Probiotic Supplements are an important element in order to maintain a healthy gut. A healthy gut affects more than simply digestion; it also affects our immune system, mood, weight management, and even skin health. Probiotics, those small but strong bacteria that provide a wealth of advantages, are at the heart of maintaining a healthy gut environment.
Probiotic supplements are essential for gut health because they support gut health in a variety of ways. They can support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, improve the immune system, and contribute to overall well-being by helping to maintain the natural balance of good bacteria in the intestines.
A probiotic is a live bacteria that provides many health benefits when taken in sufficient quantities.
Certain probiotics contain living microorganisms that are predominantly bacteria but can also include yeast. Probiotics create a healthy balance of microorganisms within the gut and therefore are the “good” or “friendly” bacteria in the gut’s microbial diversity.
They may also help in the breakdown of certain substances in the gut, produce essential vitamins, and promote a healthy gut barrier function.
The most commonly utilized bacteria as probiotics are Lactobacillus strains and Bifidobacterium genera. Multiple strains of bacteria and yeast, on the other hand, can work as probiotics. Each probiotic strain may have distinct features and health benefits.
Most commonly used probiotic strains:
This strain is well-known and widely used in probiotic supplements and fermented foods. It has the ability to produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, making it beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance. L. acidophilus may also support immune function and digestive health.
This strain is found in the large intestine of healthy adults and plays a role in maintaining healthy gut microbiota. B. bifidum may help digestion, nutrient absorption, and the production of vitamins. It has also been studied for its potential immune-boosting properties.
This versatile strain is a good bacteria commonly used in probiotic products and has been extensively researched. It is known for its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and adhere to the intestinal lining. L. rhamnosus may support digestive health, and immune function, and may help with certain gastrointestinal conditions.
The gut microbiota . B. longum may help in maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, supporting digestive and gastrointestinal health, and enhancing immune function. It has also been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
The production of yogurt and fermented dairy products commonly uses this strain. S. thermophilus aids in the breakdown of lactose and may be beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance. It also produces lactic acid, contributing to the acidic environment in the gut, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
Unlike bacterial strains, S. boulardii is a yeast probiotic. It has the ability to survive through the digestive system and has been studied for its potential to prevent or alleviate antibiotic-associated diarrhea and certain digestive disorders.
Lactobacillus helveticus is a species of lactic acid bacteria. It is found naturally in various fermented dairy products, such as Swiss cheese and yogurt. L. helveticus has the ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract and exert positive effects on gut health.
As a probiotic, L. helveticus has been associated with several potential benefits. It may help support digestion by aiding in the breakdown of lactose, the sugar found in milk. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance, as L. helveticus can assist in the digestion of lactose and reduce associated symptoms.
L. helveticus has the ability to modulate the immune system and support overall immune function. Some studies suggest that it may help stimulate the production of certain immune cells and promote a balanced immune response.
These are just a few examples of probiotic strains, and there are many more strains that may offer specific health benefits. It’s important to note that the effects of different strains can vary, and not all strains are suitable for every individual or health condition
Probiotic foods are natural food sources, mostly fermented food, that contain live beneficial probiotic bacteria or yeasts. These fermented foods can help promote healthy gut microbiota and provide potential health benefits.
Examples of probiotic-rich fermented foods:
Yogurt is one of the most well-known foods containing probiotics. Look for yogurts labeled as containing live and active cultures. Opt for plain, unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars. Greek yogurt and other traditional fermented yogurts often have higher amounts of probiotics.
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains a combination of bacteria and yeasts. It has a tangy flavor and a slightly thicker consistency than regular milk. Rich in probiotics, Kefir can be added to a drink or used in smoothies or salad dressings.
Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage that undergoes lactic acid fermentation. It is a source of beneficial bacteria, particularly the Lactobacillus species. Choose unpasteurized sauerkraut for maximum probiotic benefits.
Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish, typically made with cabbage, radishes, or other vegetables. It is spiced with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Kimchi contains a variety of probiotic strains and is known for its rich flavor and versatility.
Miso is a fermented soybean paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is made by fermenting soybeans with a fungus called koji and is often mixed with rice, barley, or other grains. Miso is a probiotic-rich food that adds depth of flavor to soups, dressings, and marinades.
Tempeh is a fermented soybean product originating from Indonesia. It is made by fermenting whole soybeans, which results in a firm, nutty-textured cake. Tempeh is a good source of probiotics and can be used as a meat substitute in various dishes.
