Hey there health enthusiasts!
Today, let's dive into the world of gut health and unravel the mystery surrounding probiotics.
Most people often mistake probiotics for their distant cousin, antibiotics.
Even though they sound similar they are miles apart when it comes to their mode of action.
Think of antibiotics as the action heroes of medicine, storming in to take down bacteria – the good, bad, and ugly.
Probiotics, on the other hand, are like subtle yet mighty sidekicks, working behind the scenes to maintain peace in your body.
Probiotics are living organisms like bacteria and yeast that aim to enhance your body's microbiome.
What is a microbiome you may ask?
Microbiome is the bustling community of microorganisms that call your gut home.
The potential health benefits of probiotics have been receiving significant attention in recent years.
However, amidst the buzz, several myths have emerged.
Let's unravel the truth behind the following common misconceptions.
Myth 1: “Probiotics cure everything”
Myth 2: “Your diet can provide you with all the probiotics you require”
Myth 3: “Probiotics only improve gut health”
Myth 4: “Probiotics can’t be taken while on antibiotics”
Myth 1: “Probiotics cure everything”
It's essential to clarify that while probiotics do wonders for our immune system and gut health, they aren't a magic solution for all ailments.
Probiotics work best when integrated into a holistic approach to health, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and moderation in habits like alcohol consumption.
They shouldn't be viewed as a standalone remedy for overall well-being.
Probiotics are associated with promoting overall health and preventing certain conditions rather than being primarily used as a treatment for established diseases.
However, it's important to note that ongoing research is exploring potential therapeutic applications of probiotics in managing various health conditions, including certain chronic diseases.
Even the greatest probiotics wouldn't have any effect without a balanced lifestyle.
That means incorporating nutrient-rich foods, staying active with regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, managing stress levels, and, of course, moderating habits like alcohol consumption.
After all, a well-rounded lifestyle isn't just about one superhero – it's about the entire league working together for the greater good of your health.
Myth 2: “Your diet can provide you with all the probiotics you require”
Fermented foods, though beneficial, provide a limited variety of bacterial strains, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a diverse microbiome for optimal health benefits.
Furthermore, certain fermented foods undergo pasteurization or processing, reducing the quantity of beneficial microbes.
In contrast, probiotic supplements offer a more targeted approach, delivering concentrated and researched strains, particularly valuable for addressing specific health conditions.
Achieving a microbial content comparable to probiotic supplements through fermented foods necessitates consuming substantial quantities, which may not be as enjoyable as it sounds.
For instance, numerous commercially available yogurts are often laden with flavors and added sugars, potentially compromising the health benefits of the probiotics they contain.
The determination of precise microbial quantities in fermented foods proves challenging due to variations from batch to batch1.
Moreover, the practical feasibility of attaining a diverse microbial environment by consuming a wide variety of fermented foods is also questionable.
Myth 3: “Probiotics only improve gut health”
Contrary to popular belief, the benefits of probiotics extend far beyond gut health.
Probiotics are like vigilant guardians of our internal ecosystem.
They safeguard against harmful bacteria, acting as the gatekeepers that ensure only the good guys thrive.
In doing so, they regulate inflammation, creating an environment where your body can function optimally.
Probiotics don't stop at digestive health; they actively contribute to the intricate process of wound healing.
Their influence extends to promoting efficient recovery, showcasing their multifaceted role in supporting overall bodily functions.
Emerging research unveils the promising potential of probiotics in preventing and managing conditions such as eczema, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections2.
These microorganisms also play a crucial role in bolstering the immune system, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease3, promoting mental well-being, safeguarding against harmful bacteria, regulating inflammation, supporting wound healing, and enhancing digestive health.
It's a testament to their versatility and the ever-expanding horizons of their positive impact on various aspects of our health.
Myth 4: “Probiotics can’t be taken while on antibiotics”
In the world of wellness, the dynamic interplay between probiotics and antibiotics often leaves people puzzled.
There's a common belief that taking probiotics alongside antibiotics is like canceling out their effects and is a futile expense.
Many folks steer clear of probiotics, when prescribed antibiotics, assuming it's a counterproductive move.
However, emerging research challenges this notion, suggesting that the combination might be more beneficial than previously thought.
Studies indicate that incorporating probiotics during antibiotic treatment can actually help alleviate some notorious side effects.
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating, often associated with antibiotic use, can be positively influenced by the introduction of probiotics into the mix.
Robust probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 can not only withstand the antibiotic onslaught but manage to reach the gut alive, maintaining their efficacy even when administered concurrently with antibiotics4,5,7,8.
Probiotics and antibiotics can work in harmony, with probiotics helping to replenish and support the beneficial bacteria in your gut that might be affected during antibiotic treatment.
It's a win-win strategy for your overall gut health.
Reference:
1. Most fermented foods do not state CFU (colony forming units) at date of manufacture or at date of expiry on the packaging, nor on any information made available to consumers. In a survey of fermented foods available on the UK market only one supplier of Kefir provides information that 6 billion CFU are present in 250ml.
2. Bustamante M, Oomah BD, Oliveira WP, Burgos-Díaz C, Rubilar M, Shene C. Probiotics and prebiotics potential for the care of skin, female urogenital tract, and respiratory tract. Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2020 Apr;65(2):245-264. doi: 10.1007/s12223-019-00759-3. Epub 2019 Nov 26. PMID: 31773556; PMCID: PMC7090755.
3. Ahmadian F, Razmpoosh E, Ejtahed HS, Javadi M, Mirmiran P, Azizi F. Effects of probiotic supplementation on major cardiovascular-related parameters in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a secondary-data analysis of a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2022 Apr 13;14(1):52. doi: 10.1186/s13098-022-00822-z. PMID: 35418091; PMCID: PMC9006598.
4. Pattani, R. et al (2013) Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infection among hospitalized patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Medicine. Published online ahead of print.
5. Johnson-Henry KC, Mitchell DJ, Avitzur Y, Galindo-Mata E, Jones NL, Sherman PM. Probiotics reduce bacterial colonization and gastric inflammation in H. pylori-infected mice. Dig Dis Sci. 2004;49(7-8):1095-1102. doi:10.1023/B:DDAS.0000037794.02040.c2
6. https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/learning-lab/probiotic-myths
7. https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/learning-lab/probiotic-myths/ensure-probiotics-reach-the-gut