An “Inside” Look at Probiotics: How Do You Know if Probiotics are Working?

An “Inside” Look at Probiotics: How Do You Know if Probiotics are Working?

Jan 03, 2025 Digestion articles
4 MIN

An “Inside” Look at Probiotics: How Do You Know if Probiotics are Working?

Most people didn’t know about probiotics when they were growing up, so there’s a good chance your mother made you take chewable vitamin C tablets and even cod liver oil, but not probiotic supplements. However, if you have occasional digestive issues, probiotic supplements like probiotics for adults may soon become your best friend. Probiotics are the good bacteria that you need for balance in your digestive gut flora digestion1. Read on to discover more about probiotics and how they work in the gastrointestinal system.

What Are Probiotics?

So, what are probiotics exactly? Probiotics are essentially live bacteria and microorganisms that help support your gut microbiome. Your stomach and intestines are home to a number of different good and harmful bacteria strains. When your body develops a surplus of bad bacteria, it may begin to develop unwanted digestive symptoms. Probiotics support a healthy gut microflora, in part by crowding out unwanted organisms and allowing beneficial microbes to colonize, which in turn, supports many functions in the body. Specific probiotic strains have been studied for a variety of benefits, including digestive health and immune system support. While probiotic supplements will typically contain clinically studied probiotic strains, there are also other ways to consume this healthy bacteria. Yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented food all contain probiotics, making them a great source of nutrients to support digestive health and overall health. It’s also important to consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains containing fiber, which produce short chain fatty acids that are like fuel for your good bacteria in your gut.

Why You Need Probiotics

Your gut houses approximately 100 trillion microorganisms. That’s almost 10 times more than the number of cells within the body. These gut microorganisms are part of the gut microbiome and there are both beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. While gut microbes have different functions, these organisms all play some role in digestion. But even more than supporting our digestive health, a well-balanced, healthy gut can help support other body functions, like the immune system, and even our overall health. How? A diverse population of good bacteria can benefit our health by minimizing the impact of bad bacteria.

One way you can support your gut balance is by taking probiotics, which are available in foods as well as supplements.3 Sometimes, harmful bacteria can start to outnumber healthy bacteria, leading to a number of unwanted symptoms for your digestive health. When this imbalance occurs, bad bacteria will continue to wreak havoc on gut flora, leading to digestive symptoms. A daily probiotic supplement can help get your gut bacteria back to a balanced state. This live bacteria supplement helps to reduce the number of bad bacteria while supporting the growth of good bacteria, and ultimately support digestion.†

Sometimes, harmful bacteria can start to outnumber healthy bacteria, leading to a number of unwanted symptoms for your digestive health. When this imbalance occurs, bad bacteria will continue to wreak havoc on gut flora. A daily probiotic supplement can help get your gut bacteria back to a balanced state. This live bacteria supplement helps to reduce the number of bad bacteria while supporting the growth of good bacteria, helping to reverse negative symptoms, and ultimately support digestion.

Wondering can you take probiotics with vitamins? Find out how they interact to maximize your supplementation routine.

Two Kinds of Bacteria

There are many different kinds of probiotic supplements on the market, but many of them include a wide range of bacteria strains and take a scattershot approach to treating gut problems. This is like overpacking your suitcase for a short trip, just in case it rains or snows, is sunny or windy, or is hot or cold. These probiotics may simply be too complex for most people’s needs.

Nature Made® Extra Strength Digestive Probiotics includes just two strains. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG works in the small intestine to help relieve occasional gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 works in the large intestine to help relieve occasional constipation and irregularity.†

In the analogy above, consider it the waterproof jacket with zip-out lining that keeps you from packing too much.

These bacteria may also be found in some fermented foods such as yogurt and cheese, but most people aren't sure how much they need to eat to get the necessary probiotic benefits. Because of this, supplements are typically an easier option.

Learn More: What are the Best Probiotic Foods?

How Do Probiotics Work?

Nature Made® Advanced Dual Action Digestive Probiotics are formulated to get to where they need to go in the gut.

While many single-strain formulations only support digestive balance or regularity, Nature Made® Advanced Dual Action’s double-strain formulation means that it gives probiotic coverage to both the small and large intestines.†

The goal of probiotics is to support the colonization of healthy bacteria in the small and large intestines. To accomplish this, you can consistently and continually consume probiotic supplements such as Nature Made® Dual Action probiotics. Take the supplement daily, along with a meal, to support a healthy microbial balance in your gut and support regularity.†

How to Get The Most Out of Your Probiotics

Looking to get the most out of your daily probiotic? The first most important thing to consider is consistency. If you want to support gut health and maintain beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract, it’s important that you take your probiotic supplement on a daily basis. Regularly consuming probiotics ensures that the probiotic bacteria and microbes within your gut remain at the right level to minimize digestive problems. While there are many different probiotics you can choose from that are derived from different strains, taking a daily supplement will ensure that you are consistently supporting your gut health.†

Once you’ve chosen the right probiotics for you, be sure to take your supplement with food in order to prevent stomach acid from affecting the potency of the live bacteria. To maintain the quality of the probiotic product, store your supplements in a cool, dry place that is free of any direct sunlight. 

Supporting Your Digestive Tract With Probiotic Supplementation 

Whether you suffer from regular digestive issues or other concerns, a daily probiotic can help balance bacterium strains and reduce uncomfortable symptoms that are caused by bad gut microbiota. 

If you are ready to support your digestive system, shop our line of probiotic supplementation today.


† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


References

  1. Magee, E. (2009, January 21). Probiotics Supplements Benefits, Types, and Safety. Retrieved August 10, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/answers-to-your-questions-about-probiotics?page=1#1. Accessed on December 17, 2024.
  2. Collins, S. (2014). What Is Your Gut Bacteria Telling You? Retrieved August 10, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20140820/your-gut-bacteria Reviewed by Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH. Accessed on December 17, 2024.
  3. Sly, B. (2016). The Four Rs: How to Restore Optimal Gut Health. Retrieved August 10, 2016, from http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/the-four-rs-how-to-restore-optimal-gut-health. Accessed on December 17, 2024.

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