![]() ![]() Messer adds that people experiencing a lot of stress might also benefit from getting more probiotics either through diet or supplementation. "These populations should discuss with their healthcare provider about taking probiotics as it can have beneficial effects on their GI tract," she advises. For example, Young says that individuals taking antibiotics, those with mood disorders, people with diabetes or blood sugar concerns, cancer patients, babies, allergy sufferers, and people with easily upset stomachs or ones dealing with constipation may benefit especially from taking a probiotic. ![]() There is also reason to believe that some people benefit more from taking probiotics than others. ![]() This gut and brain communication is known as the gut-brain axis.īering agrees the many such benefits may exist but echoes Messer in saying that some medical recommendations and guidelines are conflicting, and that "there is still a lot to learn about where and when probiotics are truly effective." Who benefits most from taking a probiotic? "There is evidence to suggest that certain strains of probiotics may have the ability to produce compounds that can influence neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules involved in mood regulation," she says. Messer says that many purported health benefits "continue to be investigated," but says that other potential health benefits of probiotics include reduced inflammation, a boosted immune system, increased metabolism, reduced appetite by increasing satiety or fullness and improved mental health. Such good bacteria produce vitamins and work against the bad bacteria within one's gut to destroy disease-causing cells. "Probiotics can also help with the movement of food through your digestive tract by affecting the nerves that control all types of movement within the gut," explains Lisa Young, PhD, an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University and author of "Finally Full, Finally Slim." She adds that probiotics can also be helpful in "restoring good bacteria in your gut if the gut is unbalanced." ![]() While many people think of living microorganisms and bacteria as unsavory or filled with germs, some bacteria, including the probiotic variety, are actually quite helpful. The unpasteurized, live-culture version of such foods is essential because it's the live nature of probiotics that makes them beneficial. In all such cases, "look for unpasteurized varieties," advises Messer. Jen Messer, MR, RDN, LD a nutrition consultant and lead registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition, says the best food sources of probiotics "are primarily fermented foods" such as yogurt with live and active cultures, some cottage cheeses, and a fermented milk drink called kefir that's "rich in probiotics and can be a good source of beneficial bacteria." Probiotics can also be found in sauerkraut, kimchi, some versions of soybeans and traditional pickles. "Probiotics are intended to confer health benefits by helping to influence and maintain the number of good bacteria found in the human gut," explains Bering. Many microorganisms also exist naturally in the body's gut flora − an area where millions of both good and bad bacteria live. Probiotics are living microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to one's body, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. They can be found in food products, dietary supplements and beauty products. Despite the popularity of such products, "more rigorous studies are needed to help us understand which bacterial strains of probiotics are best for which disease state, optimal doses and the ideal way to deliver them," she adds. "The probiotic industry has grown over the last several years and multiple probiotic products are available for consumers," explains Jamie Bering, MD, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. One 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) shows 4 million Americans taking them monthly, but more recent data shows that the global probiotic market size has grown considerably since then, reaching close to $60 billion nearly a decade later. But just behind vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron and magnesium, exist a variety of other popular supplements known as probiotics. Within the world of dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals are king. Watch Video: Drinking germs? It just might be good for you ![]()
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