Ever wonder if taking a probiotic was worth all the hype?
You’re not alone!
The topic of probiotics actually goes way beyond digestive issues alone. Your body is complex and interconnected, and the GI system sits at the CORE of it all
It’s connected to & influences everything from immunity, metabolic function, cardiovascular, skin, & urogenital health
So, while improvements in gut health are often the most immediate & localized, probiotics can actually have powerful effects across the entire body.
HOW DO PROBIOTICS WORK?
We first need to clear up a common misconception: that probiotics have to COLONIZE your gut and alter the composition of your microbiome to be effective.
That’s not true:
- Probiotics typically don’t take up RESIDENCE in your gut. Compared to the tens of trillions of microbes already rooted there, most probiotics don’t contain enough new bacteria to make a significant difference in the composition of your microbiota.
- Even if they did, we don’t know enough about the safety of introducing colonizing microbes. Large numbers of newcomers moving in and displacing your existing microbiome could alter the unique ecosystem & trigger unintended consequences…similar to the effect of taking antibiotics
What scientists DO know is that, as TRANSIENT microbes, probiotics travel through your GI tract, INTERACTING with your immune cells, gut cells, dietary nutrients, and existing bacteria to, directly and indirectly, deliver benefits.
OTHER BENEFITS
Some enhance the gene expressions involved in tight junction signaling, which help protect against intestinal permeability—this means a tight gut barrier…important for those with autoimmunity
Others trigger neurotransmitters like serotonin that stimulate muscle contractions for increased motility—think, better, more regular poops
Yet other bacteria produce byproducts like short-chain fatty acids, which have been extensively shown to be beneficial for metabolic and immune health
Our favorite brand of probiotics is Klaire Research Labs. Who else has used probiotics – what’s your fav brand out there?
** some may experience gas/bloating upon taking a probiotic. always consult with your doctor first**