What are Probiotics and The Benefits of Probiotics - Teelixir
By Peter Orpen, Co-Owner, Teelixir
Probiotics: A Simple Guide
Probiotics are friendly bacteria, often referred to as "good bacteria," that are thought to play a role in supporting general wellbeing. In simple terms, probiotics are living microorganisms that may help promote diversity and balance within the body's microbiomes.
Our digestive tract is home to trillions of microorganisms, outnumbering our own cells tenfold. To put it in perspective, the number of microbes in our guts surpasses the stars in the universe! While probiotics are commonly associated with gut health, some research suggests they may also influence other microbiomes in the body.
These biomes house a vast array of bacteria, fungi, parasites, mites, and viruses. When in balance, these microorganisms are thought to contribute to general wellbeing.
Probiotics have traditionally been used to support general wellbeing and digestive health. However, due to insufficient nutrients in many modern diets, some people may choose to supplement with organic probiotics.
Probiotic products come in various forms, such as pills, powders, and liquids, and can also be found naturally in fermented foods. However, it's important to note that not all probiotics are of equal quality. Regrettably, the market is flooded with subpar probiotic products. It's crucial to understand which probiotic supplements or foods are best suited for your needs.
In this article, we will delve into the advantages of probiotics, their mechanisms of action, and their specific benefits for both men and women. We will also explore the differences between probiotic supplements and food-based organic probiotics, providing you with valuable insights to make informed choices for your well-being.
The Mechanics of Probiotics
Understanding how probiotics work involves two crucial aspects. Firstly, certain probiotics are transient, meaning they pass through the gastrointestinal tract, interact with existing microorganisms, and alleviate symptoms. However, they don't permanently establish themselves in the gut.
On the other hand, some probiotics colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Once they navigate their way from the mouth to the intestines, they take up residence and positively influence the bacterial diversity within the gut's microbiome.
To simplify this concept, let's envision the gut as a gigantic checkerboard. Similar to a game of checkers, different colour represent various species of bacteria. Common bacterial species include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Enterococci, and Propionibacterium.
In a healthy gut, diverse microbial species coexist in varying proportions. The presence of beneficial bacteria may help maintain microbial balance. This is one reason why some people choose to consume organic probiotics - to help support a diverse gut microbiome.
The purpose of probiotics is to maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. However, several factors can disrupt this balance and contribute to an unhealthy gut:
- Antibiotic use
- Food poisoning
- Medications
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Food additives, heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins
- C-section birth (During a natural vaginal birth, a baby's gastrointestinal tract is exposed to beneficial bacteria from the mother's vaginal microbiome, aiding in the establishment of the baby's own microbiome.)
The above list highlights key factors that can disrupt the presence of beneficial bacteria, allowing dysbiotic bacteria to thrive and cause bacterial overgrowth, as well as other gut health issues and imbalances.
The Remarkable Ways Probiotics Promote Health
Probiotics, those beneficial bacteria residing in our gut, are thought to potentially support general wellbeing through their role in gut health and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are the subject of ongoing research.
When we mention probiotics, we refer to the various species of beneficial bacteria naturally present in the gut that contribute to optimal bodily functions.
The gut microbiome, which houses many beneficial bacteria, is thought to interact with various bodily systems. Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine, stated thousands of years ago that "all disease begins in the gut," highlighting the traditional belief in the gut's importance for overall health.
The beneficial bacteria, primarily falling under the Bacteroidetes phylum, including species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, produce valuable SCFA such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These bacteria utilise the fibre, resistant starch, and polyphenols from the plant foods we consume to create SCFA.
SCFA are thought to potentially serve as fuel for intestinal cells and are the subject of ongoing research into their role when released into circulation. This relationship between gut bacteria and our own cells is thought to potentially support nutrient assimilation from our food.
SCFA are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in gut health and general wellbeing.
Probiotics may also contribute to wellbeing by helping to maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which can support healthy digestion and general wellbeing.
When the gut's bacterial balance is disrupted, some individuals may experience changes in their general wellbeing.
In essence, probiotics are microorganisms that may help support general wellbeing. Some people choose to incorporate them regularly into their routine.
Top Food Sources for Natural Probiotics
When it comes to natural probiotics, fermented foods take the spotlight as the best sources. These foods are brimming with live microorganisms, or healthy bacteria, known as probiotics.
Here are some of the finest gut-healthy fermented foods to incorporate into your diet:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut / Kimchi / Pickled Vegetables
- Sourdough bread
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Natto
- Kombucha
- Fermented cheeses
Lab-Grown Probiotics vs. Natural Wild Fermentation
Certain probiotic strains are generated in laboratories and then used in dietary supplements and other consumer goods. This is the common perception when we hear the term "probiotic."
