The digestive tract can be viewed as a seesaw — when one thing causes an imbalance, everything can feel off. Stress, eating poorly, and taking certain medications can cause a disruption. Finding the perfect balance can be tricky, but probiotics can help.
How the digestive system works
The main purpose of the digestive system is to turn food into energy. You need energy to survive and do the things that you enjoy. The digestive system is also responsible for processing food and excreting it as waste.
The main parts of the digestive system include:
- mouth
- esophagus
- stomach
- small intestine
- pancreas
- liver
- gallbladder
- large intestine (colon)
- rectum
- anus
Each one of these parts has its own unique job to do, but they must all be in sync and work together. When one part is upset, it can throw off the whole system.
Probiotics 101
So, what are probiotics? In simple terms, probiotics are healthy, beneficial sources of bacteria. More scientifically, they are live microorganisms that can provide a health benefit when taken or given in adequate amounts.
Your diet may already include some probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut. But probiotics can also be taken as supplements. As with any over-the-counter medication, talk to your doctor before taking a probiotic supplement. They can help determine if supplements are right for you. They can also help you choose which supplement to take.
Probiotic strains
There are more than 500 different strains of probiotics in the body. Each of these strains may help you with certain digestive issues, such as:
- reducing bloating and gas discomfort
- improving diarrhea or constipation
- fighting intestinal infections
- restoring normal gut flora
Two of the most common strains are Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Bifidobacterium longum is one of the first strains to materialize in a baby’s gastrointestinal tract. It helps protect against bad bacteria and neutralize toxins. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most commonly used and seen probiotics. It lives in the mouth, intestines, and vagina.
Others probiotic strains include:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Lactobacillus plantarum 299V
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Streptococcus thermophilus
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Lactobacillus helveticus
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
How probiotics may help improve digestive health
Scientists don’t fully agree about the complete benefits of probiotics. But there are several functions and processes in the body where probiotics consistently appear to have a positive effect. This includes:
- helping with the digestion of food
- assisting in absorbing essential nutrients
- regulating gut flora and improving overall gut health
- boosting your immune system and warding off sicknesses
- helping with weight loss
Aside from digestive health, probiotics may also improve skin conditions, such as eczema, and prevent certain types of cancers, particularly colon cancer.
Takeaway
Maintaining balance in your digestive tract is easier said than done. When something out of the ordinary comes your way, whether it’s a new food or a stressful day, your digestive system can become unhappy.
Probiotics aren’t the only way to achieve a happy digestive system, but they may help. Discuss your eating habits, stress levels, and daily medications with your doctor to see if eating more probiotic-rich foods or adding a supplement is right for you.
