Probiotics offer hope by helping restore gut microbiomes after illness or treatment, helping the digestive tract function normally again.
Many bacterial strains have been shown to provide immense health benefits when taken at high doses; many are even safe over an extended period. But it is essential to know which products you’re choosing from among this selection.
Benefits
There is some evidence that probiotics may help increase your immunity and lower the frequency of infections, including colds and flu. They may also help prevent cavities by decreasing oral pH levels to make conditions less inviting to bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Studies suggest that probiotics may help those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea and allergies such as atopic dermatitis. Consuming fermented dairy products rich in probiotics as well as various supplements are among the best ways to maintain gut microbiota balance.
Fuller defined “probiotic” as live microbial feed supplements which “beneficially affect an animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance”. Recently, genetically engineered strains such as EcN have shown to linger in the colon longer than traditional lactic acid bacteria (LAB) used in most clinical studies, providing advantages.
How to take them
Probiotics alter levels of microorganisms in your gut, creating a healthier balance and eliminating harmful ones. They may help treat conditions such as IBS, diarrhea and vaginal infections while helping prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea as well.
Probiotics produce byproducts that can strengthen immunity, treat inflammatory conditions and lower cholesterol levels while aiding weight loss, bloating and constipation.
Though more research needs to be conducted, experts advise taking probiotics at the same time each day in order to reach the small intestine where they can make the biggest impact. Since probiotics are acid-sensitive, it’s best to take them on an empty stomach for maximum efficacy.
Some individuals may initially experience gas and bloating when starting on probiotics, which is perfectly normal. Over time, your body should adapt to this new bacteria. You could try adding more probiotic-rich foods into your diet such as yogurt, fermented dairy products or green powders as a source of probiotics; or take probiotic supplements in capsule or gummy form.
Side effects
Microorganisms in your gut play a number of essential roles. From aiding digestion, producing vitamins and minerals, supporting immune function and more.
Some probiotic strains produce gas in your gut as byproducts that may temporarily lead to diarrhea. This is likely caused by your body adjusting to new bacteria being introduced; typically this issue resolves itself within days.
Some studies indicate that taking probiotics may alleviate the symptoms associated with digestive conditions like constipation, bloating, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea. They can also assist with inflammation of the bowel disease and can reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Furthermore, probiotics can aid with chronic bacterial infections like H. pylori and C. difficile while helping protect against cancer risk reduction as well as certain autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (2019). Finally, studies indicate probiotics can even lower your likelihood of getting flu! (2019)
Precautions
Probiotics may provide relief for various health issues, from digestive and immunity concerns to heart disease. But probiotics should only be taken as directed by your healthcare provider and should never be taken without prior consultation and approval from them.
Focusing on finding products with the appropriate strain and dosage are equally essential to overall wellness. Knowing how to distinguish among various products that differ significantly with regards to amount and type of bacteria they contain is also crucial.
When taking antibiotics, probiotics containing live bacteria may interfere and prevent it from working effectively. Therefore, it’s wise to take them at least 2 to 3 hours prior or post antibiotic administration as directed on its label.