Probiotics are an interesting subject when it comes to digestive health. While many people assume that anything labeled “bacteria” is automatically bad, the truth is that there are many types of bacteria that can be beneficial to your body.
Probiotics are one of those categories of microbes that can offer surprising benefits. For years, researchers have been studying the ways in which they can help support a healthy digestive system and boost overall health.
What Are Probiotics?
Before we dive into the benefits of probiotics, it may be helpful to first define what we’re actually talking about. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. These microorganisms are often dubbed “good bacteria” thanks to their potential health benefits.
While you may not know it, your body is actually home to trillions of bacteria. In fact, the number of bacterial cells in your body is about the same as the number of human cells! While some of these bacteria can cause illness, many others are beneficial and can help keep your body functioning as it should.
Probiotics are found in many different foods, including fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. They are also available in supplement form, often in the form of capsules or powders.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Digestive Health
One of the primary roles of probiotics is to help support a healthy digestive system. Here are a few of the ways that these “good bacteria” can benefit your gut:
- Prevent and treat diarrhea. Several strains of probiotics have been shown to help prevent and treat diarrhea. In particular, the strains known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii have been found to be especially effective for this purpose.
- Reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common digestive disorder that can cause symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Studies have found that taking probiotics may help alleviate some of these symptoms, especially in people with diarrhea-predominant IBS.
- Boost immune function. Your gut plays a major role in your immune system. By supporting the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut, probiotics may help enhance your body’s natural defenses.
- Support overall digestive health. In addition to the specific benefits listed above, taking probiotics may help promote overall gut health by supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive tract.
It’s worth noting that research around probiotics is still ongoing, and many of the potential benefits are still being studied. However, the current evidence suggests that there may be numerous advantages to incorporating these “good bacteria” into your diet.
Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplement
If you’re interested in trying a probiotic supplement, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a supplement that contains strains of bacteria that have been shown to be effective for the particular health concern you’re hoping to address.
For example, if you’re hoping to use probiotics to prevent or treat diarrhea, you may want to look for a supplement that contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Saccharomyces boulardii.
It’s also important to pay attention to the supplement’s dosage. Research has found that consuming at least 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics per day may be effective for treating certain health conditions.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics are a category of “good bacteria” that can offer numerous benefits when it comes to digestive health. From reducing symptoms of IBS to enhancing immune function, these microorganisms may be able to revolutionize the way you approach gut health.
If you’re interested in trying a probiotic supplement, be sure to do your research and choose a supplement that contains strains of bacteria that have been shown to be effective for your particular health concern. And as always, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.
