Can you really solve all your digestive problems by simply taking a few probiotic supplements? This article will tell you whether it's really that simple and what you should know about probiotic supplements.

• Our gut flora is as unique as a fingerprint, except that it can change daily.
• The dietary supplements have the property of gently supporting the intestines.
• All the advantages and disadvantages of probiotic supplements

These dietary supplements are usually special bacterial cultures and true all-rounders. They not only strengthen your immune system and regulate your bowel activity, but also help with allergies.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are little helpers for our health. The WHO, the World Health Organization, describes probiotics as follows: "Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to humans when ingested in sufficient quantities." This means that taking selected probiotics can promote gut flora, well-being, and overall health.

Probiotics under scrutiny

Probiotics are preparations containing live bacteria. These bacteria are also found in the natural gut flora. Among the best-known bacteria are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus.
The probots are differentiated as follows:

1. Single-strain probiotics: they contain only one strain of bacteria
2. Multi-strain probiotics: they contain several strains of bacteria from one species.
3. Multi-species probiotics: they contain several strains of bacteria from different genera and species.

Not long ago, it was generally believed that multi-species probiotics were the best choice. However, over the years it has become clear that this hypothesis is not entirely correct. The effectiveness of a probiotic depends solely on choosing the right bacterial strains.

The right single-strain probiotic can definitely be superior to a multi-species probiotic.

What do probiotics help with?

Probiotics act directly in the gut. Since 99% of intestinal microbiota are found in the gut, this is their most important site of action. However, there are also probiotics that act in the small intestine and thus positively influence not only the gut but also the immune system.

Probiotics for a disturbed gut flora

The main function of probiotic supplements is to regulate the intestinal flora. An imbalanced intestinal flora can lead to bloating, abdominal distension, constipation, and even diarrhea.

Why is a disturbed gut flora bad for the body?

The gut not only processes your food, but also plays a crucial role in regulating your immune system. After all, 80% of the body's immune cells reside in the gut. Therefore, an unhealthy gut flora is detrimental to overall health, as it makes you much more susceptible to infections.

What are probiotic dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements come in different forms. They are available as capsules, powders, or even as yogurt.

Capsules

Advantages:

• Thanks to the acid-resistant capsule, they only take effect in the intestine.
• simple application

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for younger children or babies
• Not an option for vegans, as the capsule usually contains gelatin.

Powder:

Advantages:

• Dissolvable in water and easy to take.

Disadvantages:

• poor protection from sun and light
• short lifespan
• Risk of over- or under-dosing

Yogurts

Advantages:

• They usually taste like regular yogurt.
• They can support the intestinal flora just as well as capsules and powders.

Disadvantages:

• more expensive than regular yogurts
• often contain added sugar

Buy probiotic supplements

These days, you can buy dietary supplements in every supermarket, drugstore, and pharmacy. Online retailers also offer a wide selection.

Advantages and disadvantages of probiotic supplements

Like everything in life, dietary supplements have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• support the intestines and intestinal flora
• regulate the immune system
• Diarrhea, constipation, or bloating are common at the beginning of treatment.

Disadvantages:

• usually a high cost factor
• Risk of overdose
• For immunosuppressed patients, only take under medical supervision.

Do probiotic supplements have side effects?

Natural probiotics are considered very well tolerated and should not cause any side effects. However, it is important to check for intolerances to ingredients such as fructose, gluten, or lactose before taking them.

If you are skeptical about whether probiotic supplements are right for you, you should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist whether and which probiotics are suitable for your current symptoms.

How long should you take probiotic supplements?

Probiotics can only take effect if you take them consistently for an extended period. You won't notice an improvement overnight. Doctors and scientists recommend a course of at least 4–12 weeks.

Only after this period can a meaningful answer be given as to whether the probiotic is helping or not. If no effect is noticeable, it is recommended to switch to a different strain of bacteria.

Conclusion

Probiotic supplements can support the gut and gut flora. They also help the immune system and thus the entire body. If you suffer from bloating, abdominal distension, constipation, or diarrhea, taking a probiotic can indeed provide relief. It's important not to underestimate the duration of use and not to expect miracles too quickly.

Equally essential is the correct selection of bacterial strains and cultures. It is advisable to consult your doctor about this. They can recommend suitable probiotics. Whether you choose to take capsules, powder, or yogurt is ultimately up to you and often comes down to personal preference.