Many people in the health industry are focused on gut health these days. It has become a strong contender behind such things as weight loss and overall physical health. The one consistent role we see in gut health is the importance of probiotics.

But what are probiotics exactly? And how do they work to help restore your gut to its healthiest? 

Let’s take a deep dive into the world of probiotics so you can learn what they do to help digestion and how they work to keep your gut healthy.

What Are Probiotics, and What Do They Do in the Body?

Your gut has what’s called a microbiome, which consists of microbes that are both helpful and potentially harmful. The microorganisms that live there can affect each other and your body’s environment differently and make an impact on your health, particularly in your digestive system.

Probiotics are often called “friendly bacteria” by doctors and nutritionists because they work in tandem with your health. These microorganisms that live inside the digestive tract work to increase your immune system defense and also aid in digestion.

You should think of probiotics as helpful aids to your gut; they find a spot somewhere necessary to push away harmful substances and promote strength to the lining of your gut. Gut cleanse can help support immensely to ensure better absorption of the body when it comes to nutrients.

Probiotics have more to do than work to strengthen the gut and help digestion. They also communicate with your immune system and promote a better defense system against illness and disease. Much of your immunity is based on your gut strength.

Long-term use of probiotics can also be helpful to your overall health. It reduces bloating when you eat different foods, gives your gut the power to help keep you energized, and even improves your mood. 

Probiotics and Your Gut Health

There are a few specific reasons that probiotics help aid gut health and maintenance. Here are some advantages to incorporating a probiotic supplement in your diet and exercise regimen.

• Gut Maintenance: daily doses of probiotics support the absorption of essential nutrients for your body to ensure that you get the energy and nutrition you need from other things like a multivitamin.
• Imbalances: when dealing with our health, we often find ourselves dealing with things like anxiety and stress, which can affect our physical health. Medications and aging can also disrupt your gut’s health and cause an imbalance. When your stomach feels and becomes more imbalanced due to these factors, you often encounter digestive problems, reduced immunity, and mood swings. Probiotic supplements can restore the balance necessary to deal with these occurrences. 
• Irritable Bowl Syndrome relief: IBS is a condition that many people suffer from, and symptoms of the problem can vary. You might experience issues like constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating on a daily basis. Probiotics to help treat these symptoms have become popular due to their ability to reduce and, hopefully, eliminate these gut problems.

How to Choose The Right Probiotics For Gut Health

There are multiple probiotic supplements you can choose when focusing on your gut health. How can you figure out which ones are best for you? 

One of the first things you can do is have a discussion with your doctor or nutritionist about your desire to start a daily probiotic. They can provide helpful suggestions and recommendations on where to begin and what supplements may be the most beneficial for your gut health. 

It’s helpful if you look for products that are specially formulated for your gut’s health. Look for products that mention strain quantity (Colony Forming Units or CFUs) and also have a clinical backing or approval for consumption. Some foods contain probiotics too that you can incorporate into your diet, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt. 

Probiotics Aren’t For Everyone

Sometimes, your body may not be able to tolerate probiotic supplements. In those cases, you should turn to alternatives like the foods mentioned above or include things like fermented vegetables or bone broth to help promote better gut health. 

Integrating probiotics or probiotic-rich foods can play a critical role in achieving and maintaining the balance of your gut health. Your digestion can improve, you can have enhanced immunity, and you go through each day in a more uplifting mood. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional and educate yourself on the importance of including probiotics in your daily health care. 

Read more Health and Wellness articles from Green Living Magazine.

Header photo by Daily Nouri on Unsplash