A Guide to Probiotics
Healthy living and fitness have certainly become a top priority for many of us. There are numerous people that I come across who flaunt fitness bands, use health tracking apps, and workout every day to stay healthy. It seems like we are finally getting to understand the depth of the proverb “Health is Wealth”. And on that note, I’d like to bring your attention to gut health. Health gurus, doctors, and nutritionists believe that a clean gut can cure a gamut of health conditions like diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, and at times even acne. So, what do we do to help our gut stay healthy?
Experts suggest taking a probiotic, either in food or supplement form, for a healthy gut. While there are foods like kefir and kimchi that can help you get your daily dose, supplements like lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium, and lactobacillus acidophilus are considered to be the best sources for including probiotics in your regular diet. In reality, taking a probiotic has become almost as routine as popping a multivitamin. I am no longer surprised to find myself amidst an in-depth discussion about the comparison of different strains and makers of probiotic supplements.
Our Bollywood celebs are regularly spotted carrying bottles of ‘Kombucha’ a fermented tea that contains probiotics, what with Bollywood star Kajol endorsing the health benefits of the probiotic drink Yakult. While the shiny world of celebs are already benefiting from the use of probiotic supplements for a fitter body, for many of us, it is already a part of what we consider a healthy diet and daily regimen.
The good news is that research backs up our cause, by proving that in some cases probiotics can actually help. According to research conducted by Poornachandra Rao and Sreenivasa M Y, Department of Studies in Microbiology, University of Mysore; the ability of probiotics to ensure a clean gut can help autistic children {the gut bacteria-brain connection in autism}. In the most recent newsletter published by the Probiotic Association of India, probiotics can help in the prevention of diarrhoea, and it also plays an important role in enhancing the immunity of your body. So, we know that it is essential for healthy living but do you still think that there several questions that are unanswered about probiotics? Let us uncover more about probiotics and how it can help our body in this Guide to Probiotics.
What Is a Probiotic?
If you were to ask me “What is a probiotic?”, then the best way in which I can describe this supplement would be “Bugs in a capsule”. If you don’t mind the technical jargon, then probiotics are described as active bacteria that are grown and cultured in a laboratory. They are considered to be beneficial for the human microbiome, which you would know as the human gut. At this time, probiotic supplements are not regulated by the FDA, which means that their benefit as a drug is yet to be tested.
Are Probiotics Actually Beneficial?
There has been plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests taking a probiotic could enhance immunity; although researchers are still in the process of studying the bacteria that live in our body, and through controlled clinical trials are still trying to unveil the actual benefit of probiotics. With more bugs than body cells in our body, we do not know enough about these bacteria to treat them. Which ones are healthy and which ones can harm our immune system? Research is gradually progressing to provide early clues, but a lot more needs to be done.
What has really worked for people who are suffering from a severe case of gastrointestinal problems is fecal microbiota transplantation. It involves the implantation of fecal bacteria of a healthy person to someone who is suffering from clostridium difficile which is an infection that causes severe diarrhoea. The implantation of bacteria is usually done via enema. Needless to say, the process is complex and it involves its own risks. This is probably why it is done in extreme cases where the person is not even able to leave the house or the toilet.
Is it Safe to Take Probiotic Supplements?
Ever since gut health catapulted into the limelight, probiotic supplements have grown hand in hand becoming one of the most popular supplements for healthy living. So far, it looks like these supplements have been somewhat safe. But for some, adverse effects may follow. In this guide to probiotics, I would like to state that a few people who start taking probiotic supplements complain of symptoms like brain fogginess and bloating. Another problem that can affect your health, is that probiotics are meant to be colonised in the large intestine and if they end up colonising in the small intestine, then you may end up suffering from what is known as Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth {SIBO}. If you suffer from this problem, then you will not be able to tolerate probiotics till the time your gut recovers completely.
Do I Really Need Probiotic Supplements?
While some doctors may not think twice about recommending probiotic supplements, others will flat-out refuse to do so. If you would like to try it yourself, whether or not your doctor finds it beneficial, then you can simply walk into any drug store and buy probiotic supplements over the counter without a prescription. SCD Probiotics is known to be an effective supplement for those who are hoping to improve their gut health. As for me, I strongly believe that probiotics aren’t really meant to be taken like multivitamins.
