We may or may not agree with this, but times have changed and so has our body and the way it functions. People have realised that gut health is of utmost importance as everything is connected to it (even diabetes).

Now, in times when you have so many distractions (junk food, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle), maintaining a good stomach can be a bit difficult.

So, when entrepreneurs saw a booming market for creating supplements aimed at promoting a healthy gut, they jumped at the opportunity. This led to the rise of probiotic supplements, which promised to help people fulfill their dream of a healthy gut.

Yes, that’s the promise, but are they delivering on it?

india today We took a deeper look into the probiotic supplement trend, and spoke to gut and health experts to see how true the claims are.

but first:

What exactly are probiotics?

Think of them as the good organisms in your gut. They are living microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.

They are found naturally in the body or can be taken as a dietary supplement to promote health and wellness. Probiotics help maintain the balance of beneficial microorganisms in the body, which can be disrupted by the following factors: Antibiotic medicines, TensionAnd poor dietThey aid digestion, boost immunity, and even help with certain health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease.

What are probiotic supplements?

Sahil Samra, co-founder of True North Healthcare LLP, explains that probiotic supplements are dietary supplements that are rich in specific types of good bacteria.

” We can easily find them as Capsules, Powder, Gummies, Sticks Or Tablets“They are primarily designed to help restore the gut microbiome and promote the activity of good bacteria in order to reverse the effects of unhealthy diet and lifestyle practices,” he says.

These supplements are especially useful for people with specific health conditions or may also help with lactose intolerance, skin problems like eczema, and allergies.

“Probiotic supplements that contain strains such as Saccharomyces boulardii And Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG He adds, “It may help restore the healthy composition of our gut microbiome, which enables the gut to prevent inflammation and other intestinal problems.”

Many celebrities like Malaika Arora, Karan Singh Grover and Bipasha Basu have been seen promoting these supplements on social media.

Natural Probiotics vs. Probiotic Supplements

Natural probiotics are basically live bacteria that occur naturally in fermented foods such as Kimchi, ButtermilkAnd CurdWhich helps in maintaining diversity of gut flora.

Probiotic supplements, on the other hand, are concentrated strains of bacteria that provide targeted benefits and can help provide immediate relief from symptoms of diarrhea and gut sensitivity-related problems such as IBS, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Sahil says, “Over time, probiotic supplements can help increase the population of healthy gut bacteria, improve digestion, and boost immunity. Plus, probiotic supplements are travel-friendly and can be taken on the go to see immediate results, making them perfect for people with busy schedules and who can’t eat healthy home-cooked meals regularly.”

Talking about natural probiotics, Sahil points out that not every store-bought fermented food is loaded with probiotics. “Many yogurts are high in refined sugar and do not contain probiotics, making it important for consumers seeking probiotics to look for products that actually contain live cultures. Also, natural probiotics may or may not help target specific gut issues or their symptoms,” he says.

Who Needs a Probiotic Supplement?

While healthy gut bacteria are naturally present in our bodies, sometimes, a poor diet or stressful lifestyle can create an unfavorable environment for them to thrive. This is when doctors recommend including probiotic supplements in the diet so that it helps deal with gut-related discomfort.

However, Dr Pawan Dhoble, Junior Consultant, Gastroenterology, PD Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim, Mumbai, says it is important to consult a doctor before starting any supplement.

“Whether or not you need probiotic supplements depends on your individual health and dietary needs. It’s best to consult a gastroenterologist to determine if supplementing with probiotics is appropriate for you,” he says.

Are probiotic supplements messing up your gut balance?

While experts praise the wonders of probiotic supplements, they also say that if taken in excessive amounts, they can upset the gut balance.

,Overconsumption Or Unsuitable strains “The bacterial balance in the gut may be temporarily disturbed. It is important to follow dosage recommendations and consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements,” says Dr. Dhoble.

Meanwhile, Sahil Samra says that probiotic supplements work differently for different people.

“For instance, some individuals may experience gas or temporary bloating due to supplements. Often, changes in one’s gut microbiota trigger the healthy bacteria to produce more gas than usual, leading to bloating. However, such symptoms subside within a few days as probiotic supplements are known to introduce healthy bacteria into the gut microbiota, which helps reverse the effects of the imbalance quickly,” says Sahil.

Choosing a Probiotic Supplement

When choosing a probiotic supplement, first consult with a doctor to find out which one is best for you (there are plenty of options available online).

Dr. Pawan Rawal, Head Unit-1, Gastroenterology, Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, suggests considering the following before deciding on a probiotic supplement:

• strain: Look for supplements containing researched and well-documented bacterial strains.
• CFU Count: This refers to the number of colony-forming units (live bacteria) per dose. Higher CFUs may not always be better; discuss this with your doctor.
• Form: Choose capsules or tablets for shelf stability. Powders and beverages may require refrigeration.
• Third-party verification: Select brands with third-party certification ensuring quality and label affordability.
• Check out laxatives: “Probiotic supplements typically do not contain laxatives as the main ingredient. However, some probiotic supplements may contain additional ingredients or bacterial strains that could potentially have a mild laxative effect in some individuals,” says Dr. Dhoble.

Yakult, the most common probiotic drink

Whether you’re a K-drama fan or not, you can never fail to enjoy the Japanese “sweet probiotic” drink called Yakult. Although drinking it can help the good bacteria in your gut, you should be careful of its sugar content as it is very high in sugar. 9.2 g sugar per bottleThe company claims the reason they add sugar to their drinks is to “keep our bacteria alive during shelf life.”

However, Yakult Light (blue top) contains 3.6 grams per bottle.

Sahil Samra says, “Probiotic drinks that are low in calories and sugar may have gut health benefits. However, to ensure efficacy, I recommend checking the ingredients label to understand their composition and claims before consuming such products.”

take way

Not everyone needs probiotic supplements. If you have digestive problems, it’s a good idea to see a doctor first. They can help you determine if probiotic supplements are right for you and recommend a supplement that fits your needs.