Probiotics 101 - A Simple Beginner's Guide

11/30/2017 Probiotics 101: A Simple Beginner's Guide
NEWSLETTER
AUTHORITY NUTRITION u Evidence Based
Probiotics 101: A Simple Beginner's

Guide
Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc on June 19, 2017
Did you know that the bacteria in your body outnumber your body's cells 10 to
1?
It's true, and most of them reside in your gut.
But there really is no need to panic, most bacteria are quite harmless.
Having the right bacteria in there has even been linked to numerous health
benefits (1).
This includes weight loss, improved digestion, enhanced immune function,

better skin and a reduced risk of many diseases (2).
This leads us to the topic at hand, probiotics.
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain these friendly bacteria, and
are supposed to help colonize our guts with health-boosting microorganisms.
The importance of this can not be overstated.
Taking care of your gut, and the friendly bacteria that reside there, may be one
of the single most important things you can do for your health.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-101 1/14
What Are Probiotics?

According to the official definition, probiotics are "live microorganisms that,
when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host"
(3).
Probiotics are usually bacteria, but there is also a type of yeast that can
function as a probiotic.
You can get probiotics from supplements, as well as foods that are prepared by
bacterial fermentation.
Probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi and others.
Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics (note the "e"), which are
dietary fibers that help feed the friendly bacteria that are already in the gut (4).
There are actually dozens of different probiotic bacteria that have been shown
to have health benefits.
The most common groups include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Then

there are many different species within each group, and each species has
many strains.
Interestingly, different probiotics seem to work for different health conditions.

Therefore, choosing the right type (or types) of probiotic is essential.
Many probiotic supplements combine different species together in the same

supplement. These are known as broad-spectrum probiotics, or multi-
probiotics.
Keep in mind that this is a new but rapidly expanding area of research.
Although the evidence is promising, it is not conclusively proven that probiotics

help with all the health conditions mentioned in this article (5).
BOTTOM LINE:
Probiotics are live microorganisms that cause health benefits when
consumed in adequate amounts. There are many different types, and
you can get them from foods or supplements.
The Importance of Microorganisms in The Gut

The complex community of microorganisms in your gut is called the gut flora
(6).
Your gut actually contains hundreds of different types of microorganisms, with

some numbers going as high as 1000.
This includes bacteria, yeasts and viruses. The great majority is bacteria.
Most of the gut flora is found in the colon, or large intestine, the last part of the
digestive tract.
The metabolic activities of the gut flora actually resemble those of an organ.
For this reason, some scientists refer to the gut flora as the "forgotten organ"
(7).
The gut flora actually performs many functions that are important for health. It
manufactures vitamins, including vitamin K and some of the B vitamins (8).
It also turns fibers into short-chain fats like butyrate, propionate and acetate,
which feed the gut wall and perform many metabolic functions (9, 10).
They also stimulate the immune system, and regulate the integrity of the gut.
This can help prevent unwanted substances from "leaking" into the body and
provoking an immune response (11, 12, 13, 14).
However, not all organisms in the gut are friendly. Some are good, others are
bad.
The gut flora is actually highly sensitive to modern insults, and studies show
that an "unbalanced" gut flora is linked to numerous diseases (15, 16).
This includes obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease,

colorectal cancer, Alzheimer's, depression and many, many more (17, 18, 19,
20).
Probiotics (and prebiotic fibers) can help correct this balance, making sure that
our "forgotten organ" is functioning optimally (21).
BOTTOM LINE:
Your gut flora consists of hundreds of different types of
microorganisms. Probiotics help your gut flora perform optimally.
ADVERTISEMENT
Probiotics and Digestive Health

