Do I Need a Probiotic for a Healthy Gut?
Probiotics are a hot topic right now. Collectively, it seems everyone is beginning to realize the importance of a healthy gut for reducing inflammation and improving immunity - and with that notion is the ever-growing popularity of probiotics. But are they necessary? Well, the short answer is: it depends.
If you’re new here, let me take a minute to introduce myself. I’m Nicole, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist whose specialty is helping others live anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting, low-toxin lifestyles. If this resonates with you, then keep on reading.
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What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are over the counter supplements that contain different strains of bacteria you would normally find in a healthy gut. The idea is that poor gut health can be linked to the depletion of these bacteria in the gut, and probiotics are a way to replenish the supply to (hopefully) restore the balance you need for better digestion.
Are all probiotics the same?
No. Probiotics will vary in the number of cultures they contain, the combinations of cultures, and, most importantly, quality. It’s said by some that many of the cultures in probiotics on the shelves today don’t even survive the trip from your mouth to your gut, deeming them completely ineffective! Doing your research to understand what strains of cultures the probiotic contains, the quality, and survivability of the cultures is highly recommended.
Should I be taking a probiotic?
This is where I tell you, it depends. Are you experiencing constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach after meals, gas, bloating, or any other symptoms of digestive distress? Are you experiencing inflammed joints or mood issues that could be linked to the gut such as anxiety or depression? Or are you noticing a weakened immune system is causing you to catch every single cold that goes around lately? If you’ve answered yes to any of these your first step should always be to talk to your doctor and ask about supplementing with a probiotic. But if you’re experiencing absolutely none of these symptoms, it’s very likely that a probiotic isn’t necessary at all.
Are there alternatives to taking probiotics?
Absolutely! Taking a probiotic can be an excellent way to supplement and restore your gut health, but it can also be expensive and might take some time to figure out which brand works for you. Remember, everyone’s issues with gut health are unique and a probiotic that worked wonders for Sally may throw off Susie’s digestion entirely. If you’d rather avoid spending unnecessary time and money trying out different supplements, you can start by incorporating probiotic-rich foods. Here are some you can start with:
Yogurt (I recommend dairy-free and unsweetened, as dairy and sugar can harm gut health)
Kimchi
Sauerkraut
Kombucha
Miso
Pickled foods (picked onions, ginger, etc.)
If I wanted to try a probiotic, where can I start?
Again, I always recommend talking to your doctor first. Your doctor may be able to test your stool and give you some clearer insight as to what specifically is off in your gut. This will save you a lot of time.
If you’re ready to go ahead and select a probiotic, I do have some recommendations based on my own research. These brands have particularly high standards and understand the complexity of immunity and gut health. They value themselves on the quality of their products and you’re not going to find a bunch of weird additives. My top probiotic brands are:
So, let’s recap: probiotics are supplements that can help to restore a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. They can be incredibly beneficial to anyone experiencing imbalances but are likely unnecessary if you’re not. You can restore your balance of gut bacteria by making changes to diet or supplementing. Finally, you want to be picky about which supplements you use, and my personal recommendations are Ritual, Just Thrive, and Love Wellness.
If you want to get serious about restoring your immune health and fighting inflammation, download my FREE anti-inflammation and immunity boosting guide and get started today!
Until next time…
-Nicole