Probiotics have been making waves in the health and wellness space for a good reason - they're a natural way to support your body's overall health and well-being!
These tiny living microorganisms, which can be found in certain foods or taken as supplements, work wonders in your gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that help with digestion, immunity, and even mental health.1
It's amazing to think that given their small size, they have such a big impact on the body! Take a closer look at the many benefits of probiotics and get tips on how to choose the right probiotic supplement for your individual needs.
Read on.
To fully appreciate the benefits of probiotics, it is important to have a clear understanding of what they are. Probiotics are live microorganisms, also known as "friendly" or "good" bacteria that are found in the gut.2 When consumed in sufficient quantities, probiotics can be helpful to the body. They are usually found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements.
Adding probiotics to your diet could be a smart move as they have multiple benefits. Here are some of them:
There's nothing quite as miserable as a bout of diarrhea. The cramping and never-ending trips to the bathroom can quickly put anyone in a bad mood. If you've been feeling a bit of that lately, it might be time to introduce some good bacteria into your gut!
Take the case of antibiotic associated diarrhea for instance. While antibiotics are helpful in eliminating harmful germs that make you ill, they also have the potential to harm beneficial bacteria in your body. This disruption of the natural bacterial balance in your intestines can result in diarrhea. However, research indicates that taking probiotics before, during, and after antibiotic treatment can help reduce the risk of developing this side effect.3 Specifically, strains of lactobacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii have been shown to be effective.4
If you suffer from IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you are probably all too familiar with the symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These can be extremely disrupting and make it hard for you to go on with your daily routine. But there is hope! Probiotics can help provide relief from these symptoms.
Some strains of probiotics have been studied for their potential benefits that help address IBS. They are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces boulardii.5 These probiotics are thought to work by restoring the balance of gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gut.
Similarly, probiotics work by slowing down the digestive system, resulting in fewer bowel movements per day.6 Additionally, probiotics have been shown to help improve stool consistency and alleviate stomach discomforts.7
The gut barrier acts like a protective wall that blocks out bad substances like germs and toxins.8 But, it needs to stay in top shape to do its job properly. That's where probiotics come in - they're like little helpers that can strengthen this wall and keep it in top shape.9
Probiotics help with the renewal of the cells that make up your gut lining and produce things like mucus and antimicrobial peptides which keep the gut barrier strong.10 They can even help stop bad bacteria from growing which can damage the gut barrier and make you feel unwell.11
Probiotics also act like guards that prevent harmful bacteria from taking over your gut. They compete with these bad bacteria for nutrients and living space, and interact with other good bacteria to restore the intestinal barrier. Probiotics aid in maintaining a healthy gut balance, which in turn prevents inflammation and promotes a sense of well-being12
Inflammation is a natural process that our body sets off when a foreign object (such as a virus or a germ) tries to make its way into the body. It is the body's way of fighting off the harmful substances in order to heal itself.13 But sometimes, inflammation can get out of control and lead to different diseases.14
That is where probiotics come in! Probiotics can interact with immune cells and help modulate the production of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines, and promote the production of anti-inflammatory molecules such as interleukin-10.15, 16
Research suggests that probiotics have a potential role in weight loss and management.17 One way that probiotics can affect weight is by influencing the composition of the gut microbiome, which in turn can impact metabolism and energy balance.18
Studies have shown that individuals with obesity tend to have a different gut microbiome composition than those who are lean.19 In particular, there appears to be a lower abundance of certain beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in individuals with obesity.20 By supplementing with probiotics that contain these beneficial bacteria, it may be possible to restore a more balanced microbiome and promote weight loss.
In addition, a certain strain of probiotics, Lactobacillus gasseri, may be particularly effective in reducing belly fat and body weight.21 These probiotics may work by reducing the absorption of dietary fat. It helps increase the excretion of fat through the feces, and reduces inflammation in the body.
To make the process of choosing a probiotic supplement less daunting, it's always helpful to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Your doctor can help you determine which product is fit for you based on your specific health needs.
If you are looking for a quality probiotic supplement, try Biome Gut Care. With regular use, Biome Gut Care can aid in promoting healthy digestion and help improve gut health.
BIOME® Gut Care capsules contain 5 billion CFUs (colony-forming-units)which may help significantly enhance both your gut and overall health. It is a probiotic supplement that contains Saccharomyces boulardii.
Saccharomyces boulardii are known for providing various benefits such as promoting a healthy intestinal ecology, assisting in the improvement of lactose malabsorption, improving digestion, and boosting the body's natural resistance against intestinal infections.22 Furthermore, they can be helpful in lowering the risk of health issues like diarrhea.23
Take one (1) capsule of BIOME® Gut Care a day, alongside food. Don’t forget to consult your doctor regarding proper administration and intake of this supplement.
Store in original packaging at temperatures not exceeding 25°C. Protect from light, heat, and humidity.
If symptoms persist consult a doctor.
References:
1 Chin, K. (2016, August 23). 8 Health Benefits of Probiotics. Healthline. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-health-benefits-of-probiotics
Supporting:
2 The benefits of probiotics bacteria. (n.d.). Harvard Health. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-benefits-of-probiotics
3 Probiotics: What You Need To Know | NCCIH. (n.d.). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
3 Carter, A., Seladi, J., & Spritzler, F. (2019, November 19). Antibiotics Diarrhea: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention. Healthline. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/antibiotics-diarrhea
4 Which Probiotic Is the Most Effective for Treating Acute Diarrhea in Children? A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (2021, November 29). NCBI. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706888/
5 Lembo, A. (2020, June 22). Probiotics — even inactive ones — may relieve IBS symptoms. Harvard Health. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/probiotics-even-inactive-ones-may-relieve-ibs-symptoms-2020062220303
6 Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review of Their Therapeutic Role. (2022, April 18). NCBI. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9116469/
7 Impact of a probiotic product on bowel habits and microbial profile in participants with functional constipation: A randomized controlled trial. (n.d.). NCBI. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6851827/
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25855935/#:~:text=The%20gut%20barrier%20is%20a,discriminate%20between%20pathogens%20and%20commensal
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9330398/#:~:text=Probiotics%20improve%20intestinal%20barrier%20function,and%20secretion%20of%20intestinal%20mucus.
10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3864899/
11 https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-benefits-of-probiotics#:~:text=Under%20normal%20or%20%22balanced%22%20conditions,physical%20barrier%20against%20unfriendly%20bacteria.
12 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9330398/#:~:text=Probiotics%20can%20increase%20the%20expression%20of%20tight%20junction%2Drelated%20genes,mucin%20and%20regulating%20intestinal%20pH.
13 https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/can-probiotics-have-anti-inflammatory-effects-worth-considering-in-chronic-intestinal-diseases/
14 https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/can-probiotics-have-anti-inflammatory-effects-worth-considering-in-chronic-intestinal-diseases/
15 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25609654/
Supporting:
16 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168568/
17 The Potential Role of Probiotics in Controlling Overweight/Obesity and Associated Metabolic Parameters in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2019, April 15). NCBI. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6500612/
18 Probiotics: How Effective Are They in the Fight against Obesity? (2019, January 24). NCBI. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412733/
19 Davis, C. D. (n.d.). The Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Obesity. NCBI. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5082693/
20 Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Weight Loss in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review. (2021, October 17). NCBI. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8540110/
21 Seitz, A. (n.d.). How Probiotics Can Help You Lose Belly Fat. Healthline. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-weight-loss
22 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344949/
23 https://www.pharexhealth.com/products/biome-gut-care
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