If you are concerned about your gut health and want to take a probiotic you may be asking, “Is taking probiotics worth it?”. The answer is maybe…
Probiotics are live, friendly bacteria that help our digestive tract work properly. They occur naturally in fermented foods but can also be taken in supplement form. You most likely think of yogurt and have seen names like ‘Lactobacillus’ or ‘Bifidobacterium’.
Probiotics can help with reducing the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), eczema, immunity, etc…
How do you know if you need a probiotic?
- Taken an antibiotic within the last 2 years
- Acid reflux/GERD
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Bloating
- Food sensitivities
- Skin issues like eczema
- Etc…
How do I pick a supplement?
The best is to just eat probiotic rich foods! Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, pickles, and traditional buttermilk.
As far as supplements, I have some listed on my Amazon page HERE. It is less to do with how many different bacterias are in your supplement and better to look for a good quality one even if it doesn’t have as many different types of bacteria.
MindbodyGreen explains some of the different probiotics
- Lactobacillus bacteria predominantly live in your small bowel (the portion of your gut that follows the stomach). Probiotics that contain Lactobacillus species help to repopulate the small intestine with these friendly organisms that aid in supporting digestion and immune function.*
- The Bifidobacteria (Bifidus) bacteria predominantly live in your colon or large intestine. They produce the very important short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which supplies energy to your colon cells to keep them functioning optimally. But butyrate is also absorbed by the body, where it regulates a variety of metabolic processes, including your sensitivity to the hormone insulin (which regulates your blood sugar) and even memory formation in the brain.*
- Saccharomyces is a friendly yeast that I often consider for people who have been on antibiotics. This yeast promotes the health of the intestinal lining, helping support healthy tight junctions and protect from gut microbial imbalance.* S. boulardii can also outcompete other unfriendly yeast that is cohabitating in the gut.
A few other things to consider:
- Get tested by a naturopath or holistic provider. Better to test not guess. Supplements are expensive.
- Diversity in your diet is one of the best ways to supplement naturally. Some providers recommend just blending a bunch of veggies, straining, and then taking small shots of the juice during the week.
- Food sensitivities- if you are really struggling during pregnancy/postpartum with digestion, removing dairy and gluten for a few months can help. Sometimes it isn’t that you are allergic/intolerant but rather your body is just inflamed and stressed.
- Watch out for binders/fillers in your supplement.
- Store your supplements appropriately. Some need refrigeration or have a shorter shelf life.
Still, have questions?? Looking for some 1:1 support?
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