probiotic supplement

Breaking Down The Probiotic Supplement and Probiotic Foods

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for your gastrointestinal health. Our body creates and hosts both beneficial and harmful bacteria. When harmful bacteria starts to fester in our gastrointestinal system, it can start to overpower the healthy bacteria, and can lead to a host of different issues including bloating, abdominal pain, and a change in bowel habits. Poor gut health impacts more than just our digestive system. It can lead to issues with our mental health, our skin’s health, and our energy levels. 

Luckily, probiotics help to minimize the potentially damaging bacteria and increase the beneficial bacteria to create a body that can thrive in its environment. Probiotics can be found in different types of foods and bloating supplements. Most probiotics are derived from two different groups of bacteria. These groups are called lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. 

Probiotics should be taken consistently in order to reap their full benefits. Today, we are going to break down the benefits of probiotics, how to implement them into your routine, and how best to navigate its effect on your body. 

Benefits of Probiotics and Indicators That Your Gut is in Need Of Probiotics 

Probiotics can have many health benefits. They are known to help reduce diarrhea, especially diarrhea that is caused by use of antibiotics. While antibiotics can be beneficial for whatever illness they are combatting, they can also completely wipe out the beneficial bacteria in your gut right along with the illness. In this case, probiotics help to act as a defense for your gut and help to reduce the chances of experiencing diarrhea. 

There is also a significant link between one’s gut health and one’s mental status. When your gut health is out of balance, it can cause issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and instability. In this case, probiotics not only helps to protect your digestion, but your mood as well. It is known to help balance out levels of inflammation and anxiety inducing hormones. 

A healthy gut, which a probiotic supports, leads to a stable mind, healthy skin, a better digestive process, and stronger energy levels. The following are some indicators that your gut might be suffering from a poor gut microbiome:

  • inconsistent and painful bowel movements 

When your gut is imbalanced, it struggles to properly get rid of waste and absorb nutrients from the substances you are consuming. If you are experiencing digestive ailments that seem to want to stick around, that is most likely an indicator that your gut is struggling with its gut microbiome. 

  • chronic fatigue 

Serotonin that impacts your sleep and mood is created in your gut. When your gut is unhealthy, it can impact this process leading to poorer sleep quality. If you are not getting quality sleep your energy levels throughout the day will be impacted. 

  • specific food cravings 

Certain food cravings, such as craving sugary foods, can cause inflammation in your gut and can further exacerbate the issues that your gut might be experiencing. Try to take note of any cravings your body is calling for, as they might be an indicator for something more. 

  • skin concerns 

Our bodies do not tend to hide when something is going wrong. Our skin is a good indicator of how our internal body is feeling. A poor gut can lead to skin issues such as redness, dryness, increase in blemishes, and irritation. 

These are just some of the many indications that your gut microbiome is suffering. Since our gut is connected to several different aspects of our overall health, it is important that you are prioritizing your gut health day in and day out. 

How To Best Increase Your Intake Of Probiotics In Your Daily Routine 

Since your intake of probiotics can be increased through both taking supplements that help with bloating and eating foods rich in probiotics, you have some options when it comes to increasing your daily intake of probiotics. 

Probiotic Renu is a vitamin for bloating that contains both bifido and lacto probiotic cultures. It can be taken at any time during the day, but since they are most effective on an empty stomach, we recommend taking probiotics first thing in the morning. Supplements offer a more convenient and efficient route when it comes to taking care of your gut health. 

However, that does not mean that probiotic foods aren’t just as beneficial for your gut health. If possible, try to add any of the following foods to your meals to give yourself that added boost of support:

  • sourdough bread 
  • miso 
  • kimchi 
  • fermented pickles 
  • gouda cheese 

 Indicators To Look Out For To Confirm The Probiotics Are Being Effective

While probiotics might affect every person differently, there are some general indicators that you can look out for following adding probiotics to your routine. 

Regular bowel movements 

Probiotics help to promote more frequent and consistent bowel movements. You might find that you are taking more regular trips to the bathroom, and that your stool is becoming more stable. If you struggle with issues such as diarrhea and constipation, probiotics can help to alleviate these issues and stabilize your digestive process. 

Quality sleep 

Due to the connection between your gut health and sleep quality, once probiotics regulate in your system they can lead to more restful sleep. You might find that your sleep is becoming more consistent, you are waking up less groggy, and you are not tossing and turning throughout the night. 

Happier mood 

Similarly to your sleep schedule, probiotics can help to stabilize your mood. However, since anxiety and instability can be caused by a host of other factors, there is no guarantee that probiotics can resolve these issues. Gut health is a vital part of maintaining your mental health, but that does not mean it will improve every person’s mood. 

The period of time that the effects of probiotics can take to kick in can vary from person to person. As always, approve any supplement that you are adding to your routine by your doctor. Once approved, give the probiotic a sufficient amount of time to show you its wonderful effects. 

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