Did you know that in most cases probiotics don’t take up permanent residence in our gut?
That’s right, they act more like house guests that come and go. That means the benefits of probiotics only last as long as we’re actually using them!
If this isn’t how you pictured it working, hopefully the little visual here helps:
Probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms (bacteria and/or yeasts) that can…
- prevent overgrowth of pathogenic or “bad” bacteria
- maintain a healthy intestinal lining
- improve food digestion
- bolster immunity
- help to balance mood, hormones, inflammation, and metabolism.
However, because probiotics usually just take a day trip through our gut without moving in to stay, these benefits can only happen with regular probiotic use.
This is true whether it’s fermented foods (such as sauerkraut, kimchi, or miso) or supplements. Consistency is one of the many keys to optimizing probiotic use*, and it’s nuances like these that can add up to improve gut health.
*As with all the information I provide, this is not intended to substitute for medical advice, nor is it meant to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any condition. Please always consult with your doctor before changing your supplement regimen.