Why You Should Be Pro-Probiotic

When you hear “bacteria,” you might think of something harmful, but that’s not always the case. Some bacteria, known as probiotics, are actually good for you and can help support your health in powerful ways. 

The word “probiotic” comes from Greek and Latin roots meaning “for life,” and these beneficial microbes truly live up to their name. Probiotics work to promote well-being by helping balance your digestive system and supporting your immune function. It’s time to give good bacteria the credit they deserve.

Put Your Digestive Tract on the Right Track

Your digestive tract should contain a balance of good and bad bacteria. Because of the abundance of bad bacteria you're exposed to in your everyday environment, taking in probiotics (the good bacteria) can help you better reach this balance and keep your digestive tract healthy:

• Probiotics protect the gut wall, which surrounds the gut and is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Healthy bacteria aid the gut wall in fighting off the overgrowth of bad bacteria and help prevent gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses.
• Going through irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? You may benefit from supplementing bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, two types of good bacteria that are naturally found in the colon. Research has shown that taking a probiotic supplement may help alleviate the symptoms of IBS and other GI conditions, such as diarrhea.

Let Your Immune System Live Up to Its Potential

Your immune system can be enhanced through the use of probiotics. They help offset the effects of germs and assist the immune system in fending off:

• Infections
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Diarrhea

How Can You Eat More Probiotics?

You can eat any of the several foods containing these good bacteria. The most commonly recognized food is yogurt. Other probiotic-rich foods include:

• Kefir: A mixture of milk and fermented grains, kefir contains antioxidants and the probiotic bifidobacterium.
• Dark chocolate: The richest kinds have four times as much probiotic power as many dairy products do.
• Sauerkraut: This contains live cultures that are good for our GI health, is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, and can tame several allergy symptoms.
• Miso soup: Used as a medicine in Japanese culture, its probiotic characteristics may provide a variety of nutrients. Research in lab animals showed that miso may potentially prevent the effects of carcinogen exposure by reducing precancerous changes and colon cancer. Miso may lower the impact of environmental pollution on overall health. Keep in mind that miso is high in salt so use it in moderation.

What About Supplements?

There is a multitude of supplements you can purchase as well. But what constitutes an effective, high-quality probiotic supplement? A few things:

• It's long-lasting.
• It has a track record of surviving the journey through the stomach and into the intestine and then thriving in the intestine.
• The container it comes in has specific directions on how much to include in a dose.
• It's strain specific.

Let's clarify the last bullet. The label on your supplement most likely tells you what types of good bacteria it contains. If it doesn't, don't buy it! These classifications of bacteria are called strains, and one of the most consistently effective strains has the name lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 (the DDS-1 is an important part).  

The pros (pun intended) typically do outweigh the cons when it comes to taking probiotic supplements. But if you're thinking about taking probiotic supplements, talk with your doctor first. Not all supplements are required to be FDA approved and, therefore, don't have to go through extensive testing like other drugs. Also, your doctor may want to check you for conditions, such as a weakened immune system, which could prevent you from reacting well to these supplements.

Time to be Proactive!

Now, it's time for you to utilize these good bacteria and help prepare your body for the future. Speak with your doctor or registered dietician about what may be the best option for you when it comes to taking probiotics.