A healthy gut starts with a healthy gut microbiome.
Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being, and probiotics play a key role in achieving this balance. These living microorganisms offer numerous health benefits by enhancing gut health, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system. However, not all bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract are beneficial, and an imbalance can lead to issues like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nutrient deficiencies, known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). So how can you ensure you're getting the right type, quality, and dosage of probiotics in the right areas of your gut?
Ultimately the best way to consume probiotics is through probiotic-rich foods such as fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi. Eating a few tablespoons a day of these foods is a great way to maintain a good gut flora. The benefits of consuming probiotics through food vs a supplement are: consuming nutrients through food allows the body to modulate what it needs and the diversity of the probiotic strains is much more than what we would find in a supplement.
At times, if the gut is under a significant amount of stress, a supplement can be a great option because it will have a few targeted healing strains at high quantities. When selecting a probiotic supplement, several factors should be considered. Look for specific strains of bacteria that are included, as different strains offer different benefits. Check the number of live organisms (CFUs) in each capsule, aiming for a therapeutic dose (20+ billion CFUs) that can effectively populate the gut. It's also important to choose products manufactured by reputable companies with a focus on research and quality. Check out our preferred probiotic that we carry in the office - Ortho Molecular "Ortho Biotic".
In addition to probiotics, prebiotics are crucial for supporting a healthy gut. These compounds act as food for beneficial bacteria and can be found in various sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fermented foods. Consuming a diverse range of prebiotic-rich foods ensures a steady supply of nourishment for gut bacteria, promoting their growth and activity.
Apart from dietary considerations, supporting gut health involves adopting certain habits. Reducing stress levels through practices like meditation or yoga can positively impact gut health. Stress has a profound effect on the gut-brain axis and can disrupt the natural balance of gut flora. There are numerous food additives that contribute to gut microbiome breakdown such as: food dye, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, alcohol, refined sugars and processed grains. Eliminating or minimizing the consumption of foods containing these ingredients can drastically improve your health and the health of your gut. Additionally, it's important to avoid any unnecessary use of antibiotics, as they can disrupt the delicate gut microbiome.
By incorporating high-quality probiotics, consuming probiotic/prebiotic-rich foods, and adopting habits that support gut health, you can improve the balance of your gut flora and enhance overall well-being. Prioritizing these proactive measures will help you achieve and maintain a healthy gut, leading to improved digestion, stronger immunity, and better overall health. I can help you navigate this process by tailoring a treatment plan to your needs and unique lifestyle factors. Let's work together to build a healthier you!