Gut health can be a complex topic, plagued by misinformation and misleading claims from unscrupulous sources. However, separating fact from fiction is crucial to making informed decisions about probiotics.
If you’re looking to learn more about probiotics and the importance of gut health, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, navigating the information out there can be difficult and misleading. This best practice dispels seven common myths surrounding probiotics, so that you can make informed decisions about your health.
Key Findings
- Not all bacteria are harmful. In fact, many strains of bacteria are beneficial to human health.
- Probiotics are not only for people with gut issues. Anyone can benefit from taking probiotics.
- Probiotic-rich foods may not be sufficient to improve gut health. It is important to choose a probiotic supplement that contains the right strains of bacteria and a high enough number of CFUs.
- Prebiotic supplements are not necessary. You can get the benefits of prebiotics from a food-based approach, such as eating a varied diet rich in vegetables.
Recommendations
- Talk to your doctor before taking probiotics, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Choose a probiotic supplement that contains at least 10 billion CFUs of live bacteria.
- Look for a probiotic supplement that contains a variety of strains of bacteria.
- Consider taking a probiotic supplement that is delayed-release or acid-resistant.
- Eat a varied diet rich in vegetables to get the benefits of prebiotics.
Gut health is a complex topic, plagued by misinformation and misleading claims from unscrupulous sources. However, separating fact from fiction is crucial to making informed decisions about probiotics. Here, we dispel seven common myths surrounding probiotics, including the belief that all bacteria are harmful and that probiotics are only for those with gut issues. We also explore the effectiveness of probiotic-rich foods, the importance of choosing the right formula, and the truth about prebiotic supplements. By the end of this, you’ll have a better understanding of probiotics and be equipped to make informed decisions about your gut health.
Myth 1: All bacteria are harmful
Contrary to popular belief, only a small percentage of bacteria actually cause illness. Many strains are actually symbiotic with humans, including those found in the gut, also known as the microbiome. The microbiome affects various aspects of health, including digestive, brain, and immune function. It also produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine that contribute to overall well-being.
Myth 2: Probiotics are only for those with gut issues
While probiotics were initially thought to benefit only those with gut symptoms, it is now understood that anyone can benefit from taking probiotics. Our gut plays a significant role in various bodily functions, and maintaining its health is crucial for overall health and mental well-being.
Myth 3: Probiotic-rich foods are sufficient
Although eating probiotic-rich foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, or kombucha can be beneficial, there is limited evidence suggesting that the probiotics in these foods reach the gut alive. Stomach acid kills most bacteria, and this includes probiotics.
Myth 4: Probiotics are destroyed by stomach acid
While unprotected bacteria cannot survive stomach acid, probiotics that are contained in delayed-release capsules that release in the gut can bypass the harmful effects of acid. Additionally, some strains of beneficial bacteria are acid-resistant, so probiotics that utilize these strains are more likely to reach the gut alive.
Myth 5: All probiotics are equal
With 30,000 named strains of bacteria and at least 8,000 found in the human microbiome, the potential combinations of probiotics are vast. Every probiotic supplement contains a unique formula, and the combination of live bacteria is critical to its effectiveness. Some strains, such as CEREBIOME, have a greater impact than others, and some work better together. Choosing the right formula is key to a high-impact probiotic supplement.
Myth 6: The more CFUs the better
While a higher number of CFUs does not guarantee a better probiotic supplement, the specific CFUs per strain is more important to consider than a single overall figure. Some companies may hide the CFU information for each strain and instead focus on a single overall CFU number. Aim for a minimum of 10 billion CFUs per dose, and look for the freshest probiotic supplement available, as the total CFUs decrease over time.
Myth 7: Prebiotic supplements are necessary
Most symptoms attributed to probiotics, such as gas, bloating, and indigestion, actually come from prebiotics. While prebiotics are an important part of a diet, they cannot be fit into a capsule in sufficient amounts to make a difference. Instead, aim for a food-based approach to prebiotics, based on a varied diet rich in vegetables.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of gut health and separating fact from fiction is crucial to making informed decisions about probiotics. The seven common myths surrounding probiotics have been dispelled, including the belief that all bacteria are harmful and that probiotics are only for those with gut issues. By choosing the right formula and understanding the importance of prebiotic supplements, you can take control of your gut health and overall well-being. Remember to aim for a minimum of 10 billion CFUs per dose and focus on a food-based approach to prebiotics.