Do Probiotics Help Arthritis Symptoms?

BackLearn how “good bacteria” can help reduce inflammation.By Jodi HelmerAds and articles about probiotics seem to be everywhere. These so-called “good bacteria,” yeast or other living microorganisms in foods or supplements are touted to have health benefits, including for arthritis. Probiotics are found in or added to foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi and kombucha, and probiotic dietary supplements are available in capsule, powder, tablet and other forms.Probiotics BasicsProbiotics are thought to promote health by giving a boost to the good bacteria that live in the gut (the so-called gut microbiota). In fact, some of the bacteria that are present in our bodies are also available in probiotic supplements or foods, including certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.Everyone has a unique collection of microbes that inhabits their body (in the gut, on the skin and in the mouth, for instance). These communities are altered over time by diet, environment, med...