Probiotics for Gut Health
Before you reach for your probiotic, consider this…
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, that are intended to have health benefits when consumed. These beneficial bacteria are naturally found in your digestive tract and help maintain the balance of gut flora, which is essential for proper digestion and immune function. Probiotics are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and supplements.
The Benefits of Probiotics
The primary purpose of probiotics is to support digestive health. Some of the well-known benefits include:
Promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria: They help replenish beneficial bacteria, especially after disruptions such as antibiotic use.
Supporting digestion: Probiotics can aid in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and maintaining healthy bowel movements.
Enhancing immune function: A large portion of the immune system resides in the gut, and probiotics play a role in supporting its function.
Managing conditions like IBS: Certain strains of probiotics have shown promise in managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders.
Why I don’t recommend probiotics as a starting place for all gut-based issues
While probiotics have clear benefits, they may not always be the right solution—especially if you’re experiencing acute gut issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms often stem from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, such as an overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeast.
Without properly understanding the root cause of your digestive issues, taking probiotics could exacerbate the problem. For example, if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or candida overgrowth, adding more bacteria to the mix can fuel the overgrowth, making symptoms worse. It’s crucial to identify the underlying imbalance before introducing probiotics into your routine.
Probiotic Considerations
If you do decide to use probiotics, it’s important to be mindful of the following factors:
Choosing the right brand: Not all probiotics are created equal. Be sure to select a high-quality, reputable brand with research-backed strains.
Storage and distribution: Over-the-counter probiotics may not be stored or transferred properly, which can affect the potency and effectiveness of the product. Opt for brands that are transparent about how their products are handled.
Third-party testing: Look for probiotics that undergo third-party testing to ensure the quality and efficacy of the ingredients.
Absorption and delivery: The form in which probiotics are delivered (e.g., capsules, powders, or liquids) affects how well they are absorbed in the body. Some probiotic strains need to survive stomach acid to be effective, so it’s important to choose products designed with this in mind.
Test, Don’t Guess
When it comes to probiotics, testing before you start supplementing is key. Instead of guessing what your gut needs, we recommend using functional lab tests like Organic Acid Tests (OAT) and comprehensive stool tests to get a better sense of what’s happening in your gut. These tests can help identify bacterial imbalances, yeast overgrowth, or other underlying causes of your gut symptoms.
Probiotics can also be used therapeutically after taking antibiotics, which tend to wipe out both good and bad bacteria in the gut. In these cases, introducing specific strains of probiotics can help replenish your gut microbiome. However, taking probiotics as a daily supplement without knowing your gut health status could do more harm than good.
Get Expert Help with Calibrate’s Gut Balance Program
At Calibrate Health & Wellness, we offer a variety of gut-based tests to help you uncover the root of your chronic gut challenges. Our personalized Gut Balance Program uses data-driven protocols and lab testing to create a customized action plan that addresses your unique needs.
Doors open on November 1st for our Gut Balance Program! Schedule your free consultation and secure your spot today.
xx, Lauren