{"id":13129,"date":"2025-01-29T03:25:35","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T20:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=13129"},"modified":"2025-01-29T03:25:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T20:25:35","slug":"what-are-probiotics-and-what-do-they-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=13129","title":{"rendered":"What Are Probiotics and What Do They Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"articleBody\">\n<p>Probiotics are in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/greek-yogurt-nutrition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greek yogurt<\/a> you had for breakfast and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/fermented-foods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kimchi<\/a> in the Buddha bowl you ordered for lunch. They\u2019re found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/best-kombucha-brands-flavors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kombucha<\/a> you sipped on this afternoon, and they\u2019re in the miso paste that will go into tonight\u2019s dinner. But broken down, what exactly are probiotics? Do you really need them \u2014 and what\u2019s the best way to get them?<\/p>\n<h2>What Are Probiotics?<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cProbiotics are good-for-you bacteria that benefit your health,\u201d ranging from helping\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/22529959\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">digestive health<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4006993\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immune health<\/a> and more, explains Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amydgorin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amy Gorin Nutrition<\/a> in New York. That\u2019s a broad definition from which things get much narrower depending on the variety of probiotic strains.<\/p>\n<p>These living microorganisms offer \u201ca multitude of functions and benefits,\u201d adds\u00a0Ethan Dixon, MPH, RD, LD, a registered dietitian for the US Army. \u201cProbiotics are metabolized in the gut and are found in fermented foods and yogurts, or taken as a supplement,\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>What Are Probiotics Good For?<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-179195\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/27113745\/what-are-probiotics-600-benefits.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cProbiotics are believed to help create a\u00a0healthy gut\u00a0bacteria profile in our bodies, known as our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5433529\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">microbiota<\/a>,\u201d Dixon says. Microbes of all kinds have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/gut-health-fitness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">enormous effects<\/a> on various organ systems and their respective functions. These gut bacteria can aid in digestion and metabolism.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s just what\u2019s known at present. As Dixon adds, \u201cScience continues to discover new and exciting possible benefits of probiotics.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Benefits of Probiotics<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5622781\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Probiotics support your health<\/a> in a number of ways, which can differ based on the specific strain of bacteria. Here\u2019s a look at three prospective benefits of probiotics, according to research.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Promote digestive health<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cScientific evidence suggests the efficacy of probiotics in some digestive issues,\u201d explains Dixon. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2017\/0801\/p170.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A review<\/a> in the\u00a0<em>American Family Physician<\/em> journal found certain probiotics effective in a number of cases of gastrointestinal distress.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Support immune health<\/h3>\n<p>A link between\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4006993\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">probiotic strains and immune health<\/a> has been reported in emerging science. According to research, these probiotics may help by competing with and blocking \u201cbad\u201d bacteria, a phenomenon referred to as \u201ccolonization resistance\u201d or the \u201cbarrier effect.\u201d*<\/p>\n<h3>3. May help improve mood<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cThe association between our gut microbiota and emotional health is quite fascinating,\u201d says Dixon. New emerging research (like this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0149763421002748\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">review<\/a>) suggests that consuming certain probiotics may impact cognitive function, stress management, and decision-making. However, more research is needed to better understand this connection.*<\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Side Effects of Probiotics?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-179194\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/27113726\/what-are-probiotics-600-side-effects.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\/><\/p>\n<p>An <em>American Family Physician<\/em>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/28762696\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">study<\/a> notes that a lack of clear guidelines on when to use probiotics and the most effective probiotic for different gastrointestinal issues may be confusing for family physicians and their patients. And this misuse of probiotics may lead to negative side effects, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gas and bloating<\/li>\n<li>Feelings of indigestion<\/li>\n<li>Nausea<\/li>\n<li>Diarrhea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cWhether or not an individual experiences symptoms varies,\u201d says Dixon. \u201cBut many people see improvements after their body properly adjusts to taking probiotics.