However, probiotics may causediarrheaand other side effects in some people.
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What Are Probiotics?
Probioticsare live microorganisms found in certain foods and dietary supplements that are thought to provide health benefits when consumed.
Alina Bitta / Getty Images
Your body is full of bacteria and other good and potentially harmful microorganisms.
Your gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms found in your gut.
Probiotics alter yourgut microbiomeby increasing the number of good microorganisms and restoring balance.
This leaves you with more beneficial microorganisms and fewer potentially harmful ones living in your gut.
A balanced gut microbiome is critical to your overall health.
Research shows that an unbalanced gut microbiome may increase the risk of certain health conditions.
However, scientists are still trying to understand this relationship.
A poorly balanced microbiome may also make some existing health conditions worse.
This is especially true for gastrointestinal disorders likeinflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Probiotics are most often used for digestive health, but they may also have other benefits and uses.
Research on these and other uses of probiotics is still emerging.
Some of the research behind popular probiotic uses is outlined below.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
IBD is chronic, and there is no cure for it for now.
However, remission can be achieved with the help of certain treatments and lifestyle changes.
Probiotics are one potential treatment option for people living with IBD.
Gutdysbiosis(or the imbalance of microorganisms in the gut) is common in people with IBD.
Evidence suggests that probiotics containingLactobacillus,Bifidobacterium,or certain probiotic combinations may induce remission in people with IBD.
According to one systematic review and meta-analysis,specific probiotic strains can mitigate IBS.
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotic use.
This is because antibiotics can disturb the balance of microorganisms in the microbiome.
Probiotics may also prove useful for people who are treated with antibiotics in an outpatient setting.
Based on the included studies,LactobacillusrhamnosusandSaccharomyces boulardiiwere most effective in preventing AAD.
Recent research results point to the potential role ofprobiotics in immune systemsupport.
One review of current evidence concluded that probiotics interact with immune cells found in the gut.
It’s believed that probiotics positively change gut immune cells, leading to more immune response activation.
However, researchers are still trying to understand this relationship fully.
Researchers suggested that probiotics may help to support the immunity of both healthy and diseased patients.
Overall, more research is necessary regarding the role of probiotics in immune system support in humans.
Various studies have found a link between poor gut health and poormental health.
Studies also suggest that probiotics may effectively treat gut and mental health.
However, the use of probiotics for mental health is not yet widely accepted due to inconsistent research results.
One meta-analysis reported beneficial effects of probiotics on mild to moderatedepression.
Overall, studies included in the meta-analysis reported significant effects of probiotics on depression symptoms.
Researchers admit, though, that further studies in this area are necessary.
Where Can You Find Probiotics?
Probiotics can be found in foods, beverages, and dietary supplements.
The process of fermentation requires microorganisms.
Thus,fermented foods, like yogurt, contain probiotic microorganisms that may benefit the gut microbiome.
Sometimes, however, these probiotics may be lost during food processing.
These foods and drinks include:
Dietary supplements are another source of probiotics.
you’re free to find probiotic supplements in capsules, powders, gummies, tablets, and liquids.
Probiotic supplements are sold online and in various grocery and retail stores.
Are Probiotics Right for You?
Probiotics may be a good option for many people but not everyone.
Including probiotic food sources in your diet is always a good idea.
For example, regularly consuming probiotic-rich yogurt or Greek yogurt may benefit gut health.
For some people, regular probiotic use may help treat certain health conditions.
However, not everyone should use probiotics.
People who are severely ill orimmunocompromised(i.e., have an improperly functioning immune system) should avoid probiotics.
Because of their live microorganisms, probiotics may increase the risk of infections or other illnesses in these populations.
The use of probiotics in preterm infants may also be unsafe.
The FDA has recently issued a warning regarding rare instances of severe infections in preterm infants who receive probiotics.
Some cases have even been fatal.
Special Considerations When Taking Probiotics
Probiotics are generally considered safe to use.
Potential side effects of probiotics are reportedly mild and rare and tend to affect the gastrointestinal system.
These side effects include:
Typically, these side effects should disappear after your body adjusts to the probiotics.
However, if side effects persist, you may want to talk with a healthcare provider.
Rarely, probiotics may also lead to infections, producing harmful substances or antibiotic resistance.
Probiotics may be more likely to increase the risk of infection in those who are seriously ill or immunocompromised.
For this reason, these populations should avoid using probiotics.
Additionally, probiotics may interact with certain medications or other supplements.
Summary
Probiotics are microorganisms that are thought to provide health benefits.
you’ve got the option to find probiotics in various foods and dietary supplements.
Probiotics may not be suitable for everyone.
Talk with a healthcare provider before starting probiotics to ensure they’re a safe option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although probiotics may treat diarrhea, they may also cause diarrhea.
Some studies have reported diarrhea in both children and adults who use probiotics.
However, diarrhea is a rare side effect.
Gas and abdominal pain are more common side effects of taking probiotics.
The majority of probiotics arebacteria, but some are yeasts.
Common probiotic bacteria includeLactobacillusandBifidobacterium, but other bacteria may be present in probiotic products.
Probiotics sold as dietary supplements are mostly unregulated by the FDA.
On the other hand, probiotic foods are regulated by the FDA just like any other food product.
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