As we kick off the new year, more and more people are thinking about their overall well-being and the best ways to promote healthier living that are both easy to implement and effective. While probiotics are not a new supplement to enter the market, they continue to grow in popularity and are lending a new approach to improving gut health, which is increasingly linked to a number of medical issues (such as mental health and immune system response).
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What are probiotics?
Probiotic supplements typically contain live microorganisms that are consumed with the intention of balancing the unhealthy bacteria within the digestive system and stimulating the growth of good bacteria. Many on the market offer a combination of live beneficial bacteria and yeasts – and these are commonly found in the human body, so you won’t be adding anything potentially harmful to your gut.
The benefits of probiotics
Alongside creating a more healthy balance of good and bad bacteria, probiotics can improve digestion, help breakdown and speed up the absorption of medications and nutrients from the foods you consume, support the function of cells that line your gut (to prevent bad bacteria from entering the bloodstream) and more.
The main benefits of taking probiotic supplements are:
- Minimise the occurrence of both diarrhea and constipation
- Reduce gas and bloating
- Minimise the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Reduce stress
- Treat and minimise yeast infections and urinary tract infections
- Minimise the effects of eczema
- Help fight depression
- Improve immune response
- Treat upper respiratory infections
- Improve heart health
- Assist with weight loss
Is it safe to take probiotics?
The good news is that as probiotics already exist in the human body and some foods naturally contain them (like yoghurt and pickled foods), adding a supplement isn’t likely to have any negative effects overall. Some individuals may have mild side effects when beginning use, such as diarrhea and increased gas and bloating, but this will typically subside after a few days. As with any supplement however, it is always a good idea to get some advice from your doctor or healthcare provider before adding anything to your diet. As different probiotic strains will have varying effects, your GP should be able to point you in the right direction for the supplements that may be the most beneficial.
Can probiotics be a good addition to a healthy diet?
Probiotic supplements can be taken daily, as long as you are generally healthy and don’t have any major, preexisting medical conditions. There is currently no recommended daily dosage, so start low and build up to ensure your body is ready to deal with the influx of good bacteria. Be sure to choose a brand that is backed by research and testing and has good third-party reviews. As they can help with a host of digestive disorders and have little to no side effects at the very minimum, it can be worthwhile to try probiotics out and see how you go.
