Probiotics

Probiotics can help support a healthy balance of good gut bacteria in the digestive tract and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits for digestive health, immune system function, mood balance and weight management. Probiotics provide useful support for digestive comfort when experiencing troubling issues such as excess gas, distension, loose or sluggish bowels, during and after antibiotic use and for when your health is not at its best.

It’s a good idea to supplement with a probiotic if you have undergone any antibiotic treatment within the last two years. If you battle with mood balance concerns, low energy levels, digestive issues that include excess gas and distension, bowel irregularity, food sensitivities and intolerances, as well as skin health concerns, then it may be worth considering a probiotic. Compromised gut health and an imbalance to the gut's microbiome may leave you feeling sub-par and has been associated with poor health outcomes long-term.

Starting a probiotic supplement introduces new colonies of beneficial microorganisms into your digestive tract. These generally go to work straight away, multiplying and establishing themselves in your gastrointestinal tract. This may lead to a number of immediately noticeable benefits such as healthy digestion and bowel regularity and providing support for a healthy functioning immune system.

Some people, particularly those who have experienced significant digestive issues in this past, may experience some initial side effects when first starting on probiotics as the balance of bacteria in their gut changes. This occurs as the outgoing unhelpful bacteria release toxins into the body that can make you feel unwell, usually only for short period of time. Side effects may include an increased bowel transit and loose bowels, skin upsets, tiredness or other digestive issues. This usually only lasts for a day or two and can be prevented by starting more slowly with probiotics (half or quarter of the standard dose and progressively increase over time) as well as flushing the body with hydration to encourage the passage of toxins through and out of the body.

Generally, probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports healthy weight management. Research has shown that an imbalance in some species of gut bacteria is associated with difficulties maintaining a stable weight, so keeping gut bacteria in balance supports the goal of healthy weight management.