What are probiotics, and how do they impact your health?

The topic of gut health is rising in popularity both in and out of medical circles, and for good reason. The more research medical professionals do, the more it becomes evident that gut health is connected to various other elements of a person’s overall wellness. With more conversations about gut health happening during and outside of doctor’s appointments, the topic of probiotics has become widely discussed. What are probiotics, and what impact can they have on gut health – and, by extension, on a person’s holistic wellness? Today, we’re taking a brief dive into the impact of probiotics on your health, including steps you can take to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Let’s go ahead and get started.

A Brief Overview of Your Gut

Your gut is home to trillions of “good” bacteria, also known as microbiota. These microorganisms do a lot for your overall health: they help to break down compounds, like fiber, that your body can’t naturally digest; they help you to metabolize drugs in order to release their active ingredients into your system; they attack harmful invading bacteria and fight against infections; and they communicate with your neurological system, in addition to being responsible for producing crucial neurotransmitters, like serotonin (one of the hormones that helps to control your mood). In fact, your gut is where over 90% of your body’s total serotonin production occurs.

Basically: your gut is where a lot more than just digestion happens. Your gut is a key component of your immune and neurological systems, and that’s largely due to the delicate balance of good microbiota located there. Maintaining this beneficial balance comes down to a lot of factors that are within your control, like keeping up with a healthy diet and exercise regimen and reducing stress. For example, eating a diet that’s high in fiber and primarily composed of whole foods like leafy greens, legumes, fruits, and vegetables is a great way to promote a healthy microbiome (and, as a result, a healthy gut).

With all of that said, where do probiotics fit into your gut health?

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Probiotics Defined

Probiotics is just another word for good bacteria, like the kind that live in your gut. These bacteria help you to digest your food, boost your immune system, and help your body produce important neurotransmitters. Probiotics already exist in your gut by the trillions. You can consume probiotics both through your regular diet (via foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, pickles, and sauerkraut) or with supplements.

Probiotic Supplements Explained

When is it a good idea to take probiotic supplements? The short answer is that only your doctor can answer this question by taking your unique circumstances into account. Generally speaking, probiotic supplements are commonly suggested to be taken when you are prescribed antibiotics. The purpose of antibiotics is to kill the harmful bacteria that are causing an infection in your body. However, it is normal for some of the good bacteria in your body – like the ones in your gut – to be taken out by the antibiotic, as well. Taking a probiotic supplement or consuming probiotic foods can be a great way to replenish these good bacteria in your gut while you’re on antibiotics.

Taking a probiotic supplement or consuming probiotic foods on a daily basis can be a great idea when it comes to maintaining a healthy gut. With that said, always consult with your physician before taking a supplement – and, better yet, ask them to recommend a probiotic supplement that you can trust.

What are probiotics? In short, they’re crucial components of your gut health. We hope this has been a helpful resource when it comes to breaking down the purpose of probiotics along with the crucial role they play in both gut health and whole-body wellness.

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