The Benefits of Probiotics: A Healthier Gut for a Happier You

Patients often ask me about the benefits of probiotics and if I recommend using them. There’s no easy “yes” or “no” answer.

There are certainly times when probiotics for gut health may be appropriate and important for patients. But the truth about probiotics is that no single product ranks as “best.” And we still have a lot to learn about them.

The Gut Microbiome

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains a wide array of microorganisms: bacteria, yeasts, benign viruses and parasites, and other pathogens. We refer to this collection of microbes as the microbiome.

If you’re like me, then you probably find it a little unsettling to discover that there are bacteria living and thriving inside you! Rest assured, though, that these bacteria aren’t just a normal part of life, but they’re often beneficial. For example, they help extract vitamins and minerals from your food, and they can keep harmful microbes from gaining a foothold and causing health problems.

We benefit the most from having a diverse array of these healthy microbes in our gut. Unfortunately, this is where the majority of probiotics come up short. Here’s the truth about probiotics: A typical product features just a single type of microorganism. For instance, a Lactobacillus supplement may advertise that it contains hundreds of different strains, but they’re all still Lactobacillus.

Probiotics with greater biodiversity are yet to come.

The Truth About Probiotics

While we know diversity in the GI tract is vital, medical science is still studying what occurs in our guts and what a healthy microbiome contains. Many bacteria and other microbes that live in the intestinal tract don’t survive once they’re outside the body, so we’re unable to sample them or easily grow them in an incubator.

Until we have firm answers about the benefits of probiotics, it’s challenging to know which microbes to supplement or replace… and which probiotics to recommend.

Another puzzle: Your microbiome is fairly unique in its makeup, but we don’t yet have a way to take a saliva, blood, or stool sample that can accurately verify your GI tract’s components.

So, when it comes to probiotics for gut health, what’s good for one person’s gut might not be effective for another’s. We must learn what works best for each individual through trial and error.

When a Prebiotic Makes Sense

Before choosing a probiotic or supplement, it may be helpful to first consider a prebiotic.

Prebiotics consist of undigestible fiber. Unlike a probiotic, this fiber supports more than a single strain of bacteria, encouraging robust biodiversity in the gut.

Although your body doesn’t absorb prebiotics, they offer healthy gut flora plenty of nourishment as they pass through the GI tract. In fact, some of the benefits people imagine they see from their probiotic may actually come from a prebiotic fiber it contains.

Prebiotics are not for everyone. If you’re sensitive to fiber, a prebiotic might upset your stomach, especially if there’s already a significant amount of flora in the small intestine. Again, only trial and error can tell.

Shopping Probiotics for Gut Health

You may have noticed that doctors often hesitate to prescribe antibiotics. One reason is that antibiotics don’t just kill the bacteria that’s causing your sinus infection or bronchitis, they also wipe out the healthy bacteria in your GI tract. This disruption can leave your stomach and intestines somewhat undefended from harmful bacteria like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which causes colitis and diarrhea.

For patients who must take an antibiotic, I often recommend Florastor® Dual Action Probiotic Supplement (Saccharomyces boulardii). Studies show this supplement can diminish gastrointestinal distress.

For a deeper dive into various probiotics and their purpose, peruse this thorough reference website, Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products. Its reviewers consider the research and evidence behind probiotics currently available in the U.S. for a variety of health conditions and offer levels of recommendation.

When you browse for probiotics, you’ll notice they come in different types — such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium — each with distinct benefits. Read labels carefully. Although the product may claim to have “1,000 different strains,” those strains may actually be all Lactobacillus or all Bifidobacteria.

Lactobacillus is present in products like Culturelle® and Visbiome® and is also available in generic form. Strains are designated by an “L.” For instance:

• L. acidophilus
• L. rhamnosus
• L. plantarum
• L. paracasei
• L. delbrueckii

Products designated by a “B.” feature strains of beneficial Bifidobacteria.

An intriguing newer product, Pendulum Akkermansia, promises to reinforce or replace the mucin layer of the gut lining. Further research will gauge its effectiveness over time.

Benefits of Probiotics Through Food

Yogurt, kefir, and other foods rich in active cultures, such as kombucha, are beneficial for gut health because of their probiotic content. These foods can keep gut flora in strong working order and support immune system activity.

High-fiber prebiotic foods — fruits, vegetables, legumes — also help feed the microbiome’s healthy bacteria.

Certain foods, however, will feed the unhealthy bacteria, particularly sugars and sugar alcohols (artificial sweeteners). If you’re ever in need of a laugh, search online for customer reviews of sugar-free gummy bears sweetened with maltitol — many are quite colorful!

Are Probiotics Right for Your Gut Health?

Although probiotics offer many benefits, they may not be a good fit for everyone, particularly if they cause or aggravate GI symptoms. Your doctor can help you determine what’s best for your needs.

If you’re thinking about using a probiotic, consider these tips:

• Read packages carefully. Look for a diverse array of good bacteria in the products you browse.
• Be wary of off-brands. Select a highly reputable brand with science-backed ingredients.
• Check expiration dates on packages that may have sat on the shelf for a while.
• Share your choice with your Signature Healthcare physician for an informed medical opinion about brands you’re interested in and their content. We can also ensure there’s no conflict with other supplements or medications you take.

The Future Benefits of Probiotics

The medical community is just beginning to truly understand the human microbiome and the benefits of probiotics. Research into this huge frontier is in its infancy, but it’s vigorous in scope.

For example, locally, NC State researchers have engineered a new strain of Lactobacillus that helps lessen GI inflammation. And studies at Duke have focused on the effect of probiotics on COVID-19.

A decade from now, probiotics may help conquer certain diseases and improve our lives immeasurably. Today, we can reference an old parable:

“You have two wolves inside you, one bad and one good. The one you nurture is the one that survives.”

Your Signature Healthcare team is here to help you nurture your gut for long-range health benefits. Let’s stay in touch!