Our digestive system contains trillions of bacteria, often called the microbiome or microbiota, that help us digest food and absorb nutrients.
Probiotics are live micro-organisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Because they are live, probiotics need food to survive.
For that reason, they are usually consumed in combination with food, rather than on their own.
However, some foods can adversely affect the survival and efficacy of probiotics, and it is important to know which ones to avoid. Probiotics are of many different types, but what they all have in common is that they support your digestive system by increasing the number of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Typically, probiotics are obtained by eating fermented foods. Probiotics have been around for centuries – think yogurt! – but they are much more popular now than they have ever been before.
They are live active bacteria, and most of us are deficient in the right kind of bacteria in our bodies. Having enough probiotic bacteria is very important for digestive health.
But here’s the thing – the bacteria can only live with their host if they are in the right environment. There are some foods that are already high in probiotics you should stay away from.
Yogurt, for example, is great food, but it’s already full of living microorganisms.
What are the signs you need probiotics?
Feeling tired? Achy? Bloated? All of the above? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor about probiotics. Probiotics, sometimes called “good” bacteria, are the microorganisms naturally present in your gut.
They’re good for your digestion and for your health overall. In fact, a recent study shows that probiotics help your body regulate your immune system, which is important for optimum immune function and overall health.
When you think of the word probiotic, you probably think of yogurt and other foods that are specifically advertised as containing “live and active cultures”.
This gives the impression that the word probiotic is just another term for lactose, and may not have much meaning for your body. In truth, the word probiotic has a very specific meaning, and is very important to your digestive system.
Probiotics are bacteria that are beneficial to your digestive system, and live in the intestines and the colon.
A probiotic is not the same as a prebiotic, because a prebiotic is any food that is not digested, but that provides nourishment to the probiotic.
There are more probiotics benefits than you might think. They can help boost your immune system, aid in the treatment of digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea, and help to regulate your cholesterol levels.
A healthy and balanced gut is necessary for a healthy body. Lots of us have upset stomachs, however we don’t constantly think about the connection between the stomach and the rest of the body.
Major pros and cons of probiotics
Public awareness of the importance of probiotics and the many benefits they offer has been growing in recent years.
What you may not know is that, as you age, probiotic requirements increase. As a result, the demand for probiotic supplements, such as those made with Lactobacillus acidophilus, has been on the rise.
Why are the elderly in particular at risk for probiotic deficiencies? Well, for one, your body’s natural ability to produce and absorb probiotics decreases with age.
In addition, as we age, it becomes more difficult to fight off potentially harmful bacteria, which can take over and start multiplying in the body.
No one will argue that adding more fiber to your diet is a bad thing. From improving your digestive health to promoting weight loss, more fiber in your diet is a guaranteed good thing.
But, what about getting more fiber from a supplement? If you’ve been thinking about adding a probiotic supplement to your diet, you’re not alone.
With the popularity of probiotic supplements increasing, it’s important to know the facts to ensure that you are getting the most out of your supplement.
What is the best time to take probiotics?
Probiotics are the good bacteria, and we need them to keep us healthy. (In fact, your body is full of them, and they’re necessary for many important bodily functions, including digestion.)
But how do you know where to start? The answer is it depends on what condition you’re treating and what else you’re taking.
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends taking probiotics (or “healthy bacteria”) 30 minutes before eating for best results.
This idea is based on studies that have found that food can inhibit the growth of probiotics, and that taking them with meals may lessen their ability to help your gut.
The ACG also suggests that if you’re taking antibiotics, you should wait until they’ve cleared your system before introducing probiotics into your diet.
Do probiotics actually work?
It is commonly believed that eating yogurt can replenish the good bacteria in your stomach. You may have also heard that supplementing your diet with probiotic pills is a good way to keep those healthy bacteria in check.
In theory, probiotics are the perfect solution to our ever-expanding waistlines: they’re natural, they’re abundant in yogurt and other fermented foods, and they help balance the bacteria in our gut, which in turn can improve digestion and boost immunity.
In practice, though, they’re not always the miracle workers they’re claimed to be.
Probiotics are live “good” bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. Some studies have shown that probiotics may help reduce gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and even lower cholesterol.
But before you run to the health food store to buy a bottle, you should know that probiotics aren’t right for everyone . In fact, some people may have an allergic reaction to them.
Natural probiotics supplements
With so many natural probiotics supplements on the market, shopping for the right one can be confusing. Not only are there a lot of products available to choose from, but many of them are similar in where they produce the effects you’re looking for.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that are good for your health. These organisms are found in fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, and in some types of dietary supplements.
The probiotic supplements that contain the most beneficial bacteria are those that have been tested in published human studies for safety and effectiveness.
In order to replenish the good bacteria, you may need to take a probiotic supplement. They offer a number of health benefits and are absolutely safe for most people.
While taking a probiotic supplement is quicker than making a homemade kefir, it may not be for everyone. If you have a lactose intolerance, you may want to consider a probiotic supplement that is made from lactose-free dairy.