Unlocking the Secrets of Gut Health with Probiotics
The human body is an intricate system of cells, organs, and microbes that work together to support optimal health. Within our gastrointestinal tract resides a vast community of beneficial bacteria that play a vital role in maintaining our digestive and immune system functions. These bacteria are collectively known as our gut microbiome.
Although we’re all aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, few people know about the critical role that probiotics play in nurturing our gut microbiome. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are present in certain foods and supplements. Most commonly, they are used to support gut health and digestion. But that’s just a part of what they do. Here’s a closer look at exactly what probiotics are, what they do, and how they can be beneficial for your health.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are a type of ‘good’ bacteria that reside in our gut. These bacteria are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, kefir, and kombucha. They can also be taken as supplements, which contain specific strains of good bacteria.
The types of probiotics will vary depending on the food source or supplement. In general, though, they are bacteria that normally reside within our digestive tract. The most well-known strains of bacteria used in probiotics are:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus fermentum
What do Probiotics Do?
Probiotics play a crucial role in digestive health. They perform a number of important functions that help our bodies digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. These functions include:
- Producing enzymes that break down food and release nutrients into our bloodstream
- Supporting our gut barrier function to prevent toxins and harmful bacteria from entering our bloodstream
- Maintaining a healthy pH balance in the gut, which can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
- Producing antimicrobial substances that help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses
But probiotics do more than merely support digestive health. Emerging research also suggests that they have the power to affect our overall health by supporting our immune system, preventing inflammation, and even regulating our mood. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy balance of probiotics in the gut can:
- Reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections
- Boost immunity
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Reduce the risk of certain diseases, including diabetes and colorectal cancer
- Regulate mood and mental health
How to Get More Probiotics in Your Diet
There are two main ways to get more probiotics in your diet:
- Eat fermented foods. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha all contain live probiotics. Be sure to look for products that are labeled as containing ‘live active cultures.’
- Take a probiotic supplement. If you’re not able to get enough probiotics from your diet, a supplement may be a good option. Look for supplements that contain at least one of the probiotic strains mentioned above, and be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Final Thoughts
The health of our gut microbiome is key to maintaining overall health and wellness. Probiotics are a powerful tool in supporting and maintaining a healthy microbiome, and they have the added bonus of regulating our immune system and mood. Consider adding more fermented foods to your diet or taking a probiotic supplement, but be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement.
