Probiotics can help support our body in innumerable ways. For most of us, we consume probiotics to replenish and support a healthy microbiome. But why? The microbiome is the collection of all living microorganisms in the body, so our goal with probiotics is to help maintain all the microorganisms that are healthy and lifesupporting.
In 2007 scientists launched an effort to map the human microbiome in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health called the Human Microbiome Project.1 Contributors to the project were from about 200 scientists across 80 institutions that took samples from healthy volunteers. Not only did they learn how many microbes we have and what they do, they discovered that our microbiome diversity has a profound influence on our health!2
There are many factors that affect our individual microbial ecology including, lifestyle factors, diet, exercise, where we live, and physiological states. But one of the most important things learned from the Human Microbiome Project is that the microbiome can eventually return to a state of equilibrium, especially if you support and nurture it.
Determine what your primary goals are in regard to replenishing your gut with healthy probiotics. For example, are you wanting to support digestive function, fortify your gut, help promote hormone balance, support stress and mood, increase energy levels, or support aging well? Look for a probiotic that is formulated to help support what you are looking to achieve.
Lastly, remember to choose a probiotic that says it is “enteric.” This is a term that refers to the capsule opening and releasing its content after passing through the stomach acid into the alkaline environment of the small intestine. A variety of probiotic species may provide benefits in the small intestine to help absorb nutrients, metabolize vitamins, and help synthesize neurotransmitters3. So choose the one that will help you get the probiotics you need to support your personal health goals.
1 Turnbaugh, P., Ley, R., Hamady, M. et al. The Human Microbiome Project. Nature 449, 804–810 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06244
2 Gerritsen, J., Smidt, H., Rijkers, G.T. et al. Intestinal microbiota in human health and disease: the impact of probiotics. Genes Nutr 6, 209–240 (2011). https://doi. org/10.1007/s12263-011-0229-7
3 S.M. O’Mahony, G. Clarke, Y.E. Borre, et al. Serotonin, tryptophan metabolism and the braingut- microbiome axis. Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 277, 32-48 (2015). ISSN 0166-4328, https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.027.
© 2021 Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton DC, MS
The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and are not endorsed by Woodland Publishing or its affiliates. This article is for educational purposes only and readers should seek the advice of their licensed healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Dr. Jennifer Rasp-Bickerton began developing proactive regimens for her patients in private practice after having altered her own life with dietary supplements. Today she enjoys sharing supplementstacking approaches with others to help enhance the quality of their lives, addressing such topics as stress, energy, and sleep.
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