Should you consider taking probiotics? Our answer’s yes. But let’s talk about it first.
Few topics have gotten more buzz in the last decade than probiotics. The word’s all over our screens, in every scroll, and shimmering on the shelves of the wellness aisle. In fact, you’ve probably heard the phrase “good bacteria” more times than you can count—and if you don’t exactly know what it means, you’re not alone. Let’s break that down.
What is “good bacteria”?
Your body is a massive ecosystem that thrives on balance. Part of that balance? Bacteria, or microscopic, single-celled organisms. On its own, bacteria can get a bad rep — and that’s usually because of “bad” bacteria, like Salmonella or Listeria, which can cause illnesses, STIs, and food poisoning. But good bacteria, which include prebiotics and probiotics, live blissfully in your gut microbiome, aiding digestion, regulating your blood sugar, and more. We love them, we stand by them, and if you wanna know the difference between these two, read here.
What affects my microbiome?
The human body includes many microbiomes, or communities of micro-organisms, but the star of the show is the gut microbiome, a collection of trillions of microorganisms hosted in your colon. Quite a few things can shift the balance in these communities, including:
- Your lifestyle: smoking, chronic stress, and limited physical activity have all been linked to decreased diversity in gut bacteria.1
- Your diet: any substantial dietary changes could shift the balance of the gut’s microbiome.1
- Your medications: antibiotics are superstars at killing bad bacteria—but they can also kill the good ones, upsetting the balance of the gut microbiome. Please note that you should always take medications as prescribed by your PCP.2
- Your hormones: hormones and the gut microbiome, in particular, have a bidirectional effect, meaning they can influence each other.
Keeping the essential balance in your body’s overall microbiome can be complicated. That’s where probiotics can come in handy.
Probiotics and their benefits
Probiotics are “live micro-organisms” that work for good inside of your body, typically bacteria or yeast.3 The two most well-studied strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. We deliver these babies directly to our microbiomes by consuming them, in supplement form (like the URO Whole Body Probiotic, if you’re into total body wellness) or in fermented foods. The benefits they have are endless, so have a seat: we’re about to sing their praises.
For your gut health
Say it with us: balance. When the balance of flora in your gut microbiome is disrupted, the door opens wide for gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).4
Probiotics work to keep and restore that balance by crowding out the bad guys, ensuring that there’s plenty of “good bacteria” living and working in your gut microbiome. They can also bolster the gut’s barrier, keep stools firm and hydrated, and produce substances that “limit pathogenic”, or bad bacteria.5 AND a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine also revealed that probiotic supplements are effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, or AAD.3 Swooooon. Are you feeling protected? We are.
For your vagina
Guess what other incredibly important organ has its own microbiome? Your vagina (wh-hoo!) And probiotics can clock in there, too.
If you frequently struggle with bacterial vaginosis (otherwise known as BV) or yeast infections, which are both conditions linked to the overgrowth of yeast and “bad” bacteria, a probiotic supplement like this one can help restore balance, fight odors, and prevent future flare-ups. We would get it a cape, if we could.
For your oral microbiome
There are millions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes pulling in overtime hours in your mouth—we call this ecosystem the oral microbiome.6 And just like in any microbiome, good bacteria can be incredibly effective: a recent study found that probiotics are not only effective in treating oral infections, but also build a protective lining called biofilm, which guards against pathogens.7
How to find the best probiotics for you
Probiotics can be found in two main sources: fermented foods and supplements. Sure, you can incorporate foods like kimchi, yogurt, and kefir into your diet (and we’re always looking for a good reason to cut into a sourdough loaf). But if you’re interested in supplements, let these three questions guide your search:
- How often do I want to take them? Repeat after us: sustainable habits. Some probiotics need to be taken with every meal or twice a day. If that works for you, fantastic! But if you want to take one capsule and check “microbiome health” off your list for the day, you might want a supplement like this one.
- Why am I taking this supplement? Looking for a probiotic that addresses a specific concern, like supporting pH balance or boosting overall vaginal health? Guide your search by looking for probiotic strains and supplements that will address your needs best.
- Can I trust the source? A good rule of thumb: when searching for a probiotic brand, be sure to look for one that lists out all key ingredients and breaks down the research behind your product. As with all new supplements, you’ll want to consult with your primary care physician before beginning your regimen—and you’ll be better equipped to do that if you can share some background.
