When voyaging through the murky waters of health and nutrition, it can sometimes be tough to know exactly where you're heading — especially when you're getting pulled in every direction possible.
From eye-catching “cure-all” dietary supplements to alleged miracle solutions promoted by crafty influencers, falling victim to great marketing tactics can be much easier than you might think.
Now, don't get us wrong — not all trends are bad. Take probiotics, for example; these living bacteria are all the rage these days, with experts suggesting they can provide numerous health benefits to the body. But are probiotics right for you?
Read on as we dive deep into the wellness industry to uncover all there is to know about probiotics, including what they are and the top signs you need probiotics.
Why Is Gut Health So Important?
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have revealed that gut health is paramount to our overall health in recent years. This is because the gut influences everything from the immune system to digestion and even your brain through the gut-brain connection. So if you're lacking in the gut health department, there's a good chance that the rest of your body will follow suit.
That said, “gut health” describes the function and balance of gut microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria and harmful microbes, in the many parts that make up the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Ideally, organs like the esophagus, stomach, and intestines work together to help the body digest food without any issues — but that's not necessarily the case for the 60 to 70 million Americans that struggle with digestive issues and other uncomfortable symptoms.
An unhealthy gut microbiome can manifest in several uncomfortable symptoms, from bloating and gas to brain fog and sleep woes. Fortunately, probiotics just might be able to help support digestive health and restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
What Are Probiotics, Exactly?
Simply put, probiotics are the “friendly bacteria” or live microorganisms that call your GI tract home; however, they can also be found in certain fermented foods and some dietary supplements. They provide all sorts of essential health benefits to the body, including:
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Aiding nutrient absorption
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Synthesizing vitamin K
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Supporting digestion
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Promoting nerve function
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Boosting new blood vessels
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Metabolizing foreign substances
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Destroying toxins
Needless to say, your itty-bitty gut bugs are pretty important!
That said, while most of the bacteria living in your gut are beneficial bacteria, there are some harmful bacteria strains as well. These bad bacteria are usually kept in check, but if the number of beneficial flora is ever compromised, harmful microbes have the golden opportunity to colonize and take over.
Too much bad bacteria can put your health and wellness at risk, and inflammatory-related ailments are more likely to develop.
What Are the Tell-Tale Signs That Your Body Needs Probiotics?
Now that you understand probiotics and the potential health benefits they provide, let's discuss the tell-tale signs you need probiotics, shall we?
Sign #1: You're Bloated
“I love belly bloat!” — said no one ever.
There are a number of signs that your body could benefit from probiotic supplements, but if you're bloated, take it as a clear indication that the bacteria in your digestive tract are out of balance, with the bad bacteria outnumbering the good bacteria.
To help prevent belly bloat and discomfort, try filling up on probiotic foods like kefir, yogurt, and kimchi. You can also take Bye Bye Bloat — our best-selling blend of digestive enzymes and herbs to support bloat management.*
Sign #2: You're Breaking Out
Your gut and skin health may seem like distant systems in the body, but despite what many people may think, they're actually connected through the gut-skin connection.
You see, flushing toxins and waste from the body helps maintain a clear complexion — which is why digestive issues are commonly linked to skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and hives.
So, if you're struggling with skin issues and topical remedies just don't seem to help, you may need to work on healing your skin from the inside out with help from a great probiotic supplement — like Clear Skin Probiotics.
Clinically tested to clear acne† and support the gut-skin connection,* Clear Skin Probiotics help balance the skin's microbiome to keep flares in check while improving pores, redness, and dryness.* Simply take one capsule a day to keep the breakouts at bay!
Sign #3: You're Gassy
Here's the truth — passing gas is a perfectly normal part of life. Doctors say the average person toots anywhere from five to 15 times daily. That said, if you've been especially gassy lately, take it as a sign from your gut microbiota that it needs a little support.
A balanced gut flora will experience fewer issues with consuming and processing food, causing you to have a normal amount of gas.
Sign #4: You Have Diarrhea
Whether acute or chronic, diarrhea is known to be a sign of an unhealthy digestive system and an imbalanced gut microbiome. Diarrhea can worsen your gut health as it may cause your friendly bacteria to flow right out of your colon.
The best way to replenish your gut when experiencing this unfavorable symptom includes adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet. For an extra boost, we also recommend Gut Feelings Probiotics — our innovative prebiotic and probiotic formula to help balance, optimize, and support a calm digestive system.*
Sign #5: You Experience Vaginal Irritations Regularly
If you ask us, there's just about nothing worse than urinary tract and vaginal irritations — especially if you deal with them regularly.
