fuel for that good bacteria to help keep your stomach in balance.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.