What Are Probiotics and How Do They Work?
The microbiome refers to the group of bacteria that live in your digestive tract as a whole. Recent research have linked gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties and microbiome imbalance to chronic diseases and even mental health disorders, indicating that we’re still learning about their importance in overall human health. probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
In your gut, you have billions of bacteria and yeast. The composition of each microbiome differs from person to person, making each one as distinctive as a fingerprint. They help in a variety of tasks, including: probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
Keeping a healthy balance of beneficial and harmful microorganisms
Getting back into balance after a disturbance (like an illness)
Assisting with digestion
We’re seeking to level the playing field by normalizing the microbiome and bringing balance to our bodies when we introduce “good” bacteria into the gut in the form of probiotics. probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
Sources of Probiotics in the Diet
Probiotics are found in fermented foods, which are made by using yeast and other bacteria to break down sugars and other ingredients into organic acids, gases, and alcohol under regulated conditions. (This is the method by which certain foods get their flavor and scent.) Fermented foods come in thousands of varieties, many of which may be obtained in your local grocery. Among those that will give your stomach a probiotic boost are: probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
Yogurt and kefir (liquid yogurt drink)
Sauerkraut
Sourdough bread
Kimchi
Miso
Certain aged cheeses (check label for live and active cultures)
Tempeh
Kombucha
Lacto-fermented pickles and other vegetables made with salt brine
Probiotic Supplements: What to Look for
In an ideal world, we would acquire all of our probiotics from food. However, you may want to consider taking a supplement if you’re dealing with specific health concerns or other circumstances. probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
Antibiotics, for example, can wipe out both good and bad bacteria, making an infection worse. As a result, your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to take a probiotic supplement to help refill your gut and avoid antibiotic-related side effects such as diarrhea. Even yet, there isn’t enough evidence to imply that this strategy is appropriate for everyone. Consult your doctor to see whether you could benefit. probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
Look for a trustworthy brand when purchasing a probiotic supplement (or ask your doctor for a recommendation). Avoid companies that make statements that appear too good to be true, since they most likely are. In terms of components, seek for Lactobacillus or bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria that has been proved to be safe and effective for the majority of people. probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
Remember that supplements aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so the best method to ensure you’re getting probiotics is to eat fermented foods. probioticseverything.comprobiotic hx
It’s also worth noting that probiotics aren’t the same as multivitamins in that they’re not intended to be taken by everyone, all of the time. probioticseverything.com