What is a probiotic? Why is it important for the body? Find out!
Probiotics are live microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the human body. They help maintain the balance of gut microbiota and play an important role in digestion and regulating bowel function. Additionally, they strengthen the immune system and positively affect mental well-being. These microbes are especially important during antibiotic treatment but can also be used preventively. What do probiotics help with? What’s the best probiotic for the gut? When should you take a probiotic?
Table of contents
- What is a probiotic?
- Types of probiotics and bacterial strains
- How do probiotics work and what are their benefits?
- When and how should you take a probiotic?
- Natural probiotics for gut health
- What is the best probiotic?
- What’s the best probiotic for gut health?
- Probiotics and antibiotics: why does it matter?
- Which probiotics should you take during and after antibiotics?
- Summary: probiotics as health support
What is a probiotic?
Often referred to as “good bacteria,” probiotics are live microorganisms - including both bacteria and yeasts - that naturally inhabit the human digestive tract. When taken in appropriate amounts, they can support the body in many ways, especially by aiding the digestive system.
The beneficial properties of probiotic bacteria were recognized as far back as ancient times. Interest in lactic acid bacteria grew in the 19th century - Louis Pasteur studied the antagonism between bacterial strains in 1877. Later, in 1907, Russian microbiologist Ilya Mechnikov proposed that consuming yogurt and kefir could promote health. However, his research was largely overshadowed by the emergence of antibiotics, and the term “probiotic” wasn’t introduced until 1965. The modern definition wasn’t established until 2001, when researchers began focusing on the health benefits of live microorganisms for the human body.
Types of probiotics and bacterial strains
Probiotic supplements may contain one or more types of bacterial strains, each offering different effects. The most common types of probiotics include:
- lactobacillus
- bifidobacterium
- saccharomyces
- escherichia
- streptococcus
- enterococcus
- bacillus.
How to choose the right probiotic for your needs
Probiotics are safe for people of all ages. To choose the right one, it’s important to consider any health conditions, symptoms, and the current state of your gut microbiota, along with age and general health. For example, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 is often recommended for diarrhea, while Lactobacillus plantarum 299V may help individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you're unsure about which probiotic to choose, it’s worth consulting a doctor or pharmacist who can recommend the best product for your specific needs.
How do probiotics work and what are their benefits?
Scientific research confirms that probiotics can support various functions in the human body. While different strains affect different organs and systems, their overall role is to support and restore the gut microbiota. They help strengthen the intestinal barrier, modulate the nervous and immune systems, produce antimicrobial substances, and improve nutrient absorption. Probiotic bacteria also ferment prebiotics and dietary fibers, generating metabolites that benefit the gut microbiome.
Depending on the strain, probiotics may:
- strengthen the immune system with immunostimulating properties
- improve digestion
- reduce stomach acid production, easing symptoms of reflux and heartburn
- regulate bowel movements and digestive health
- support vaginal microbiota balance and reduce the risk of infections
- help maintain urinary tract pH, offering antibacterial and antiviral effects
- aid in weight management
- improve skin conditions
- support mental health and mood by influencing the gut-brain axis
When and how should you take a probiotic?
You might benefit from probiotics if you experience:
- diarrhea
- IBS
- reflux or heartburn
- intimate infections
- urinary tract inflammation
- excess body weight
- weakened immunity
- acne
- chronic stress
- low mood
Probiotics can be especially helpful during antibiotic treatment or when traveling abroad. However, they can also be taken preventively to support gut and immune health.
Should you take probiotics before or after antibiotics?
Probiotics can be taken during antibiotic treatment, but timing is important. It’s generally recommended to take the probiotic at least two hours apart from the antibiotic. You can either take the antibiotic two hours after the probiotic or the other way around. It’s also beneficial to continue taking probiotics for several days after finishing the antibiotics to help restore gut flora.
Probiotics are usually taken during or just before a meal, although some people prefer taking them on an empty stomach. The best time to take them depends on your doctor’s advice or the product manufacturer’s guidelines.
How long should you take probiotics to see results?
Take probiotics for as long as necessary, based on your doctor’s recommendations or the product’s instructions. During antibiotic treatment, it's typically advised to take probiotics throughout the course and continue for one to two weeks afterward.
Long-term supplementation is generally not recommended, as it could lead to an overgrowth of gut bacteria, potentially disrupting microbiota balance and increasing the risk of side effects, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Natural probiotics for gut health
While probiotics are often associated with pharmacy-grade supplements, they’re also found in everyday foods. You can introduce them into your diet through:
- plain yogurt
- kefir
- buttermilk
- cultured milk
- fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, pickles, or fermented beets
- fermented soy products
When choosing fermented foods, make sure they’ve been properly prepared - true fermentation occurs in an oxygen-free environment. Additionally, opt for dairy products with longer expiration dates, as the concentration of live cultures tends to drop closer to the end of shelf life.
What is the best probiotic?
Natural probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiota, but in cases of specific health concerns, it's best to use dietary supplements like OstroVit Pharma PRO-60 BIOTIC LactoSpore® to ensure the targeted delivery of beneficial bacteria.
To find the best probiotic, consider your age, health condition, and individual needs.
A quality product is one that:
- survives stomach acid and bile
- has clinically proven strains
- contains a sufficient number of CFUs
- uses well-matched strains with specific health benefits
- is genetically stable and actively combats harmful bacteria
What’s the best probiotic for gut health?
To choose the best probiotic for gut health, start by identifying your body’s needs. For preventing traveler’s diarrhea, strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii may be effective. For acute diarrhea, Lactobacillus reuteri can be helpful. In cases of IBS or intestinal inflammation, strains like Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus acidophilus bulgaricus are often recommended. During antibiotic treatment, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum are frequently suggested.
Probiotics and antibiotics: why does it matter?
Antibiotics are designed to kill or inhibit bacteria, but they don’t distinguish between harmful and beneficial microbes. As a result, they often deplete the good bacteria in the gut, disrupting the microbiota balance.
How antibiotics affect gut microbiota
Taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment helps rebuild gut microbiota and replenish the beneficial bacteria lost during therapy. A well-matched probiotic can reduce the risk of complications and support digestion.
It’s essential to take probiotics regularly, with proper timing, and continue use even after finishing antibiotics to allow full gut recovery.
Which probiotics should you take during and after antibiotics?
During and after antibiotic treatment, it’s generally recommended to take probiotics containing strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium animalis. For children, products with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) are often suggested to support immunity, aid digestion, and restore microbiota balance.
Summary: probiotics as health support
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that naturally inhabit the human digestive tract. When present in the right amounts, they promote overall health by supporting digestion, immune function, and intestinal health. Probiotics can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet, especially when taken preventively or during and after antibiotic treatment.
To choose the right strain, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional who can recommend the most suitable probiotic supplement for your individual needs.
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