Probiotics…Why all the Hype?
The microbiome, or community of microorganisms, in our intestinal tract has gained recognition as being an important aspect of health, wellness and longevity. As a result, the popularity of probiotics which are either a supplement or food that contain healthy strains of intestinal microorganisms, has exploded in recent years. The most common types of probiotics are bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus, but there are also some strains of healthy e-coli or even yeast that can provide probiotic benefits, such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
Probiotics work by restoring and maintaining the balance of microorganisms in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, a poor diet, stress, and certain medical conditions. When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to a variety of health issues. Research has shown that probiotics may be beneficial for a range of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, eczema, and allergies. Probiotics may also have a positive impact on mental health, as the gut microbiome is connected to the brain via the gut-brain axis.
Most people believe that probiotics are taken to “seed” the gut to re-establish a healthy intestinal microbiome. In actuality, probiotics reside temporarily in our gut and help to promote an intestinal terrain that supports similar healthy microorganisms that are already present in our gut or that we ingest through our diet. In Marsden Centre’s Feb/March newsletter you can download our essential guide to probiotics that go over their value, the importance of prebiotics and postbiotics and how best to know which probiotics are right for you.