Understanding Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit your gut and overall health. Probiotics are live microorganisms (microbes) that can benefit our microbiome and overall health. Every human body is home to trillions of microorganisms that live with us and help support our bodily functions and health. These essential microorganisms can be consumed in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup, greek yogurt, and kefir, but many people benefit from taking probiotic supplements to add increased variety to your gut’s diversity which is an essential existing supply of good healthy bacteria. A daily probiotic can help continuously replenish and nourish the gut microbiome and support digestive health and function.

Balance Your Gut Microbiome

Probiotics are good bacteria that, when consumed, can help restore the natural balance of your gut microbiome. An imbalance of gut bacteria is characterized by not enough good bacteria and too much bad bacteria. This can occur due to illness, poor diet, or medications such as antibiotics. Symptoms of an imbalance may include digestive problems, diarrhea, skin issues, mental health issues, allergies, obesity, and others. When you take probiotic supplements, you introduce good bacteria into your gut to restore proper balance.

Treat Bowel Disorders

Over one million people in the United States suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a common type of which is ulcerative colitis. Probiotic supplements containing strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have been shown to help improve symptoms of mild ulcerative colitis. Research suggests probiotics may also benefit other bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and SIBO.

Improve Mental Health Conditions

Several studies have found links between gut health and mental health. Research has found that taking probiotic supplements may help improve some mental health disorders. For example, supplementing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains has been shown to improve depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and memory issues.

Maintain Heart Health

Taking probiotic supplements may help keep your heart healthy. Probiotics can lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol or“bad” cholesterol. Certain bacteria that produce lactic acid may reduce cholesterol by breaking down bile in your gut. By breaking down bile, these bacteria can prevent this cholesterol-containing fluid from being reabsorbed in the gut and enter the blood as cholesterol.

Boost Your Immune System

There is a direct link between probiotics and the immune system. Research has shown that taking probiotic supplements lowers the likelihood of respiratory infections and reduces their severity. The good bacteria in your gut can stimulate the immune system and act as an extra barrier to fight off pathogens. Additionally, probiotics can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may benefit conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Specifically, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus crispatus has specifically been found to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.

Help You Lose Weight

Probiotics may aid in weight loss. Some probiotics prevent dietary fat from being absorbed in the intestine. Instead of being stored in the body, this fat is excreted through feces. This could help you lose unwanted belly fat and maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, obese people tend to have less gut bacteria, specifically Akkermansia, than those at healthier weights. This could indicate a link between gut diversity and weight, so introducing a variety of beneficial probiotics may help with weight management.

Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplements

These are some of the ways probiotic supplements could benefit your health. The most effective supplements are those that contain a variety of bacteria strains, including multiple Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. We recommend Pendulum Probiotics, a blend of diverse, well-researched probiotic strains. These supplements are specifically formulated to support a healthy gut microbiome, allowing you to improve many aspects of your overall health. We also recommend adding a good probiotic when mental health issues are present.

Probiotics are essential for overall health and for supporting the microbiome. At Radiant Integrative Health, we carry Pendulum products in the office.

Radiant Integrative Health is committed to helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have questions or are looking for guidance on any aspect of your health. Contact us at 702-333-8458. The providers at Radiant Integrative Health are here to support you in all aspects of your health and wellness.

Let us help you take the first step towards a happier, healthier you. Our providers are dedicated to helping you feel your best and live your best life!