system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Is there any merit to probiotic products sold in stores? 

I have read that they are basically placebos and the bacteria cannot survive through your stomach acid, but I learned this after I had already bought a few days worth. I am recovering from pneumonia (took about 20 days worth of antibiotics prescribed by my doctor). And have had a few bowel issues lately so I though I would take a shot and buy some probiotics (I am also lactose intolerant so I can't eat yogurt). I was wondering if there might be research that gives these products value. I want them to work because I hope I didn't just buy placebos, but if it's all bunk, I'd be happy to know so I don't waste any more money.
gpt
The idea behind probiotics is correct however the small amount of freeze dried bacteria inside each pill hardly has a fighting chance in your stomach or small intestine.  A better idea would be to eat yogurt and other cultured foods which contain living probiotic bacteria.  Live cultures are a much more effective way of boosting your immune system.