For a lot of people, it is worth considering. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in your gut that help maintain digestive health and play a role in immune function. Whether a supplement makes sense for you specifically is a question for your provider, but here is what the research suggests and how to think about it.
Your lower intestinal tract is home to microbes that help digest food, keep less desirable bacteria in check, and interact with the immune system. When you are eating and living well, the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria generally keeps things running smoothly. Sometimes that balance is disrupted, which can contribute to diarrhea, constipation, and general digestive discomfort.
When the gut becomes imbalanced, supplemental probiotics are commonly used to:
Probiotics have also been studied in a number of other areas, including:
These are active research areas rather than settled conclusions. Findings often apply to specific strains at specific doses, and results vary from person to person. A probiotic is not a treatment for any of these conditions.
Probiotics are available as supplements and through certain foods. Foods containing natural probiotics include:
For many people, an oral supplement is the most practical way to get a consistent amount.
Strain matters more than the number on the front of the bottle. A well-formulated probiotic supplement will typically include at least these three bacterial strains:
L. acidophilus. Arguably the best known strain of the Lactobacillus species, it readily colonizes the walls of the small intestine. It supports nutrient absorption and helps with the digestion of dairy foods.
B. longum. Like L. acidophilus, B. longum is one of the most common bacteria found in the digestive tracts of adults, and it helps maintain the integrity of the gut wall. It is particularly active as a scavenger of toxins.
B. bifidum. Found in both the small and large intestine, this strain is important to the healthy digestion of dairy products, which matters more as you get older and your natural ability to digest dairy declines. B. bifidum also helps break down complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into smaller components the body can use more efficiently.
Gut health is one of the most common things patients in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Tequesta want to talk about, and supplements are only one piece of it. Our REPAIR healthy gut IV is designed around nutritional support for patients focused on digestive wellness, and micronutrient testing can show where your levels actually sit before you start adding supplements. You can also browse our full range of wellness treatments. Give us a call and our team can help you figure out what makes sense for you.
RevitalIV is located at 1317 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 100, Jupiter, FL 33458, serving patients from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County. Call (561) 406-2202 or book a consultation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a licensed healthcare provider about your individual health situation.