Regarding lab-grown probiotics, there is a new category of probiotic supplements known as spore-based probiotics. These probiotics are encapsulated in a spore form, allowing them to survive the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. Our stomach, with its highly acidic pH of 2.0, is designed to eliminate pathogens and bacteria.
Spore-based probiotics may have different characteristics compared to some other probiotic forms. They are thought to potentially support the microbiome by helping beneficial bacteria establish themselves.
Refrigerated probiotics may have beneficial effects on the gut. However, they often serve as a temporary solution or may potentially affect gut health in some cases.
The Quality of Probiotics Varies Widely
While commercial probiotics can sometimes alleviate gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation by positively influencing the gut if they survive the GI tract, not all of them are as effective as they claim.
Many commercial probiotics do not actually contain the stated colony forming units (CFU) as indicated on the label, such as 500 billion CFU, and research has shown that they may not survive the GI tract or have a significant impact on the gut.
In fact, taking commercial probiotic supplements daily can sometimes do more harm than good, as continuously introducing certain lab-grown strains can disrupt the natural balance of species within the gut. This disruption can be particularly problematic for individuals with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), as their symptoms may worsen with the use of commercial probiotics.
When dealing with gut issues, it is crucial to address the underlying cause and focus on using food as a healing modality. This is where natural wild fermented probiotics can play a key role.
Natural wild-fermented probiotics are considered functional foods. They are the result of a natural fermentation process that produces wild strains of probiotics that are symbiotic with our bodies. Some well-known commercial probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Bifidobacterium lactis (BI-04) Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BI-04), can be found in these wild-fermented natural probiotics.
Unlike commercial probiotics, natural wild-fermented probiotics are crafted by nature and each batch offers a diverse range of probiotic strains. These bacteria work together in colonies and communities, harnessing their collective intelligence and strength. Many probiotics on the market isolate a single bacterial strain instead of incorporating multiple strains that balance the entire system and allow the colonies to support and communicate with each other. The body thrives on "healthy and alive" bacterial colonies working harmoniously throughout its entirety.
To ensure optimal benefits, it is important to seek out probiotic supplements that contain multiple strains of bacteria. This approach allows for more comprehensive and balanced support to the body's microbiome.
To what extent do probiotics help males?
Probiotics offer a range of benefits for men's health in different areas.
Gut Health and Digestion
Probiotics may help support men's gut health and digestion, which could have positive effects on general wellbeing. Many men experience GI issues like reflux, indigestion, bloating, IBS, and constipation, which are closely tied to the diversity of gut bacteria and digestive system function. Taking probiotics may help alleviate these symptoms and contribute to overall quality of life.
Sexual Health and Reproductive Function
Probiotics are thought to play a role in regulating libido, sperm quality, and fertility in men. Stress is a significant factor affecting male infertility, as it may decrease sperm quality and testosterone levels. By potentially reducing internal stress and supporting the production of beneficial substances like short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), probiotics may contribute to general health and wellbeing.
Immunity
The gut contains a significant portion of the body's immune cells. Some research suggests that regular consumption of probiotics may help support general wellbeing. Introducing beneficial bacteria may contribute to overall health.
Cognitive Health
The gut-brain axis, a communication system between the gut microbes and the brain, is thought to potentially influence cognitive health. The gut produces many neurotransmitters, and probiotics may play a role in supporting this process.
Heart Health
The gut microbiome is believed to influence general health by potentially playing a role in metabolic function. Recent research suggests that gut bacteria may impact metabolic processes through the trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) pathway. By incorporating probiotics into their routine, men may help support general nutrient absorption, energy levels, and wellbeing.
It's important to note that probiotics should be accompanied by a diet rich in prebiotics. Prebiotic foods mainly come from plants, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Consuming more plant-based foods ensures the survival and colonization of beneficial probiotics, leading to improvements in gut health, fertility, libido, immunity, cardiovascular function, and cognitive function.
For females, what are the advantages of taking probiotics?
Probiotics offer numerous benefits for women's health across various aspects.
Gut Health and Digestion
Similar to men, women may benefit from incorporating a daily probiotic into their routine to support general wellbeing and healthy digestion. A healthy gut may contribute to reduced bloating, improved elimination, increased energy levels, and general wellbeing.