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Probiotics vs. Prebiotics<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes probiotics are confused with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5622781\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prebiotics<\/a>. \u201cPrebiotics are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/prebiotic-vs-probiotic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a type of carbohydrate<\/a> (not living bacteria) and can be thought of as the food or fuel for probiotics,\u201d says Dixon. \u201cPrebiotics should be taken\u00a0<em>with<\/em>\u00a0a probiotic regimen and not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Prebiotics are found in foods such as tomatoes, artichokes, bananas, asparagus, berries, garlic, onions, chicory, legumes, oats, flax, barley, and wheat, and you might see\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6041804\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">inulin<\/a>\u00a0added to foods that boast a high prebiotic content.<\/p>\n<h2>Should You Take Probiotic Supplements?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-172743\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/20151331\/0g-added-sugar-shakeology-chocolate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\"\/><\/p>\n<p>As for whether fermented foods or supplements are a better choice for getting probiotics, Gorin says both are beneficial, but \u201ceating food first is often the way to go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That can be hard to do consistently, which is why many people turn to supplementation to help support their probiotic intake. Made from some of the most powerful superfoods, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/us\/en\/pn\/shakeology?ICID=BLOG_SHK_PKS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shakeology<\/a> provides probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes, along with up to 17 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per scoop.*<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a more comprehensive approach to a healthier gut, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/us\/en\/s\/eating-plan\/4-week-gut-protocol?ICID=BLOG_4WGP&amp;refsource=Blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 4 Week Gut Protocol<\/a> was designed to help improve your microbiome and overall health through low-impact exercise, nutrition, and supplementation.*<\/p>\n<h2>What to Look for in a Probiotic Supplement<\/h2>\n<p>If you do go the probiotic supplement route, know that they\u2019re not all the same, explains Gorin.\u00a0<em>\u201c<\/em>Make sure to choose a probiotic that contains\u00a0the genus, the species, and the strain,\u201d she explains. \u201cThis likely means that there is research behind the specific probiotics contained in the supplement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The most\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Probiotics-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">common types of microbes used in probiotic products<\/a>\u00a0are\u00a0<em>Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Enterococcus, Escherichia,<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<em>Bacillus.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Hardiness is also a factor to consider when choosing a probiotic supplement, which must survive not only the rigors of the digestive environment but also weeks and possibly months of storage.<\/p>\n<h2>Probiotic Foods<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-179193\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/27113719\/what-are-probiotics-600-food.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Many of the foods you eat every day contain probiotics naturally. When it comes to working probiotic foods into her diet, Gorin is a fan of probiotic-containing dairy \u2014 but only certain types contain active cultures.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot all yogurt contains probiotics, so it\u2019s important to read the label and visit the company\u2019s website to look for transparency about this,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Dixon loves kimchi and miso ramen on occasion, but as a daily probiotic source, he recommends low-sugar\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/170903\/nutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yogurt<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/170904\/nutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kefir<\/a>. \u201cThese foods also provide protein and calcium,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>And heads-up, kombucha fans: The effervescent drink gets Dixon\u2019s dietitian seal of approval. \u201cIt has a greatly varied culture of bacteria that is believed to resemble our microbiota,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Foods that may contain probiotics include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6843309\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the following<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aged cheeses<\/li>\n<li>Kefir (dairy and non-dairy varieties)<\/li>\n<li>Yogurt (dairy and non-dairy varieties)<\/li>\n<li>Cultured buttermilk, cottage cheese, and sour cream<\/li>\n<li>Fresh pickles<\/li>\n<li>Kimchi<\/li>\n<li>Kombucha<\/li>\n<li>Water kefir and other \u201cprobiotic\u201d beverages<\/li>\n<li>Miso paste<\/li>\n<li>Sauerkraut<\/li>\n<li>Tempeh<\/li>\n<li>Raw vinegar, including apple cider vinegar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/what-are-probiotics\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Probiotics are in the Greek yogurt you had for breakfast and the kimchi in the Buddha bowl you ordered for lunch. They\u2019re found in the kombucha you sipped on this afternoon, and they\u2019re in the miso paste that will go into tonight\u2019s dinner. But broken down, what exactly are probiotics? Do you really need them &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fitness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13129","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13129"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13129\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}