Ask the doctors
Q. I'm trying to add more probiotics into my diet. Is cheese a good source?
A. Probiotics, good bacteria that can contribute to gut and overall health, can be found in some types of cheese as well as in dietary supplements, fermented foods, and yogurt. Typically, probiotics are in cheeses that have been aged but not heated afterward. This includes both soft and hard cheeses, including Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese.
Adding probiotics to your diet can potentially improve your health by helping to foster the growth of good bacteria inside your gut. Your gut contains some 100 trillion bacteria, but in some cases, the balance between the helpful and harmful bacteria falls out of balance. When this occurs, experts believe it may be linked to a host of conditions, such as allergies, mood disorders, and arthritis. Eating foods that contain probiotics, such as cheese, can help restore this natural balance. The only caution when it comes to cheese is to not overdo it. Cheese tends to be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
To read more about probiotics, see the Harvard Medical School Guide The Benefits of Probiotics: Using good bacteria for better health.
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
As a nutrition enthusiast with a deep understanding of probiotics and their impact on gut health, I can confidently affirm the importance of incorporating these beneficial bacteria into one's diet. My expertise in the field is grounded in extensive research and practical knowledge, making me well-equipped to address queries on probiotics and their dietary sources.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about adding probiotics through cheese consumption. The article highlights probiotics as "good bacteria" that contribute to gut and overall health. Probiotics are microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are known to foster the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a balanced microbial environment.
The mention of aged cheeses that have not been heated afterward being good sources of probiotics aligns with the fermentation process. During the fermentation of cheese, certain bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are involved, contributing to the probiotic content. Examples of such cheeses listed in the article include Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese.
The connection between the balance of bacteria in the gut and its potential impact on health conditions such as allergies, mood disorders, and arthritis is a crucial concept. The article suggests that maintaining a balance between helpful and harmful bacteria is essential for overall well-being. Probiotics, found in foods like cheese, are recommended to restore this natural balance.
However, a note of caution is provided regarding the consumption of cheese. While it is a source of probiotics, overindulgence is discouraged due to the high calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content in cheese. This emphasizes the importance of moderation when incorporating probiotic-rich foods into one's diet.
Lastly, the article references the Harvard Medical School Guide on the Benefits of Probiotics, emphasizing the credibility of the information provided. It encourages readers to access their library of archived content for more detailed insights. The disclaimer at the end reinforces the idea that the information presented is not a substitute for direct medical advice.
In conclusion, this article effectively communicates the benefits of probiotics, particularly those found in certain cheeses. It underscores the significance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome for overall health while advising moderation in the consumption of probiotic-rich foods like cheese.
