Are probiotics helpful, and do they work? Probiotic supplements can benefit the gut microbiome as 20 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive disorders like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and more.
Up to one hundred trillion bacteria, fungi, and viruses can be found in the gut microbiome in the digestive tract. Antibiotic usage, excessive sugar consumption, and inactivity can all lead to unhealthy microbiomes. On the other hand, consuming nutrient-dense foods, getting ample amounts of sunlight, and using superior gut health supplements, like probiotics, prebiotics, or immunobiotics, can help one maintain the health of their microbiome.
Experts generally agree that probiotics effectively reduce certain ailments and stomach discomfort. Other health claims show promise but are yet to be proven, including the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, respiratory infection, urinary tract infections, obesity, metabolic disorders, and food allergies. Moreover, probiotics may help reduce the symptoms and side effects of neurodevelopmental disorders, colorectal cancer, chemotherapy, depression, and stress.
Illness, antibiotic use, and other factors can offset the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system. While taking probiotic supplements may help with consistent upset stomach, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and heartburn, talk to your doctor or dietician before making significant changes to your diet or starting a new supplement, for taking too many probiotics may backfire.
Source: Nouri