Probiotics 101: The Benefits of Good Gut Bacteria for Digestive Health

Probiotics are something beneficial to your life, especially your gut health. They are live microorganisms that include yeast and bacteria that help with digestive health. It restores and balances your gut flora or the microbiome, which improves your gut health. 


In our guts, we have a certain amount of good bacteria. With good bacteria, it is essential in keeping our bodies healthy and processing the food we eat. The two most common bacteria found in probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Probiotic products usually include dietary supplements or food with natural probiotics (kimchi and sauerkraut). 


What do probiotics do exactly?

They are typically used to treat issues with the GI because they help balance the good and bad bacteria in the gut. They can also:


  • Play a role in some vitamin synthesis like B and K 

  • Produce short-chain fatty acid that helps regulate T cells that strengthen your immune system and act as an anti-inflammatory

  • Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis symptoms improve

  • Yeast infections will be reduced by promoting PH balances 

  • Improve weight loss

  • Treat diarrhea and any GI issues 

  • Improve pores and skin condition (eczema)

  • They help soften stool and help with constipation, though they don’t increase the number of bowel movements 


8 Probiotics Foods for Digestive Health

  • Yogurt

    • most well known probiotic 

  • Kefir

    • anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties come from the probiotics

    • suitable for those with lactose intolerance 

  • Sauerkraut

    • anti-inflammatory probiotics, but be aware if consumed in large amounts, it can lead to diarrhea

  • Kombucha

    • high in acetic acid and lactic acid bacteria 

    • anti-microbial, but more studies need to be done to understand the effect fully

  • Kimchi

    • helpful bacteria and found to be good for colon health as it reduces the activity of toxic enzyme 

  • Fermented soybean products

    • Tempeh, miso, and nato are fermented soybean products that are high in beneficial probiotics 

    • Lignans and isoflavonoid compounds found in soybeans can prevent cancer

  • Traditional buttermilk 

    • contains lactococcus lactis, has unique properties that work well with newborn babies

  • Pickles

    • Some contain probiotics, but if they are made with vinegar, they do not


How many probiotics should you take?

Research shows that it is safe to take probiotics daily since they typically come in supplement form. The dosages of probiotics are given in colony-forming units. Children are recommended to take 5-10 billion CFOs daily, and adults are advised to take 10-20 billion daily. Talking to your healthcare professional before taking probiotics if you have cancer or any immune issues is also essential. 


If you are suffering from digestive issues, it is always beneficial to see a gastroenterologist in Miami to make sure you are getting a clear understanding of the whole picture and how you can improve your gut health.  Contact the specialist at GastroMed today to book an appointment. 

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