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink made by fermenting sweetened black or green tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). It is known for its fizzy texture and tangy taste. Kombucha contains probiotics and is often flavored with fruits or herbs.
A source of probiotics is traditional pickles, fermented rather than made with vinegar. Pickles that have been naturally fermented in brine, such as lacto-fermented cucumbers or other vegetables.
Incorporating these probiotic foods into your diet can contribute to diverse and balanced gut microbiota. Remember to choose unpasteurized or minimally processed varieties to ensure the live cultures are preserved.
Specific probiotic strains can be ingested by eating Probiotic-rich foods but specific strains of probiotics can also be added to your daily diet with dietary supplements in the form of tablets or powders.
Probiotic supplements can play a key role in promoting a healthy, gut microbiome for several reasons:
Trillions of bacteria live in the gut, forming a complex ecology known as the gut microbiota. Poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and illness can all upset the equilibrium of this microbiota, resulting in digestive disorders and other health issues.
Probiotic supplements include specific strains of beneficial bacteria that aid in the restoration and rebalancing of the gut microbiota, resulting in a healthier and more diverse bacterial community.
Probiotics can help with digestion and absorption of nutrients. They create enzymes that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Furthermore, consuming probiotics frequently can increase the creation of short-chain fatty acids, which supply energy to the cells lining the colon and aid in the maintenance of a healthy gut environment.
The gut microbiota of good and harmful bacteria is critical for normal immune function, and a healthy gut microbiota of good and bad bacteria is essential.
Probiotics boost immune cell development and encourage the activity of beneficial gut bacteria, which can help guard against pathogens. Probiotic supplements can boost immune defenses and reduce infection risk factors by maintaining a healthy gut.
Probiotics alleviate symptoms of various digestive disorders, and health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diarrhea. Certain strains of probiotics have shown efficacy in reducing abdominal pain and bloating and improving bowel regularity in these conditions.
The gut-brain axis is the connection between the gut microbiome and the brain. Emerging research suggests that gut microbiota can influence brain function and mental health. Probiotic supplements have shown promise in improving symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by modulating the gut-brain axis.
Multiple studies and even more research have taken place to prove the effectiveness of probiotics on the human gut system. Whether it be probiotic supplements or probiotic rich-foods scientific evidence shows the good benefits on a gut microbiome.
A study showing the effects of probiotic supplementation on healthy people in 2018 suggested that probiotic supplementation in healthy adults can lead to transient improvement in gut microbiota concentration of supplement-specific bacteria.
Various factors can influence your body’s needing probiotics, including your general health status, lifestyle, and specific symptoms you may be experiencing. Here are some indicators that may suggest a potential need for probiotics to have a reduced risk of severe illness:
Digestive Issues:
If you frequently experience digestive problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion, it could be a sign that your gut microbiota is imbalanced. Probiotics may help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria and improve digestive health.
Antibiotic Use:
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, often resulting in digestive issues. Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics can help replenish the beneficial bacteria that may have been affected.
Weakened Immune System:
If you have a weakened immune system, either due to certain medical conditions or medication use, you may be more susceptible to infections. Probiotics can potentially support immune function and enhance your body’s natural defenses.
Traveler’s Diarrhea:
Traveling to regions with different food and water sources can increase the risk of developing traveler’s diarrhea. Probiotics, especially those with specific strains like Saccharomyces boulardii, have shown the potential in reducing the occurrence and severity of diarrhea in such cases.
Skin Issues:
Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and certain skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or rosacea. If you have persistent or recurrent skin issues, optimizing your gut health with probiotics may be worth considering.
Food Intolerances:
Intolerances of certain foods, particularly lactose intolerance, can be related to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Probiotics, especially strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, may aid in the digestion of lactose and improve tolerance.
Probiotics have been studied for their potential benefits in managing and improving various gut diseases. While their effectiveness may vary depending on the individual and specific circumstances,
Here are some gut diseases for which probiotics have shown promise:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
Probiotics, particularly certain strains such as Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, have been found to alleviate IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD):
Probiotics have been investigated as a complementary approach in managing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two main types of IBD. Certain strains, such as combinations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, have shown the potential to reduce disease activity and maintain remission.
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD):
Antibiotic medications can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria and lead to diarrhea. Probiotics, particularly Saccharomyces boulardii and various strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been found to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea by restoring beneficial microbes.
Infectious Diarrhea:
Probiotics have been studied for their potential to prevent or shorten the duration of infectious diarrhea caused by pathogens such as rotavirus, norovirus, and various bacterial strains. Specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii have shown promising results.
