Walk into a health food store and you’re likely to find an entire aisle dedicated to probiotics. According to some surveys, approximately four million Americans take probiotics, which are available as pills, powders, foods and drinks. Probiotics are a huge industry — at least a $40 billion dollar one, according to Zion Market Research — and popular brands sell for 35 cents to $1 a dose, with a shelf life of several months.
What are probiotics? "The name itself is derived from the Latin 'pro-' meaning 'for' and the Greek '-biotic' meaning 'life,'" explains Jeannel Astarita, skincare expert and founder of Just Ageless NYC Wellness and Medspa. "Probiotics are the helpful bacteria that live primarily in your gut and play a crucial role in your overall health by fighting pathogens and yeast that lead to a weakened immune system." Taking probiotics has been shown to lessen the impact of the flu or the common cold, aid in weight loss, improve digestion, improve athletic performance, create healthier skin and reduce the risk of many diseases.
Did you know that it has been said that about 70 percent of your immune system resides in your gut? Yep. 70 percent. It has also been said that gut health is directly linked to brain health. So how you take care (or don’t take care!) of your gut will have a huge impact on your overall health and cognitive function. Wow!
The complex community of microorganisms in your gut is called the gut flora or microbiota. The gut flora is so critical in the functioning of the body that it is often referred to as the “forgotten organ”. Your gut flora performs many functions that are important for health. It manufactures vitamins, balances the hundreds of microorganisms that resides there, and turns fibers into short-chain fats, which in turn stimulates the immune system and keeps unwanted substances from entering the body. You can probably see why it is so important to pay attention to this “forgotten organ” and give it what it needs for optimal health!
Probiotics can be taken in a pill or powder form, and can also be found in many foods, including:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Tempe
- Miso
- Yogurt
Give Probiotic Supplements a Couple of Weeks To Kick In.
A good rule of thumb is 12 weeks. It takes time for your body to fully see the benefits of any new product. Remember though, that a magic pill is not going to be your answer to everything. To expect it to be the be-all, end-all of your health is too high an expectation. However, combine it with smart lifestyle choices and you may find a big difference in how you feel overall.
If you are interested in learning about the probiotics that I’ve been taking over the last 4 years, please let me know! I would love to share with you the benefits I’ve found and help you get your microbiome to optimal health!
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