There has been a lot of buzz around probiotics in the health and wellness industry lately, and for good reason. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your gut health, and have been shown to offer a range of health benefits from improved digestion to better immunity to weight loss.
8 Common Signs You Need More Probiotics
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that you need more probiotics in your diet:
- Digestive Issues: If you experience bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or other digestive issues, it could be a sign that your gut bacteria is imbalanced.
- Antibiotic Use: If you have taken antibiotics recently, it can kill off both good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to an imbalance.
- Skin Issues: Your skin is often a reflection of what’s going on inside your body. Eczema, acne and other skin irritations can be a sign of an unhealthy gut.
- Weakened Immune System: If you are frequently getting sick, it could be a sign that your immune system needs a boost, which can be aided by adding more probiotics to your diet.
- Difficulty Losing Weight: Studies have shown that probiotics can have a positive impact on weight management and obesity.
- Mood Swings: The gut-brain connection is becoming increasingly understood. An unhealthy gut can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
- Chronic Fatigue: If you are feeling constantly tired, an unhealthy gut could be the culprit. It can impact the proper absorption of nutrients, leading to fatigue.
- Food Cravings: If you have frequent cravings for sugar or other unhealthy foods, it could be a sign that your gut bacteria is imbalanced.
How to Get More Probiotics in Your Life
If any of the above symptoms resonated with you, it may be time to add more probiotics to your diet. Here are some ways to do so:
1. Eat Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are a great natural source of probiotics. Some examples include:
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Yogurt (make sure it contains live and active cultures)
2. Take a Probiotic Supplement
Probiotic supplements are an easy way to add more good bacteria to your diet. When selecting a supplement, look for one that contains a variety of strains and colony-forming units (CFUs).
3. Increase Prebiotic Intake
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feed the good bacteria in your gut, helping them to thrive. Foods that are high in prebiotics include:
- Artichokes
- Bananas
- Garlic
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Chicory Root
4. Avoid Antibiotics When Possible
Antibiotics can wipe out both good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to an imbalance. Only take them when necessary, and talk to your doctor about probiotic supplementation when taking antibiotics.
5. Reduce Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your gut health. Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Studies have shown that lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your gut health. Make sure to get enough sleep each night to support your overall health.
7. Drink Bone Broth
Bone broth is a rich source of collagen and amino acids, which help to support gut health.
8. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber and nutrients will help to support overall gut health.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of the common signs that you need more probiotics in your life, it’s time
