Probiotics and Their Role in Your Gut Health

In recent years, there has been an expanding interest in probiotics and digestive health as it relates to bacteria living and supporting an individual's gut.

You've likely seen an advertisement or a probiotic formula or heard a kombucha brand tout how its beverage makes your gut "happy." But what are probiotics? And how do probiotics and fermented foods like kombucha impact your digestive health?

What are Probiotics?

It might make you squirm, but probiotics are living microorganisms like bacteria that are meant to enter your digestive system and stay there. According to the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), probiotics are found in many foods, supplements and even beauty products.

The microorganisms that appear in probiotic products are often the same or similar to those that occur and live naturally in our bodies.

Probiotics will affect your body differently depending on what type of bacteria they contain. Some help with your immunity while others might help indigestion. However, as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) points out, not all foods and dietary supplements labeled as "probiotics" have proven health benefits.

To get a better understanding of what probiotics are, consider scheduling time with your primary care provider or messaging them directly on MyChart. They'll be able to send you helpful and credible information.

Are Probiotics Effective?

Depending on what you hope to achieve by incorporating more probiotics in your diet through supplements, drinks or foods, the jury is still out on many of the benefits companies claim probiotics have.

For instance, if you plan to take a daily probiotic supplement to help you lose weight, you should know that there is still limited research studying the impact of probiotics on weight. Plus, what little research has been done is generally inconclusive.

Similarly, some brands claim probiotics can boost your immune system, but there is limited evidence supporting this. While evidence indicates probiotics can improve immune function, researchers continue to call for more studies to better understand the relationship between the immune system and probiotics.

However, there is evidence that probiotics may support a healthy digestive system. One analysis showed that probiotics appear to help relieve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome in some individuals.

Another study found probiotic supplements were helpful in preventing traveler's diarrhea as well as certain gut-related side effects of antibiotics.

In addition to the effects of probiotics, safety surrounding these supplements is also lacking significant study. The NCCIH says there is still a lot that we don't know when it comes to the safety of probiotics, especially for those with various health conditions.

That's why before beginning a probiotic supplement, you should consult your primary care provider to understand the risks.

If you are looking to lose weight or improve your digestive health, there are most likely other areas you can focus on and be more confident in your results. EvergreenHealth nutrition counselors can help you with your diet and put together a personalized plan to help you eat health and live well.

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

You may hear or see probiotics and prebiotics when looking for information about gut health, microorganisms and gastrointestinal conditions. While the two biotics are meant to support your gut health, they are not the same.

Probiotics, as discussed above, are microorganisms like bacteria that are meant to support your digestive health. Whereas, the National Center for Biotechnology Information describes prebiotics as a group of nutrients that are degraded by the microorganisms that live in your gut.

Final Considerations: Should You Be "Pro" Probiotics?

While studies suggest probiotics have few side effects, the data on long-term impacts is limited. Always consult your primary care provider before making any major changes in your diet or daily routine, including introducing daily probiotic supplements.

If you are experiencing a serious underlying health condition and your doctor has cleared you to take probiotics, be sure to monitor your health closely.

There are many health supplements on the market that may claim to improve your gut health, mood or immune system. While these claims may or may not be true, EvergreenHealth nutrition counselors are always available to answer your questions, including those regarding diet supplements, and help you achieve the lifestyle you want.