If you’re seeking the best probiotic for gut health, understanding what probiotics are, their benefits and potential side effects is essential. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed adequately, particularly for your digestive system. They are crucial in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is vital for overall health.
What Are Probiotics?
Good bacteria that live in your gut are known as probiotics. They’re crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function, maintaining an ideal balance of gut flora orderly.
The strains that are plentiful in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as dietary supplements include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
According to research, this microbiota is key to digestion and gut health and has been shown to bolster the immune system. (Source: BMJ)
What are the Probiotic Supplement Benefits?
Probiotics may reduce the population of “bad” bacteria in your gut that can cause illness or inflammation. They can also supplant those problem germs with good or helpful bacteria.
Research shows that taking probiotics can ensure the healthier bacteria that help rebalance the gut. (Source: Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health )
Scientists are investigating when and how probiotics would be most beneficial. Certain diseases have more research behind them than others. They might help people with:
- Diarrhea, particularly when associated with certain antibiotics. Probiotics may also be helpful for infectious diarrhea, particularly among children.
- Probiotics research indicates that probiotics might help regulate GI conditions such as IBS and IBD. (Source: PMC)
- Irritable bowel syndrome. “Probiotics can help with symptoms, such as stomach pain and bloating, which can improve because of less gas.”
Probiotics are also being studied to see if they can help with many other conditions. There isn’t a lot of research yet, but some people report that probiotics help with:
- Yeast Infection Prevention and Treatment
- Yeast Infection Prevention and Treatment
- Lactose intolerance
- Skin Diseases Such as Eczema
- Treatment for some stomach and respiratory infections, including children
- Treating allergies and asthma
- Reduction of Inflammation (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Outside your digestive tract, we know that your gut microbiome communicates with your brain, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Some scientists think the health of your gut microbiome may affect many aspects of your health, such as your:
- Mood and pain tolerance.
- Mental acuity and fatigue.
- Inflammation and immune surveillance.
- Metabolism, blood sugar, and storing fat.
All of this is still under active research, though. We don’t fully understand how it all works yet or what effects probiotics might have within these body systems, if any. There’s not enough evidence to draw solid conclusions, but enough for some healthcare providers to recommend trying them.
What are the Side Effects of Probiotics?
Skin problems
Probiotics can sometimes cause skin problems. You might get a rash or feel itchy. As per research by the European Society for Primary Care Gastroenterology, some people suffer from an itchy rash from probiotics. (Source: PubMed Central)
Do you have a rash or bad itching? Stop taking the probiotic. Look at the label on the package. See if there is anything listed that you are allergic to.
Increased risk of infection
Probiotics are mostly safe. But some people should not use them. This is true for kids and adults who are very sick. It is also true if their body has trouble fighting sickness. (Source: Using probiotics in clinical practice: Where are we now? A review of existing meta-analyses)
Safety Tips While Taking Probiotics
It is hard to take too many probiotics. There is not much proof it can happen. But always read the package label. Do not take more than the maker says you should.
How much should you take? It can be different for each person and for an individual’s health. It also depends on the kind of probiotic it is.
Does the probiotic cause problems? Do you feel sick? Think about taking less. Or stop taking it.
The Best Probiotic for Gut Health – ARRAVITE
When finding the best probiotic for gut health, ARRAVITE Probiotics Pro offers a range of high-quality supplements tailored to support your digestive system. Our probiotics for digestive comfort are formulated with clinically researched strains and designed for maximum efficacy. Incorporate ARRAVITE’s probiotics into your daily routine and take proactive steps toward a healthy gut microbiome and enhanced immunity and overall well-being.
References:
Ana M Valdes AP, Jens Walter, CAIP chair for nutrition, microbes, and gastrointestinal health, Eran Segal professor, Tim D Spector professor. Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. BMJ 2018; 361 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2179 (Published 13 June 2018)
Markowiak P, Śliżewska K. Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. Nutrients. 2017 Sep 15;9(9):1021. doi: 10.3390/nu9091021. PMID: 28914794; PMCID: PMC5622781.
Hungin APS, Mitchell CR, Whorwell P, Mulligan C, Cole O, Agréus L, Fracasso P, Lionis C, Mendive J, Philippart de Foy JM, Seifert B, Wensaas KA, Winchester C, de Wit N; European Society for Primary Care Gastroenterology. Systematic review: probiotics in the management of lower gastrointestinal symptoms - an updated evidence-based international consensus. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Apr;47(8):1054-1070. doi: 10.1111/apt.14539. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29460487; PMCID: PMC5900870.
Rondanelli M, Faliva MA, Perna S, Giacosa A, Peroni G, Castellazzi AM. Using probiotics in clinical practice: Where are we now? A review of existing meta-analyses. Gut Microbes. 2017 Nov 2;8(6):521-543. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2017.1345414. Epub 2017 Jul 21. PMID: 28640662; PMCID: PMC5730384.
