What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are becoming an essential part of a proper gut health regimen. Here’s how they work. Your gastrointestinal tract (otherwise called your gut) is filled to the brim with trillions of tiny microbes. Many of the bacteria and yeasts that make up your microbiome are quite good for you. However, others can be somewhat harmful and could lead to serious health issues.
For optimal health, your good gut microbes should outnumber the bad. This is where probiotics come into play. Probiotics are useful microorganisms that support healthy gut bacteria.1
You can get take in probiotics either through eating probiotic foods like kimchi or sauerkraut or through taking dietary supplements. But as a reminder, you should always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, including supplements.2
History Of Probiotics
One could say the history of probiotics began 2000 years ago when ancient Greek physician Hippocrates declared that “bad digestion is the root of all evil.” The word probiotic actually comes from combining the Latin prefix “pro” with the Greek suffix “βιοσ.” The literal translation means “for life.”
Over the years, the term has assumed several meanings. Still, in the early 1990s, editor and researcher Roy Fuller defined probiotics as “a live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host by supporting its intestinal microbial balance.”3 The definition sticks today.4
Potential Health Benefits Of Probiotics
Since Metchnikoff, probiotics have been viewed as having positive influences on human health.5† There are various strains of probiotic bacteria. The list below covers a few of the most effective strains and their potential to support your gut health.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus – While there are many probiotics strains, experts consider L. acidophilus to be among the most essential. Typically, L. acidophilus multiplies within your gut, specifically within your small intestine, and helps support your intestinal wall while assisting nutrient absorption processes.6† Moreover, studies show that L. acidophilus may also help support the health of your immune system.7†
- Bacillus coagulans – B. coagulans are unique because they can survive the high temperatures and acidic stomach conditions that tend to end other probiotic microorganisms’ lives. Because of its sturdiness, B. coagulans strains are likelier to survive in your digestive tract.8†
- Bifidobacterium lactis – When it comes to help achieving your weight loss and supporting your heart health, look to B. lactis for support.9†
- Lactobacillus reuteri – L. reuteri can support the health of your cells and microbiome.10†
While there are many tasty and probiotic foods like sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kombucha — you may also be curious about where to buy probiotics supplements.
Which Gundry MD Supplements Include Probiotics?
While there are lots of opportunities to find probiotics in food, some people realize it’s just easier to add probiotic supplements to their daily health regimen. Gundry MD Vital Reds contains a practical, proprietary blend of probiotics and other good-for-you ingredients, like bitter melon extract and Aronia berries. If you want to learn more, feel free to peruse the Vital Reds reviews section on our website. Just make sure to get your doctor’s approval before beginning any new supplement routine.
FIND PROBIOTICS IN VITAL REDS
- Sources
- 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18461293
- 2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3539293
- 3-5 https://journals.lww.com/jcge/fulltext/2016/11001/probiotics_history.3.aspx
- 6 http://aem.asm.org/content/74/16/4985.full
- 7-8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006993/
- 9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27126957/
- 10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5917019/
