The first discovery of probiotics is credited to Russian scientist and Nobel Prize winner Elie Metchnikoff.
In the early 20th century, he connected the dots between a diet rich in probiotic yoghurt and longevity amongst Bulgarians living a life of poverty in a hostile climate.
The theory he developed proposed that sour milk increased their immunity and health by providing friendly bacteria to their gut.
A couple decades later, in 1930, the Japanese microbiologist Minoru Shirota created a drink especially enriched with cultured lactic acid bacteria to aid human health.
What are Probiotics?
What exactly are these friendly bacteria? The simplest definition comes from the World Health Organisation which defines probiotics as, ‘live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host.’
The human body hosts hundreds of types of bacterial species in the gastrointestinal tract. These microorganisms sustain a healthy microbiome which in turn gives us immunity against disease, helps our gut bacteria thrive and balance, and even supports our general health and wellbeing. Probiotics added to the diet can do wonders to enrich our health and sustain the all-important balance in the gut.
Adding probiotics to your diet is easy. They can be found in fermented foods like sauerkraut and miso soup (fermented soybean), live cultured yoghurt and kefir, kombucha tea and snacks like pickles.
Probiotics can also be obtained through dietary supplements in a variety of forms from capsules and powders.
These easy-to-take additions to our morning routine can help create healthy flora and fauna within our intestines and enable us to reap the many benefits of probiotic use.
The Benefits of Probiotics
The human gut is a hugely complex ecosystem within our bodies. Its sensitive balance can be knocked askew by many things including stress, a poor diet, lack of sleep, ageing and even environmental toxins. This means that all of us could likely use additional probiotics in our diets.
The result of an unhappy intestine can lead to digestive discomforts like constipation and gas and bloating.
However, a poorly balanced intestinal microbiome can also cause or contribute to many other symptoms and health problems that we might not immediately associate with gut health.
These ailments include stress, mild anxiety and other mood problems as well as skin conditions and more.
Immunity can also be impacted by a poorly balanced digestive system, leading to increased colds and other seasonal sniffles.
If you are unlucky enough to contract a bacterial infection and need to be on antibiotics, consider supplementing with probiotics in order to replenish and rebuild the flora and fauna within your gut.
Probiotics can help almost everyone with their wide range of benefits stemming from digestion support. If you are directly experiencing any of the above symptoms, supplementing probiotics could be helpful.
What is the Best Probiotic
Determining the best probiotic can be challenging, as it depends on individual health needs, goals, and the specific strains that may address particular concerns.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are commonly found in probiotic supplements, supporting digestive health and immune function.
The choice of the best probiotic can also hinge on factors like the reason for supplementation, overall general health, and potential gut challenges. Additionally, multi-strain formulations may provide a range of benefits.
What Are the Best Probiotics for Gut Health?
The best probiotics for gut health vary based on individual needs and health conditions, but certain strains have positive effects.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are commonly recommended, as they contribute to the balance of gut flora and support digestion. Specific strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis have been associated with gut health support.
Additionally, diverse probiotic formulations containing multiple strains may offer broader benefits. It's absolutely advisable to choose probiotics that are well-researched, of high quality, and align with individual health goals.
What Are the Best Probiotics in Australia
There are a number of excellent probiotic supplements on the Australian market. Determining the best for your individual needs involves considering factors such as the specific strains, formulation, and your specific health needs and goals.
Probiotic supplements that combine well-researched probiotic strains with prebiotics and offer a higher CFU count are often preferred by many individuals seeking to support their gut health.
These supplements provide a comprehensive approach to promoting a healthy microbiome by not only introducing beneficial bacteria but also providing the nourishment needed for their growth and colonisation.
A higher CFU count ensures that a significant number of viable bacteria reach the gut to exert their beneficial effects. Additionally, a blend of diverse probiotic strains offers a broader spectrum of benefits, targeting various aspects of gut health and immune function.
The best probiotic may vary based on the reason for supplementation, overall general health, and potential gut concerns.
Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics can be effective for many people, supporting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and contributing to various aspects of health and wellbeing.
Certain probiotic strains offer benefits such as digestion support and immune system support. However, the effectiveness of probiotics can vary depending on factors like the specific strain, and each person’s individual health status and reason for taking them.
Probiotics may be particularly beneficial in situations where the natural balance of gut bacteria has disrupted, such as during a course of antibiotics.
A rich and varied microbiome in our gut can immensely improve digestive health. This, in turn, leads to increased energy, mental clarity, and a host of other benefits. Probiotics can assist us in making this shift towards good health and, thus, living a richer, balanced life.
