Probiotics: Do You Actually Need Them? Let’s Understand

 

We eat. We digest. How properly is the question! Digestive health has been a concern for doctors and patients alike globally. Probiotic bacteria, popularly known as probiotics, are good gut bacteria that help regulate our digestion. Probiotics are found in the digestive tract and aid proper digestion and absorption and boost immunity, unlike disease-causing micro-organisms. Probiotic bacteria release enzymes that help in food digestion. This, in turn, prevents gut-related diseases and complications from antibiotics.

Healthy microorganisms in our gut are often destroyed due to improper diet, medications and biological processes like aging Naturally occurring probiotic foods and supplements help in growing these good bacteria again, thereby keeping the digestive disorders in check and simultaneously improving overall health. Probiotic pills or drinks are designed to deliver healthy bacteria, which helps in regulating digestive health.

Do you have enough probiotic bacteria in your body?

There are no tools to know whether your gut bacteria are in good condition (or ample quantities) or not. However, there are some common symptoms that show up as a result of poor intake of probiotic foods in your diet. These may include digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn or acid reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome; depression or anxiety; deficiencies of Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Vitamin B12 & B7; excessive use of antibiotics; skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, eczema; certain autoimmune disorders.

Should you, or should you not take probiotics?

Probiotics any essential to healthy living. While your body has plenty of them already, it may still be a good idea to get more!

There are good quality clinical studies (randomized controlled trials) that investigate the health benefits of taking probiotics. The analysis showed that taking probiotics can help prevent diarrhea, bronchitis, and eczema. They also seem to improve heart disease risk and reduce inflammation-causing substances in the blood.

Although most probiotics don’t permanently change the microbe composition of the gut, it seems that probiotics can positively affect health; either by improving the immune system or producing beneficial chemicals.

Probiotics can aid weight loss by keeping your digestion healthy, strengthening immunity, maintaining internal pH, and flushing out toxins.

What are probiotic foods?

There are several different classes and types of probiotics, the most common include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Food manufacturers may call probiotics “live or active cultures.” Many fermented products contain probiotics, which means the bacteria in them are still living. Often, however, the food production process destroys living bacteria. Hence, if a product is available off the shelf and is not refrigerated, it may not contain live and active probiotics.

Are pills or drinks the only option? Or is there something more natural available?

Getting probiotics from supplements is popular, but you can also get them from fermented foods (natural). The most common natural probiotic sources include:

1. Aged cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella

2. Traditional buttermilk

3. Yogurt

4. Fresh pickles

5. Water or brine-cured olives

6. High-quality dark chocolate

7. Banana

8. Idli

9. Dhokla

Popular probiotic supplements include:

1. Yakult

2. GoodBelly

3. DanActive

4. Cocobiotic

5. Pro nutrition Advanced Probiotics

6. Inlife Prebiotics and Probiotics

7. HealthAid Acidophilus Plus

What is the best time and ideal dosage to take probiotic supplements?

It is highly recommended to consult a doctor, before ingesting any supplements.

The best time to take a probiotic drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or before going to bed at night. Ideally, it should be taken at a time when there are lesser chances of interaction with any medication or food. For probiotic pills, check the label of the bottle's with suggested timings and dosage.

For more information or details visit Probiotic Association of India