Probiotics For Vaginal Health
In addition to the gut microbiome, women also have a vaginal microbiome that plays a crucial role in protecting against invading pathogens. Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome. Factors like consuming excessive sugar and starch, using harsh pH-disrupting vaginal washes, taking medications or alcohol, and having a history of antibiotics can disrupt the vaginal microbiome. To support vaginal health, it's important to reduce refined sugars and carbohydrates, avoid chemical body washes and soaps, stay hydrated, take a daily probiotic, and consume a diet rich in prebiotic fibre, protein, fats, and antioxidants.
Probiotics for Hormone Health
Regular probiotic use may help support healthy hormone levels in women. The microbiome is involved in the excretion of estrogen and other sex hormones, which may contribute to mood, energy, libido, fertility, and general wellbeing.
Probiotics for Mood
The gut is thought to play a role in serotonin production, which may influence mood and appetite, and is a precursor to melatonin. Gut bacteria are also the subject of research into their potential role in producing neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA. Probiotics may support these processes.
Probiotics for Immunity
Probiotics are thought to play a role in supporting immune function in women. Since 90% of the immune system resides in the gut, promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria may help maintain a healthy gut barrier. Probiotics may also contribute to general wellbeing.
Probiotics for Skin Health
The gut microbiome may impact skin health. A healthy gut may be reflected in skin appearance. Probiotics may help restore balance to the gut flora and potentially support comfort.
Probiotics for Sleep
GABA and serotonin, neurotransmitters thought to be involved in relaxation and sleep, are produced in the gut. Probiotics may support the production of these neurotransmitters.
Probiotics for Weight Loss
Probiotics may assist in supporting healthy weight management. Studies suggest that an overgrowth of Firmicutes bacteria may be associated with weight and metabolic function.
Incorporating probiotics into daily routines may offer women benefits, including supporting gut health, vaginal health, hormone balance, mood, immunity, skin health, sleep quality, and general wellbeing.
Does it Make a Difference If I Take Probiotic Supplements?
When it comes to probiotics, it's important to be aware of the truth behind the marketing claims of many probiotic supplements and foods.
While these products often promote themselves as being "probiotic-rich," the reality is that they may not always deliver on their promises. Many of them contain lab-grown and synthetic bacteria, which are not as potent or effective as naturally fermented probiotic foods.
When you see labels boasting billions of bacteria (CFU), it's a sign that these bacteria are artificially created in a laboratory. However, there's no guarantee that the actual amount of good bacteria in the product matches what is stated on the label.
Moreover, probiotics are highly sensitive and begin to degrade once they are manufactured. To maintain their efficacy, these products need constant refrigeration. If a probiotic supplement is so fragile that it requires refrigeration, it raises doubts about its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the stomach and reach the intestines alive.
In reality, most probiotics fail to make it through the digestive tract alive and colonize the gut as intended. This means that consuming these supplements may not provide the desired benefits. Instead, it's essential for probiotics to arrive alive in the intestines to carry out their functions and establish a symbiotic relationship with the gut.
Therefore, it's important to approach food and beverage products with added probiotics cautiously. Always read the ingredients and make sure they align with your nutritional values.
As a holistic nutritionist who frequently orders stool and microbiome tests for my patients, I believe that commercial probiotic supplements are not always necessary or beneficial unless there is evidence of specific bacterial deficiencies.
Wild-fermented foods and naturally fermented gut products, like our Mushroom Probiotics blend, are what you should be concentrating on instead. These foods provide a more natural and effective source of probiotics.
Additionally, it's crucial to regularly consume plant foods that are rich in prebiotics. Prebiotics nourish the existing microbes in your gut, helping them thrive and multiply.
By prioritizing naturally fermented foods and a diet abundant in prebiotic-rich plant foods, you can support the growth and diversity of beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthy microbiome.
Prebiotics and probiotics: why they go hand in hand.
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics has traditionally been used to support general wellbeing, and is the subject of ongoing research.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that naturally reside in your body, such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. These bacteria play a vital role in breaking down the food you eat in your intestines.
On the other hand, prebiotics is not bacteria themselves, but rather special fibres found in certain foods. They act as a source of fuel for good probiotic bacteria, helping them grow and flourish in your body.
Some research suggests that consuming prebiotics may help support the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut, which is thought to contribute to general wellbeing.
Prebiotics are primarily found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. When we consume these prebiotic-rich foods, the specific compounds within them provide nourishment to healthy bacteria and support the growth and multiplication of probiotics in the gut.
Some examples of excellent prebiotic-rich foods include
- apples,
- green bananas,
- cooked and cooled potatoes,
- artichokes,
- beans, peas, lentils, pea shoots, chickpeas, etc.
- oats,
- garlic,
- onion,
- chicory roots, and more.