Probiotics have been studied most in regard to digestive health (22).
The strongest evidence has to do with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
When people take antibiotics, especially for long periods of time, they often
suffer from diarrhea for a long time after the infection has been eradicated.
This is because the antibiotics kill many of the natural bacteria in the gut, which
shifts the balance and allows the "bad" bacteria to thrive.
Dozens of studies have provided strong evidence that probiotic supplements

can help cure antibiotic-associated diarrhea (23, 24, 25).
Probiotics have also been shown to be beneficial against irritable bowel

syndrome, a very common digestive disorder. They can help reduce gas,
bloating, constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms (26, 27, 28).
Some studies also show that probiotics may be beneficial against inflammatory
bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (29).
Probiotics may also be useful against Helicobacter pylori infections, the main
driver of ulcers and stomach cancer (30, 31, 32, 33).
If you currently have digestive problems that you can't seem to get rid of, then
perhaps a probiotic supplement is something you should consider.
BOTTOM LINE:
Probiotics have been shown to be effective against various digestive
problems. This includes antibiotic-associated diarrhea and irritable
bowel syndrome.
Probiotics and Weight Loss

Obese people have different gut bacteria than lean people (34).
Animal studies have also shown that fecal transplants from lean animals can
make obese animals lose weight (35, 36).
For this reason, many scientists now believe that our gut bacteria are important
in determining body fatness (37, 38).
Although this needs to be studied a lot more, some probiotic strains have been
shown to help with weight loss (39).
The most impressive study on this was published in 2013. It was a study of 210
individuals with central obesity (lots of fat in the belly area).
In this study, taking the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri caused people to lose
8.5% of their belly fat mass over a period of 12 weeks (40).
When they stopped taking the probiotic, they gained the belly fat back within 4
weeks.
There is also some evidence that Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium

lactis can help with weight loss and obesity prevention (41).
However, this needs to be studied more before any recommendations can be

made.
There are also some animal studies showing that other probiotic strains could
even lead to weight gain, not loss (42).
Here's an article with more info about the weight loss effects of probiotics.
BOTTOM LINE:
There is some evidence that the certain probiotic strains can help
people lose weight, but this needs to be studied a lot more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other Health Benefits of Probiotics

Getting into all the incredible benefits of probiotics is beyond the scope of this
article.
However, there are a few that are definitely worth highlighting here:
Inflammation: Probiotics have been shown to reduce systemic

inflammation, a leading driver of many diseases (43).
Depression and anxiety: The probiotic strains Lactobacillus helveticus and

Bifidobacterium longum have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety
and depression in people with clinical depression (44, 45).
Blood cholesterol: Several probiotics have been shown to lower total and
LDL cholesterol levels (46, 47).
Blood pressure: Probiotics have also been shown to cause modest
reductions in blood pressure (48, 49).
Immune function: Several probiotic strains can enhance immune function
and lead to reduced risk of infections, including the common cold (50, 51).
Skin health: There is some evidence that probiotics can be useful for acne,
rosacea and eczema, as well as other skin disorders (52).
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial
for a wide range of other health problems.
For more details, here are the top 8 health benefits of probiotics.
BOTTOM LINE:
Probiotics have been shown to have numerous health benefits. They
may reduce depression and anxiety, improve heart health and
enhance immune function, to name a few.
Are There Any Side Effects?

Probiotics are generally well tolerated and considered safe for most people.
However, in the first few days, you may experience side effects related to
digestion. This includes gas and mild abdominal discomfort (53).
After this initial adaptation period is over, your digestion should be better than
it was before.
In people with compromised immune systems, probiotics can lead to

dangerous infections. This includes people with HIV, AIDS and several other
conditions (54).
If you have a medical condition, definitely consult with your doctor before
taking a probiotic supplement.
BOTTOM LINE:
Probiotic supplements may cause digestive symptoms, but this should
subside within a few days. They may be dangerous for people with
certain medical conditions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Take Home Message

Maintaining a healthy gut goes way beyond just taking a probiotic supplement.
What you do from day to day is just as important, since all sorts of lifestyle
factors have been shown to affect your gut bacteria.
An evidence-based nutrition article from our experts at Authority

u Nutrition.
 v   FEEDBACK:  
READ THIS NEXT
9 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy Levels

Many people regularly feel tired. This article presents 9 ways you can boost
your energy levels naturally.
READ MORE
Does Sugar Cause Inﬂammation in the Body?

