What Are Probiotics and Why Are They So Important?

Often, when people think of bacteria, they think of bad bugs but there are also good “bugs” that can positively influence health. Those good bacteria are called probiotics. Probiotics are bacterial strains that are found in foods and dietary supplements that have been shown to support optimal health on many levels, especially digestive health.¹

Probiotics For Gut Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that when consumed make their way to the gut where they colonize along the intestinal lining to support intestinal barrier function and gastrointestinal health.² 

Fermented foods such as cheeses, sauerkraut, pickles, apple cider vinegar, kimchi, kombucha, and miso are good sources of probiotic microbes.³ 

Supplements with probiotics contain different strains with some of the most common ones being Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Dietary supplements in the form of powders, capsules, liquids, and others contain a variety of strains that each supply billions of live microorganisms that work together to support the digestive system and other key areas of the body.

Beyond the Gut

The benefits of probiotics also extend beyond the gut. For example, supplements with probiotics, specifically L. plantarum and L. brevis help support the immune system.⁴* This makes sense because 70 to 80 percent of immune cells are in the gut and there is a direct connection between the health of the gut and the health of the immune system.⁵*

L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus also provide occasional stress support.^6,7* In addition, L. plantarum helps support healthy weight and heart function.⁸*

Try Acidophilus Probiotic-5 for adults and Dino-Dophilus™ Probiotic for kids.

Healthy Probiotic Supplements

There is a direct link between the gut and other parts of the body indicating that the health of the gut extends way beyond the digestive system.⁹ Supplements with probiotics help support the health of the gut and thereby help support other body systems as well.* Probiotics for the gut are great for digestion and more.*

What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? Learn more here.

For more tips on nutrition, mindful wellness practices, and helping your family feel their best, follow us on Facebook @kalvits and Instagram at @kalvitamins! 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1.  Bodke H, Jogdand S. Role of probiotics in human health. Cureus. 2022;14(11). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9733784/
2.  Latif A, Shehzad A, Niazi S, et al. Probiotics: mechanism of action, health benefits and their application in food industries. Front Microbiol. 2023;14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10470842/
3.  National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics fact sheet for health professionals. 2023;Nov 3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
4.  La Fata G, Weber P, Mohajeri M. Probiotics and the gut immune system: indirect regulation. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins. 2018;10:11-21. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12602-017-9322-6
5.  Wiertserna SP, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Garssen J, Knippels L. The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):886. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001875/
6.  Ma J, Chen Y, Wang , et al. Lactiplantiacillus plantarum CR12 attenuates chronic unforeseeable milk stress induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors by modulating the gut microbiota-brain axis. Journal of Functional Foods. 2023;107. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623003109
7.  Wauters L, Van Oudenhove L, Accarie A, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 decreases subjective academic stress in healthy adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Gut Microbes. 2022;14(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824214/
8.  Wang Z, Wu J, Tian Z, et al. The mechanisms of the potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum against cardiovascular disease and recent developments in its fermented foods. Foods. 2022;11(17):2549. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9455256/
9.  Vijay A, Valdes AM. Role of the gut microbiome in chronic diseases: a narrative review. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2022;76:489-501. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-021-00991-6