Probiotics: Your Questions Answered

There is a growing number of bacteria on your supermarket shelves this summer, and this kind won’t make you sick. Probiotic-infused products are on the rise for good reasons- to increase the amount of healthy bacteria in your gut. Not all bacteria is the kind that will cause an infection, probiotics are the kind of bacteria that helps your small intestine digest food. There has been a recent rise in the general public looking for products that will decrease bloat and improve gut health. Probiotics are a wonderful solution for all the above. The first question is, how do you know your gut health is in need of probiotics? 

The simple answer is, you can always use probiotics in your diet even if you have great gut health. Some signs that your gut health may need some extra love includes bloating, fatigue, new food intolerances or a frequent upset stomach. Probiotics will increase the good bacteria that your gut needs to digest foods and decrease the amount of bacteria that is causing gut irritation.

Believe it or not, there is a link between your gut and your brain. Serotonin, which is your happy hormone, is actually found primarily in the gut. If your gut health isn’t up to par, symptoms such as depression, anxiety and brain fog can result. This is because the gut bacteria actually produce most of the serotonin in your body. Not only will you be helping digest your food with probiotics but you will help keep depression and anxiety at a minimum. 

 Probiotics sound great! Now, where can you find them? 

Probiotics are found in fermented foods. This includes yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha. You can also ask your doctor about taking a probiotic supplement and which they recommend. There are also probiotic waters on the market that also include electrolytes, vitamins and minerals. Just be mindful about limiting yourself to one per day. 

Now that we know where to get probiotics, how do we enhance their benefits? Meet their trusty sidekick- prebiotics. Prebiotics are foods that increase the work of probiotics. If these are paired together or eaten in the same meal, it can do wonders for your gut health. Some prebiotic foods include mushrooms, asparagus, bananas, beans and legumes. 

Give your gut the love it deserves by adding probiotics and prebiotics into your diet everyday!