Inflammation can cause serious health problems. This article examines whether
there is a link between sugar intake and inflammation.
READ MORE
Sounding the Alarm on Climate Change and Health

Sounding the Alarm on Climate Change and Health
In their new book, a pair of doctors highlight the specific health risks associated
with global warming.
READ MORE
Nutrition and Metabolism Disorders

A metabolic disorder occurs when the metabolism process fails. We'll explain
the causes and different types.
READ MORE
Types of Migraines
Awareness of the two types of migraines, involving the presence of auras, will
help you seek the right treatment.
READ MORE
22 Easy Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

Good sleep is crucial for good health. If you have a hard time falling or staying
asleep, check out these 22 simple ways to fall asleep fast.
READ MORE
How to Fact Check Your Favorite Wellness and Health

Blog
Don't fall for another exaggerated medical claim. Our health editor gives a
checklist of what she asks before publishing an article online.
READ MORE
The 10 Best Foods to Eat If You Have Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. This article
discusses 10 foods that can help relieve inflammation and fight…
READ MORE
22 Simple Ways to Get Healthier With Minimal Eﬀort

11/30/2017
p y Probiotics 101: A Simple Beginner's Guide
Getting healthier doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. This article

explores 22 simple ways you can get healthier with minimal effort.
READ MORE
6 Common Types of Eating Disorders (and Their

Symptoms)
Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits, and
they are quite common. This articles describes 6 of the most common…
READ MORE
get our wellness newsletter

Health tips, wellness advice, and more.
Enter your email
SUBSCRIBE
m
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-101 c g e d 13/14
m c g e d
About Us Health Topics
Health News FDA

Contact Us Advertise With Us
Advertising Policy Newsletters
Careers Privacy Policy
Terms of Use Find an Online Doctor
Copyright © 2005 - 2017 Healthline Media. All rights reserved. Our content does not constitute a
medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis. Privacy Policy.

Probiotics 101 - A Simple Beginner's Guide

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Probiotics 101 - A Simple Beginner's Guide

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

11/30/2017 Probiotics 101: A Simple Beginner's Guide

AUTHORITY NUTRITION u Evidence Based

Probiotics 101: A Simple Beginner's

It's true, and most of them reside in your gut.

This includes weight loss, improved digestion, enhanced immune function,

This leads us to the topic at hand, probiotics.

The importance of this can not be overstated.

What Are Probiotics?

The most common groups include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Then

Interestingly, different probiotics seem to work for different health conditions.

Many probiotic supplements combine different species together in the same

Although the evidence is promising, it is not conclusively proven that probiotics

The Importance of Microorganisms in The Gut

Your gut actually contains hundreds of different types of microorganisms, with

This includes obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease,

Probiotics and Digestive Health

The strongest evidence has to do with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Dozens of studies have provided strong evidence that probiotic supplements

Probiotics have also been shown to be beneficial against irritable bowel

Probiotics and Weight Loss

There is also some evidence that Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium

However, this needs to be studied more before any recommendations can be

Other Health Benefits of Probiotics

Inflammation: Probiotics have been shown to reduce systemic

Depression and anxiety: The probiotic strains Lactobacillus helveticus and

Are There Any Side Effects?

In people with compromised immune systems, probiotics can lead to

Take Home Message

An evidence-based nutrition article from our experts at Authority

READ THIS NEXT

9 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy Levels

Does Sugar Cause Inﬂammation in the Body?

Sounding the Alarm on Climate Change and Health

Nutrition and Metabolism Disorders

22 Easy Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

How to Fact Check Your Favorite Wellness and Health

The 10 Best Foods to Eat If You Have Arthritis

22 Simple Ways to Get Healthier With Minimal Eﬀort

Getting healthier doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. This article

6 Common Types of Eating Disorders (and Their

get our wellness newsletter

Enter your email

Health News FDA

Advertising Policy Newsletters

Careers Privacy Policy

Terms of Use Find an Online Doctor

You might also like