Skip to Main Content
kombucha

Less Pills. More Probiotic Health

What is a Probiotic?

A probiotic is a live culture of "good bacteria" that are naturally found in the gut. Although many strains of good bacteria are already found in the gut, consuming foods or supplements containing probiotics can help to change or repopulate these intestinal bacteria and balance the gut flora. There is much research being done on the positive effects that a healthy gut flora can have on other body systems.

What are the Benefits of a Probiotic?

Under the probiotic genera, there are hundreds of species with even more strains that each function differently and produce different benefits. Currently, the most widely researched bacterial genera’s include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Species of Lactobacillus bacteria have been found to help prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea, boost immunity, and improve skin conditions. There is also ongoing research involving the treatment of psychological conditions with different bacterial strains.

Bifidobacterium is found widely in the gut and aids in the digestion of foods, producing short-chain fatty acids and reducing inflammation through the stimulation of immune cells. Bifidobacterium strains can also have positive benefits for certain skin issues, mental health issues, and gastrointestinal problems.

What Foods Contain Probiotics?

Dietary sources of these bacteria include certain brands of yogurt and milk, kefir, miso, tempeh, fermented vegetables, and kombucha. You can also purchase probiotics in supplement form.

How Much Do I Need to Take?

The recommended doses range from 1 billion to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU). You can usually get this amount from 1-2 capsules of a probiotic supplement. Food sources may vary based on batch and food processing practices. Some research studies done using yogurt showed benefits when subjects consumed 1-2 servings of yogurt per day.

Will a Probiotic Help Me Lose Weight?

The effects of probiotics on weight loss and fat disposition are being studied, but so far there are no successful links between probiotic intakes and weight loss.

Overall, the benefits of probiotics are promising. Adding probiotics into your daily routine either through dietary or supplemental means may have positive health effects. Be on the lookout for more research in the future as there is much to be discovered about the benefits of the numerous bacterial species that exist.


Learn about CHI Health's Nutrition Education Services as well as our Gastroenterology services.

CHI Health Food and Nutrition Services Team
CHI Health Food and Nutrition Services Team

These blogs are written by members of the CHI Health Nutrition Services team.

Related Articles

Target Heart Rate? 4 Reasons Not to Sweat It

SEP 21, 2023

If you’ve ever wondered what number is ideal for your fitness, or even tried to hit a “target” heart rate, our provider has some tips for you.

Read More

Kidney Stone Survival Guide

SEP 19, 2023

Kidney stones have a reputation for causing a tremendous amount of pain. While they can be excruciating, the good news is pain can be controlled and permanent damage can be avoided if treated promptly.

Read More

What Are Superfoods & Why Should You Eat Them?

AUG 30, 2023

No food has super powers, but some are considered to be superfoods. These are foods that offer incredible health benefits for their nutritional profile.

Read More