Helicobacter pylori Infection:
H. pylori is a bacterium associated with gastric ulcers and gastritis. While antibiotic treatment is the primary approach, certain probiotic strains, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, have been explored as complementary therapy to help eradicate H. pylori and reduce associated symptoms.
Diverticulitis:
Diverticulitis is the inflammation of small pouches in the colon. Probiotics, such as certain strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, have been investigated for their potential to reduce the frequency and severity of diverticulitis episodes.
Our gut health relies on probiotics and prebiotics for many beneficial reasons, but they play different roles and have distinct characteristics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Commonly found in certain foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented products, however, a probiotic can also be taken in the form of a daily dietary supplement.
These microorganisms, often strains of bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) or yeast (such as Saccharomyces boulardii), improve the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics can help with various gastrointestinal conditions, such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They may also support the immune system and aid in synthesizing vitamins and nutrients.
On the other hand, prebiotics is a dietary fiber that serves as a food source for the beneficial bacteria already in the gut.
Indigestible complex carbohydrates found in certain foods that exist naturally, such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, and whole grains are prebiotics and not living organisms.
They pass through the small intestine undigested and reach the colon, where the gut bacteria ferment them. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy for the cells lining the colon and promote a healthy gut environment. By nourishing the beneficial bacteria, prebiotics helps them thrive and maintain a balanced gut microbiota.
In summary, probiotics are live microorganisms that deliver beneficial bacteria into the gut, while prebiotics are non-living substances that serve as food for the existing beneficial bacteria. Both probiotics and prebiotics can be helpful for gut health and overall well-being, but they work in different ways.
It is also worth noting that some products contain both probiotics and prebiotics, referred to as synbiotics, which aim to provide a combination of benefits from both types.
These Are The Ingredients You’ll Find In Digestive Enzyme Blend With Makzyme-Pro™:
Fungal Protease From Aspergillus Oryzae
These fermented bacteria break down proteins.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
These probiotic bacteria produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the milk sugar lactose into lactic acid.
Lactobacillus Casei
These probiotic bacteria support digestive health, balanced inflammation, and weight management.
Lactobacillus Plantarum
These probiotic bacteria support digestive health, metabolism, optimal body weight, and balanced inflammation.
Bromelain
This pineapple-derived enzyme breaks down a broad spectrum of proteins.
Papain
A papaya-derived enzyme that supports the breakdown of small and large proteins.
Fungal Lipase
Converts triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Fungal Lactase
Converts triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Fungal Lipase
A dairy sugar that converts lactose to glucose.
Alpha Galactosidase
Helps with carbohydrate digestion.
Studies show that multi-strain formulas achieve better results than single-strain probiotics. This proprietary blend of 4 strains contains 40 billion CFU/g of probiotic bacteria. CFU stands for colony-forming units, which represents the number of live bacteria per serving. This level of probiotic protection is optimal for both daily uses and for the enhancement of overall health.
The formula uses the MAKTrek® 3-D Probiotic Delivery System to provide significant safeguards that help ensure better survival of the living beneficial probiotic bacteria. This patented system defends against stomach acids and provides a natural buffering system to protect the good bacteria while they are in transit in the digestive system.
This combination of enzymes and probiotics supports digestive health. This natural digestive enzyme supplement helps take the stress off the digestive organs, freeing up energy and decreasing digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, or occasional diarrhea or constipation. This all makes our probiotic supplement so great for gut health and nutrient absorption.
Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining gut health due to their numerous beneficial effects.
Probiotic Supplements help restore and maintain a balanced and diverse gut microbiota, which is essential for optimal gut health as they also support digestion and nutrient absorption by aiding in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
The immune system in the gut interacts with probiotics, promoting a balanced immune response and enhancing overall immune function preventing immune-related diseases as well as the prevention and management of other gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Probiotics produce beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which provide energy to the colon cells, support the gut barrier, and have anti-inflammatory effects, which also have a positive effect on the prevention and management of immune and gastrointestinal diseases.
Emerging research suggests a potential connection between probiotics, the gut-brain axis, and mental health, indicating a role in mood, anxiety, and stress management, however, it is important to choose the right probiotic strains and dosages based on individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional can help determine the best options.
Overall, taking probiotics, are essential for maintaining a healthy gut environment, supporting digestion, and immune function, and potentially influencing mental well-being.
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1 thought on “Why Probiotic Supplements are Key for a Healthy Gut”
Thanks for this well organized basic overview. It must have “taken some guts” to publish this. 😉