Should you be taking a probiotic for your gut health or not...

Probiotic supplements are dietary supplements that contain live beneficial bacteria or yeast strains, intended to improve or restore the balance of the gut microbiota. They are often recommended for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), to improve bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea.  While research has found certain strains can offer certain benefits, they also come with potential drawbacks for some people. Here are the pros and cons of taking a probiotic supplement:
Pros:

1. Gut health improvement: Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestive health and reduce symptoms of IBS.  However, depending on what is driving your poor gut health or IBS, probiotic supplements may not offer any benefits. You may need to be improving the health and function of your gut cells first, as to help improve the environment for your beneficial bacteria to live. 
2. Immune system support: A healthy balance of gut microorganisms is linked to a stronger or better regulated immune system. Probiotics may help enhance the body's defense against infections and certain illnesses, as well see improvements with some skin complains including eczema. 
3. Reducing antibiotic-related side effects: Taking probiotics during or after a course of antibiotics may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal side effects caused by the disruption of gut bacteria. Note that combining this with a wide range or prebiotic foods will offer the best results. 
4. Prevention of vaginal infections: Certain probiotic strains may help prevent and manage vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Studies have found that certain strains of probiotics can inhibit the growth of group B Streptococcus (GBS - a common concern for late stage pregnancy and when giving birth) by increasing the acidity of the vaginal environment and supporting a healthy vaginal microbiome.
5. Potential mental health benefits: Although more research is needed, theory is that probiotics could potentially play a role in managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. This is due to the link between the gut, brain and mental health. 

Cons:

1. Results vary: Probiotic effects can vary widely among different people, and some may not experience any benefits from taking probiotic supplements. Getting advice from a gut health practitioner as to the best type of probiotic will give you your best chance if seeing positive results. Choosing the right strain for a specific health concern is crucial, and this requires knowledge and research.
2. Potential side effects: While probiotics are generally safe, some people can experience gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, or gas when starting a new probiotic supplement. Sometimes these side effects can subside. However, for some conditions, including Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), tolerance may not improve until gut health is restored through other strategies. 
3. Consider age suitability: Probiotic supplements often contain very high amounts of live microorganisms, as well as 'excipients', which are inactive ingredients added for a range of purposes. It may be best for a breastfed baby under 6 months old to have the probiotic filtered through their Mother's breastmilk rather than giving directly to the baby. While dose recommendations are often given for children of all ages, the recommendations can be much higher than needed and overstimulation of the gut nay occur.  
4. Lack of regulation: The probiotic supplement market is not tightly regulated, and the quality and efficacy of products can vary significantly. It's essential to choose supplements from reputable brands.
5. Continued use may be needed: Probiotic supplements offer benefits only while they are being taken. For some people, their use may correct an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, and for  others it may not be offering enough support.

Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet, like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, is a natural way to get beneficial bacteria into your gut and support gut health.  

If you feel worse eating cultured and fermented probiotic-rich foods and / or taking a probiotic supplement, or are not receiving the results you are hoping for with the ones you have tried, I recommend that you invest in a consultation to talk through your gut health concerns and to have a thorough plan established. I would be honoured to help support you to get your gut feeling happier in as simple and efficient process as possible. 

Warmest,
​Amanda Moon x