By incorporating these prebiotic foods into your daily diet, you create an environment in the gut where probiotic species can thrive. This, in turn, allows these beneficial bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that fuel the cells lining the intestines, support comfort, promote serotonin production, and provide other important benefits.
While these nourishing foods support the growth of good bacteria, it's essential to avoid consuming junk food, refined sugars, carbohydrates, alcohol, food additives, saturated fats, and trans fats. These unhealthy choices feed the "less desirable" bacteria in the gut and have a negative impact on gut health.
Understanding what to avoid and what to include in your diet to support a healthy gut is a vital part of maintaining overall health and embarking on a successful gut health journey.
Is It Safe to Take Probiotics?
Probiotics are generally safe and do not pose any known dangers.
While probiotics themselves are not harmful, it is important to choose the right probiotic supplement to maintain the natural balance of gut flora. Using the wrong probiotic can potentially disrupt the gut's microbial balance, leading to discomfort, dysbiosis, and other gut-related issues.
It's worth noting that humans naturally may help support the body against from their bodies on a daily basis, including the probiotics we consume. These bacteria are excreted through bowel movements, ensuring their safe passage out of the body.
A noteworthy example is the use of probiotics after taking antibiotics. Recent research has shown that introducing probiotics immediately after completing a course of antibiotics can actually hinder the restoration of a healthy and diverse microbiome. This contradicts previous beliefs that probiotics should be taken to "replenish" the bacteria eradicated by antibiotics.
As always, it is wise to trust in the wisdom of nature. To find the best probiotics, it is recommended to choose natural options like wild fermented probiotic foods or probiotic powders that contain both beneficial probiotic bacteria and prebiotics.
This approach not only helps restore balance but also provides a safer way to replenish the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Probiotic Mushrooms, Safe for Both Sexes
Mushroom Probiotics from Teelixir is a proprietary mix of organic superfoods, prebiotics, and medicinal mushrooms designed to aid digestion and gut health.
The prebiotic elements in this blend come from organic, lectin-free grains like millet, hemp, amaranth, and quinoa.
Medicinal mushrooms such as Turkey Tail, Maitake, and Shiitake are included in the blend because they contain probiotic fibres and are traditionally used to support microbial balance. These properties make them "bacteriostatic," meaning they help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeasts.
The mushroom prebiotics in this blend may help nourish beneficial gut microbes. These microbes are involved in the production of various compounds that may contribute to general wellbeing.
Through our unique bio-fermentation process that uses fourteen strains of organic bacteria (not lab-grown), we have created a powerful combination of prebiotics and probiotics in a whole-food blend.
Mushroom Probiotics offer benefits for both men and women by nourishing the existing microbiome and promoting the growth of beneficial strains. At the same time, they help regulate dysbiotic and unfriendly bacteria, thereby supporting a diverse microbiome when combined with a varied, healthy diet.
This formula is designed to contribute to general wellbeing and healthy digestion. It comes in an easy-to-use daily probiotic powder that may contribute to general wellbeing.
You might also be interested in the gut-supportive effects of Lion's Mane mushroom.
Conclusion
Probiotics are living microorganisms that work in harmony with our cells and may help support general wellbeing. A gut microbiome rich in beneficial probiotic bacteria may help reduce bloating, support digestion and bowel movements, and contribute to overall health.
When selecting the best probiotics, it is wise to trust in nature. We recommend choosing a wild-fermented probiotic product that contains both probiotics and prebiotics, as this offers the greatest potential for improving gut health.
Probiotics can be obtained from fermented foods or through whole food-based supplements, and they are generally considered safe for long-term use.
References
- The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7005631/
- Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in disease - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4315779/
- In vitro test to evaluate survival in the gastrointestinal tract of commercial probiotics - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665927121000320
- The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio: A Relevant Marker of Gut Dysbiosis in Obese Patients? - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7285218/
- Gut Microbiota in Cardiovascular Health and Disease - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390330/
- Implication of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) in Disease: Potential Biomarker or New Therapeutic Target - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213249/
- Post-Antibiotic Gut Mucosal Microbiome Reconstitution Is Impaired by Probiotics and Improved by Autologous FMT - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30193113/
- Probiotics 101: A Simple Beginner's Guide - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-101
- Probiotics: What is it, Benefits, Side Effects, Food & Types - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics
- Probiotics: What You Need To Know - https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
- What Are Probiotics? - https://www.everydayhealth.com/probiotics/guide/
- Probiotics for women: what are the benefits? - https://www.livescience.com/probiotics-for-women
- 5 Benefits of Probiotics for Men - https://ancientnutrition.com/blogs/all/probiotics-for-men-benefits
- Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6260894/
- Probiotics: What You Need to Know - https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use.
