Do Probiotics Help Digestion?*

When we think about probiotics and digestion, we think about the living bacteria that support our health. The truth is that both helpful and harmful bacteria are a natural part of our gastrointestinal system.*

Probiotics are called "good bacteria" because they support gut health and other vital systems. Probiotics can be found in supplements and some foods, such as yogurt, so healthcare professionals frequently recommend them to support digestive comfort.*

This blog discusses the role probiotics play in the digestive and immune systems. You will also learn which probiotics to look for and targeted strains.*

What Is The Digestive System?

The esophagus, stomach, and intestines help make up the digestive system. Your gastrointestinal tract contains bacteria, collectively called your gut microbiome, essential for overall health. 

Many of these bacteria are beneficial, such as those found in probiotics. To optimize your health, it is crucial to maintain a healthy balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria.

Do Probiotics Help Digestion?*

As probiotics have grown in popularity, researchers have continued investigating these beneficial bacteria. The results reveal that they play a role in digestive comfort and quality of life in the presence of stomach issues and various health conditions ranging from eczema to children's colds. (1,2,3,4,5,6)* 

• Researchers discovered that probiotics help reduce the duration of diarrhea bouts in youngsters. (1)  Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, and Saccharomyces boulardii appear to be beneficial in children experiencing occasional diarrhea. Bifidobacterium bifidum taken with Streptococcus thermophilus supports bowel regularity in children with rotavirus diarrhea.*
• Antibiotics can cause occasional irregularity in bowel movements. This is because these powerful medications kill healthy and harmful bacteria. Probiotics help support bowel regularity if you are experiencing occasional diarrhea. (2)* 
• Beneficial bacteria are already present in the gut. They play an essential role in many functions, including the fermentation of undigested foods that can cause gas. The addition of probiotics can support digestive comfort; however, when first starting probiotics or taking a large dosage, there may be concerns with probiotics and excessive gas.*
• Probiotics for ulcerative colitis have been shown in research to help manage the symptoms and frequency of this condition. (3) Regretfully, they seem less helpful after it has begun.*
• If you experience atopic eczema, try Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, or Lactobacillus GG probiotic strains. (4) If you have a family history of eczema, taking probiotics during pregnancy may help support your baby’s skin health. (5)*
• Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) experience occasional diarrhea, constipation, or both. Probiotics containing Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces boulardii may support bowel movements and occasional bloating relief. (6)*

Probiotic Foods for Digestive Health

Probiotics are naturally found in many traditional and fermented foods around the world. Among these foods are:

• Greek yogurt
• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Sauerkraut

When you add or increase your probiotic intake from food, it is best to do it gradually, considering how each one affects you. A diet and supplement journal would be helpful if you are trying out probiotics for the first time. 

Using Probiotics Safely

Probiotic foods and supplements are regarded to be healthy for the vast majority of individuals. However, people with severely compromised immune systems must consult a healthcare provider before taking probiotic supplements as they may experience some side effects, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or bloating.

Most often, these side effects will dissipate after a couple of days. If you experience symptoms for several days, stop taking the probiotic and consult with a healthcare professional.

Probiotics for Digestive Support*

Below are some of the best probiotics for gut health formulated to support intestinal wellness.*

Hyperbiotics’ PRO-15 Probiotic

Probiotics are great for anyone who wants to support overall health. Hyperbiotics formulates precision probiotics for targeted support. When it comes to precision probiotics, less is more. The focus is not on CFUs but on research-backed probiotic strains and targeted support.*

Hyperbiotics’ Pro-15 contains 15 targeted probiotic strains. This formula delivers convenient gut health support with just one tiny, easy-to-swallow pearl daily. Your healthcare provider may recommend up to three capsules daily for advanced support.*

Pro-15 includes:

• Bifidobacterium lactis to support regular bowel movements, gastrointestinal health, and nutrient absorption.* 
• Lactobacillus acidophilus to support immune function, digestive comfort, and bowel regularity.* 

Hyperbiotics’ PRO-Women Probiotic

Hyperbiotics’ PRO-Women is a unique probiotic blend. It is formulated with six probiotic strains to help support women's health. These nutrients assist in bowel regularity, healthy weight management, digestive comfort, vaginal health, and immune function.^* 

Pro-Women includes Cranberry Extract and D-Mannose, a simple sugar that occurs naturally in several plants and fruits. These ingredients have been shown to help manage recurring urinary tract infections. (7)* 

BIO-Tract® Delivery

Hyperbiotics’ precision probiotics are designed using a protective delivery method and time-release process. This innovative technology shields beneficial organisms from stomach acids and supports consistent and slow release over 8-10 hours. This system is known as BIO-Tract® and is critical to probiotic survivability.

In most standard probiotic supplements, only around four percent of the microflora will survive the trip through the stomach’s harsh environment. With BIO-Tract® protection, survivability is around 60 percent. BIO-tract® tablets deliver up to 15 times more probiotics than the standard veggie capsule.‡

When to Take Probiotic Supplements

A diverse range and balance of good and bad bacteria support the immune system, a healthy mood, weight management, and various other health benefits.^*

Here are three symptoms of a bad gut that may benefit from probiotic support:* 

1. Changes in Your Weight

Sudden weight gain or loss without intentionally adopting dietary or exercise modifications could be a symptom of digestive problems. 

An imbalance in the gastrointestinal system may restrict the body’s capacity to store fat, digest foods, and regulate healthy blood sugar. Weight loss can be caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO.

2. An Unhealthy Diet

A diet high in refined foods and added sugar can reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in the stomach. Eating refined sugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup, has also been related to increased inflammation in the digestive tract. (8)

3. An Unsettled Stomach

An upset stomach is one of the most typical symptoms of a digestive problem. This includes occasional gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. A healthy gut will have fewer difficulties processing food and removing waste.

Are Your Probiotics Working?

If you use a high-quality probiotic, you may feel a variety of positive effects in your body, from digestive support and energy balance to a healthy mood and clearer skin.* 

Probiotic bacteria aim to restore your gut flora, which can help with the regularity of bowel habits and ease bloating or gas. A well-balanced gut microbiota can help the gut barrier function and mitigate toxins and pathogens from entering your body through the gut. This supports a healthy immune system and liver for overall wellness.* 

Summary

If you have digestive health issues, try including a probiotic supplement in your daily routine. Probiotics support healthy gut bacteria and overall wellness.*

In addition to taking probiotics, consider undergoing a diet assessment to focus on foods that can assist gut health. Before beginning a new supplement regimen, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

If you still have questions as you embark on your microbial journey, we invite you to visit our Customer Support Center any time, day or night, for caring and friendly information and guidance.

Log onto our website to find the best probiotic to support your health and learn more.*

References

1. Transl Pediatr. 2021; 10(12):3248-3260 [PMID: 35070839]
2. Antibiotics (Basel). 2017; 6(4):21 [PMID: 29023420]
3. Nutr Rev. 2022; 80(2):157-164 [PMID: 34010402]
4. Front Nutr. 2022; 8:833666 [PMID: 35155534]
5. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2016; 16(1):133 [PMID: 27255079]
6. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020; 5(7):658-666 [PMID: 32277872]
7. Antibiotics (Basel). 2022; 11(3):314 [PMID: 35326777]
8. Nutrients. 2020; 12(5):1348 [PMID: 32397233]

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

^Provides weight management support as part of a healthy lifestyle with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.