There is always a buzz surrounding probiotics. And for good reason. Adding probiotics to a healthy diet is a great way to support gut health and aid in digestion.
Probiotics are microorganisms that are ingested to improve digestive health. They’re often called “good bacteria.” Probiotics compete with bad bacteria to improve digestion and support immune function. There are many benefits of probiotics.
In every healthy digestive system, there is a balance. Probiotics help to achieve that balance. There are many reasons a digestive system becomes unbalanced. These include illness, taking antibiotics, a poor diet, or an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Gastrointestinal problems can result from such an imbalance.
More research on probiotics is needed. However, there is evidence that:
Probiotics are safe for those who are healthy. If side effects occur, they are usually mild digestive issues, like gas. Many people wonder if probiotics can cause diarrhea. It’s possible that they will, but it is usually temporary and mild.
Just like before starting any new drug or supplement, you should talk to your healthcare provider before starting a probiotic. This advice is especially important for those with suppressed immune systems. Serious complications, like infections, have been reported in some people.
You don’t necessarily need to take a supplement to get probiotics. Many foods contain them. Some foods that are rich in probiotics are:
Though there are many benefits of adding probiotics to your diet, there are many different kinds. Each has its own unique benefits just as your body has its unique needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Before you begin taking probiotics, you’ll need to find the correct strain for your needs. A commonly used bacteria in probiotics is lactobacillus, but there are more than 120 different types of lactobacillus. Many are used as probiotics. But lactobacillus isn’t the only type of bacteria used in probiotics. There are other types of bacteria with different species. This makes for a lot of choices!
When deciding on a probiotic, research the digestive issue you want to address. Select a probiotic based on that condition. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may be helpful for someone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are some probiotics for women, which are formulated to have digestive health benefits as well as prevent problems like chronic vaginitis.
After you purchase probiotics, make sure to store them correctly, refrigerating them if needed. Always check the expiration dates of your probiotics. Try foods and supplements to figure out which one meets your needs. Both are great ways to get probiotics, but supplements generally have a higher concentration.
Always, but especially while adding probiotics to your diet, eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients and high in fiber. Include many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Probiotics need fiber to grow and keep your gut healthy and balanced.
Research on probiotics is growing, and the current literature supports the use of probiotics to treat a variety of conditions within digestive health.
Are you curious about probiotics? Do you have questions about your overall digestive health? Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio can help. Schedule an appointment today.
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