What Can I Do to Improve My Gut Health?
Imagine your gut as a garden. The good bacteria are the flowers and the bad ones are the weeds. For your gut flora to be healthy, you have to remove the weeds and make sure that you provide a suitable environment for the flowers to bloom. Most of this can be done by ensuring that you follow a healthy diet {while including complex carbohydrates and fibre} and a good workout routine. The foods you eat should have the nutrients you need to empower your immune system and keep the gut clean. Include variety in your diet and ensure you eat healthy, unprocessed food from different sources so that you can get all the nutrients your body needs naturally. My answer to a healthy gut is ~ eat healthy and let your microbiome take care of the rest.
Conclusion
If you were to conduct your own research, you will find numerous arguments for and against the use of probiotics. With the universe of bacteria that lives in our body, researchers are still in the process of finding out more about them. While probiotics have largely been popularised because people have benefited from them, their limitations stem from fewer clinical trials and insufficient research conducted thus far. Ongoing studies may help us unravel more about probiotics; so for now, I feel that if you really want to include probiotics in your meals then choose foods that can aid your intake of probiotics naturally.
Disclaimer: Any information provided above is not a replacement of any counsel received by a doctor or healthcare specialist. It aims to supplement and does not include all alternatives, interactions, or adverse effects.
Your posts are always so beautifully written and informative, Tanya! It’s always helpful to let your readers know what to expect when starting any new regimen. Thank you for sharing. xx
Thank you, Pavan. So nice of you!
Quite the investigation into probiotics here, culminating in a remarkable article! I’d like to add that taking a probiotic in conjunction with a PREbiotic can also help. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Visharad. Glad you enjoyed it!
This post is so informative! And yes, your gut talks to your brain! 🙂 Including probiotics in my diet is definitely a staple to my health and daily routine. ✨ Thankfully it’s easier now than ever to include them in our diet.
Absolutely right you are, Amit. Thank you!
Your blog provides a great summary of what to keep in mind when choosing. Probiotics can help populate the gut with good bacteria. This is a key part of a person’s immune system. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Neel.
In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in how probiotics can support health and reduce a person’s risk and symptoms of certain conditions… Thank you for sharing this in-depth guide, Tanya. 🙂
You are welcome, Riddhi. It’s so satisfying to see you enjoying my work.
As a lover of natural healing, I definitely give this post a thumbs up! Especially since I am currently in a season of shifting my lifestyle to be more intentional about how I take care of my body. xx
Thank you for resonating with this and your sweet appreciation, Ayushi.
Amazing post and blog!! And yes, you can give your brain a boost by adding probiotics — the smart way — to your diet.
Glad to have your approval, Swetha.
Wonderfully detailed post! I take probiotics in supplement form or in the form of foods and beverages such as yogurt and drinks that have live cultures added to them. 🙂
Thank you, Chandrahas. Always a delight to have your appreciation!
Thank you for this detailed guide, Tanya. In recent years, the extensive research into probiotics and the microbiome leaves no doubt that these novel products can benefit some aspects of human health.
Glad you enjoyed reading it, Sonal.
Well said! Incorporating probiotics regularly is our best bet for continued well-being. And I wouldn’t be afraid to ramp up my intake a little more when I anticipate I’ll need more help. 🙂
Thank you for sparing your time and reading this, Ragni.
Love your set up! 🙂 I am personally very pleased with my Pre+Probiotics… My bloating has reduced, I feel so much better and more regular since taking them!
I’m happy to hear this, Zahara! Thank you for sharing.
Obsessed!! Gut health is so important! ✨ I use a 5-in-1 blend containing the best prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes and vitamins needed to create a happy & healthy gut. This is a product I give my entire family including my 3 year old!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Ammu. Hope you’re well.
When it comes to my family, I wouldn’t want to risk anything! I’m glad you’re here to help us focus on the things that matter… ❤️ Although in my personal opinion, why waste your money on probiotic supplements when you can get more nutrient bang for your buck with wild fermented foods/drinks?!
Glad to be of help, Shrishti.