Along with relentless itching and pain, irritations that occur below the belt are often associated with an unpleasant odor, discharge, and sometimes even an uncomfortable burning sensation during urination.
That said, did you know that an imbalance of yeast and bacteria, including lactobacillus acidophilus, is usually to blame for these irritations? Yup, it's true; so if recurrent vaginal irritations seem to be plaguing your existence, you may want to consider taking a probiotic — like Good Girl Probiotics — to help keep the bad bacteria in check.
Sign #6: You're Always Getting Sick
Are you known in the office as that one colleague who always seems to get sick? Even if you're just hoping to boost your immune system, you may seriously benefit from probiotics. Why?
Because up to 70 percent of your immune system is found in your gut, and by promoting a healthy balance of gut microbiota with a regular probiotic supplement, studies show you can bolster your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Sign #7: Your Sugar Cravings Are Out of Control
Can't seem to stay away from the sweet stuff? It could be a sign that your gut flora is out of whack. This is because bad bacteria need fuel to survive — which they get from sugar and processed foods.
So if the bad bacteria have taken over your gut microbiome, your body will crave sugar. When you balance out the bacteria with probiotics, these hankerings should decrease.
Sign #8: You're Constipated
As food moves through the digestive tract, gut bacteria are hard at work to help the body absorb nutrients. Any waste that remains then moves to the colon, where water is absorbed, creating a solid matter — poop.
If you have constipation, food may move at a snail's pace through the digestive tract, causing the colon to absorb too much water, ultimately resulting in poop that is dry, hard, and especially difficult to push out.
So, if you've noticed that you're not as regular as you should be, you may want to consider adding a probiotic containing the Bifidobacterium strain to your daily supplement lineup. This powerful probiotic has been shown to be most effective at combatting constipation.
Sign #9: You've Taken an Antibiotic
Have you recently taken an antibiotic? While antibiotics can help kill harmful bacteria causing infections, they can also harmfully alter the microbial flora in your gut microbiome, wiping out good bacteria along with the bad.
Make sure to fill up on plenty of probiotic foods and take a probiotic supplement daily to protect yourself from the unintended consequences of antibiotic use and help restore the natural balance of your gut flora.
Sign #10: You're Not Sleeping Well
Did you know that most of the hormone serotonin — which is responsible for your sleep and mood — is made in the gut? As such, poor gut health and poor sleep often go hand in hand through the gut-brain axis.
What's worse, lack of sleep is known to increase the body's stress response, which can cause inflammation in the gut. This often leads to gas, bloating, discomfort, and even food sensitivities.
So, if you've been feeling a little like an insomniac lately, consider taking a daily probiotic. We also recommend Sleeping Beauty — our nighttime supplement designed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Sign #11: You Had Food Poisoning
If you recently dealt with a case of food poisoning, there's a pretty good chance that harmful microbes have made a home in your gut. Fortunately, a probiotic can help fight off these bad bacteria and get your digestion back to normal.
In other words, if you ate something that didn't seem to sit well with your stomach — you need probiotics.
Sign #12: You Have Allergies
We know what you're thinking — how in the world are allergies indicative of an unhealthy gut?
Well, believe it or not, the leaky gut syndrome is often at the root of food allergies, which can typically be improved by proper flora levels in the gut. How does one boost their gut flora, you ask? With probiotics.
Of course, taking a probiotic won't necessarily cure your allergies, but it should help — just be sure to consult your healthcare professional first!
Sign #13: Your Breath Smells Bad
Has your breath been smelling especially rancid lately, despite how much you brush? Although bad breath (aka halitosis) can be attributed to a number of things — such as poor dental hygiene or opting for smelly foods (like garlic and onions) — it can sometimes be indicative of an unbalanced gut and digestive issues.
Sign #14: You've Been Extra Forgetful
A busy lifestyle can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks, but if you feel as though you've been forgetting more things than usual — you may want to look at your gut.
Sources:
Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States | NIDDK
75 Percent of Americans Say They Eat Healthy — Despite Evidence To The Contrary: The Salt | NPR
Flatulence | Better Health Channel
Vaginal Yeast Infections: Treatment, Causes, Prevention & Symptoms | Cleveland Clinic.
The gut-brain connection| Harvard Health
A Viewpoint on the Leaky Gut Syndrome to Treat Allergic Asthma: A Novel Opinion | PMC
