Probiotics have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! Probiotics have been attributed to a plethora of health benefits, such as improved energy levels, improved digestive health, and an improved mood overall. And who could blame you for having a better mood – an unhealthy gut can cause undue stress, constant discomfort, and the occasional embarrassing symptom.
The incredible complexity of the gut and its importance to overall health is an ongoing field of research, with new and exciting information around every corner. What we do know is that the average person has somewhere between 300-500 species of microorganism in their digestive tract at any given moment. In essence, greater diversity of microorganisms has a strong, clinically-proven link with improved gut, brain, and even heart health – among much more.
Found in fermented foods and supplements, probiotics are species of "good" bacteria that you can introduce to your digestive tract to help maintain gut health and support a healthy immune system. Good sources of probiotics include:
- Yogurt, Kefir, and other dairy products
- Kimchi, Sauerkraut, and other fermented food products
- Some skincare/cosmetic products
- Probiotic Supplements
Interested in adding probiotics to your lifestyle, but not too keen on sauerkraut and kimchi? A probiotic supplement could be the answer. While there are many types of bacteria found in different probiotic supplements, bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium category are the most popular.
Probiotics and Women’s Health
Probiotics provide a number of benefits for all people, but women may especially appreciate the wide-ranging impacts of more diverse gut bacteria. Studies show that women are more likely to suffer from digestive problems, often in relation to menstrual discomfort, vaginal microbacteria and/or acidity, and fluctuating levels of hormones. Maintaining a healthy bacterial balance through it all is of the utmost importance.
Our intestinal tract is highly populated with bacteria. Ensuring that the ratio of good bacteria is high can greatly improve your gut health and digestion and can help counter the impact of unhealthy bacteria. Probiotics can help you achieve this. Moreover, a healthy gut has far-reaching effects on your body too apart from just metabolism and digestion. A healthy gut has been linked to improved skin health, a less bloated stomach, and improved energy levels.
Probiotics could contribute towards improved mental health
Many scientists agree there is a clear correlation between your gut and your brain, which applies to your gastrointestinal system. The gut-brain axis is the name given to this relation (GBA). It connects the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, which contains your brain and spinal cord [1]. To demonstrate the potential effects of the gut bacterium on your mental health, a report in 2016 concluded that people who ate 100g of probiotic yogurt per day or took a probiotic supplement every day showed overall improved health with more regulated moods that are generally more positive. [2]
Of late, several researchers have based their focus on a subset of probiotics known as psychobiotics. This is a subtype of probiotics that primarily contains bacteria that may be able to help support an overall healthy mood.
Probiotics can help with losing weight in a healthy way
If you are looking to maintain a healthy weight, probiotics can be a useful tool. A 2016 study published in Nutrition & Metabolism has shown that there are numerous probiotic strains that help to minimize weight gain and lower the chance of obesity. The strains of any kind of HY7601, Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601, Lactobacillus Plantarum KY1032, and Pediococcus pentosaceus LP28, among several others, are included. The same study also linked the use of probiotics to support the overall health of the liver. [3]
The mechanisms through which probiotics help maintain weight and get rid of excess fat remain unclear. It seems however that probiotics have an effect on food intake and the consumption of energy by generating short-chain fatty acids such as acetate, butyrate, as well as propionate, that keep you feeling satiated and energized for a lot longer after meals.[4]
Moreover, certain probiotics are believed to prevent dietary fat from being absorbed by the body. This leads to more fat being excreted from the body. In other words, probiotics assist the body to “extract” fewer calories from the diet consumed.[5]
Shop with BioSchwartz for the perfect all-around probiotic.
From immune to brain health, it all starts with a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut — which can easily be thrown off by diet, stress, antibiotics and even not getting enough sleep. BioSchwartz Advanced Strength Prebiotic + Probiotic stands above the rest, primarily because of the focus on fostering microbacterial diversity.
Beyond introducing probiotic species directly to the gut, our Advanced Strength formula also includes prebiotics; the “food” needed to nourish new types of bacteria and continue your body’s pursuit of a diverse microbiome beyond the strains included. Whole food digestive enzymes help restore and maintain that balance, while enabling your system to deliver much needed nutrients throughout your body.
Not sure if our Probiotic is for you? Already have a probiotic-rich diet, but still experiencing a problematic gut? Consider our other industry-leading digestive supplements!