I learn so much from you! ✨ As we approach cold and flu season in the middle of a pandemic, I will make it a point to introduce healthy bacteria back to my gut in the form of probiotic-rich foods and probiotic supplements. And although new probiotic research is always coming out, I am a firm believer that a healthy gut means a healthier immune system!
Many heartfelt thanks, Jennifer!
This is why you have that rockin’ bod! Bravo girl!! ❤️
I started adding probiotics into my diet earlier this year and I’ve noticed a big difference in energy and fullness. Sharing a simple recipe that’s perfect for an in-between meal on the go…
Ingredients:
•3 cups baby spinach
•1 cup frozen strawberries
•1 small banana
•1 cup cucumber
•1 celery stalk
•1 cup of water
•1 cup of ice
•1 packet of immunity prebiotic.
Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Thanks so much sweet soul! I’ve got to try this…
I’m such a believer in probiotics! Improving my gut health and supporting digestion with probiotics & food has made a huge difference… Our immune system is our body’s first line of defence against anything unfamiliar or unfriendly, so it relies heavily on having a well-functioning gut – and probiotics help keep our gut running optimally.⠀
By the way, thank you for all your posts. I learn so much from them!
Thank you very much for your affectionate and kind thoughts, Simran.
I have digestion issues and was diagnosed in law school with a large intestine disorder, so probiotics are my best friends! They help keep the bloat away! 🙂 I also:
*Drink enough water.
*Get enough sleep.
*Wake up every morning at 6am, even on the weekends. (I use this time for personal development and my daily devotional… I’m a better mom when I’m rested and restored.)
*Get some kind of movement.
*Take my vitamins consistently and on time.
Small steps certainly lead to huge results… Sending you great positive vibes, Sabina!
Feed your gut bacteria the food they love as they even may promote a healthy mind, through the gut-brain axis. Small changes for major improvements indeed! ✨ By the way, WHO recommends 30g a day!
Thanks for sharing, Suhana! Hope your week is going well.
So glad to read this! I ❤️ probiotic supplements. They are simply tools TO improve your wellness, TO help you make healthier choices and want to move your body, TO get up off your butt, and TO live a healthier lifestyle!
Aw thanks, Priyanka. I totally feel your enthusiasm!
Your blogs are always so informative and so uplifting! ❤️
Most people presume the cold winter months are a hotbed for infections but each season gives rise to different viruses and bacteria, all of which can cause infections. It is well understood that keeping the immune system in healthy shape can reduce the risk of falling ill throughout the year, but the body’s vital mechanism has become the focus of much attention in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This is where probiotic supplements come to the rescue!
So very flattered by your comment, Simran. And thank you for sharing.
A very informative post. The missing key to our FEELING FABULOUS is in our Gut. Trust Me. That thing knows what’s up. ✨✨✨
Thanks so much, Vidya. Means a lot that you like it!
Atta gIrl! As always, the blog is very informative and was a pleasure to read through.❤️ Thanks for the insight, and wishing to you and yours a wonderful festive season!
Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and wishes, Ayesha!
Now, this is called indepth… Improving vaccines’ efficacy may save lives… One area of interest is the gut microbiota, its influence on the COVID vaccine response and the potential for probiotics to act as immunologic modulators as well as adjuvants.
Thank you, Aarti. Will bear that in mind…
During the holidays, most of us abuse our bodies by overeating and over drinking. If your GI Tract has too much food in it, your body can’t properly digest it — and that stimulates the growth of toxic chemicals — which then affect your feelings, thoughts and energy levels.
⠀
That’s what I call the “Holiday Blues.” I’m not saying don’t indulge at all, sometimes we deserve a little break. But if you’re going to go overboard, probiotics will be your best friend!
Very true, Mohyuddin. Thank you for this perspective.
Such a brilliant read! I’m a firm believer in that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for the other, but probiotics are well worth the test. ✨ I’m not usually one to take a ton of different supplements but I always take my vitamins with a probiotic to ensure full absorption… Not only does this help better digestion, but the zinc in mine for additional immune support is super important going into flu season and COVID seemingly starting to flare up a bit again…
Thank you for reading my blog, Jasleen. And, thank you for sharing your thoughts.