Not all bacterial microorganisms lead to infection or negative health outcomes. Certain microorganisms have a mutually beneficial relationship with humans, contributing to overall health and well-being when in proper balance. For instance, within the Clostridium family, some strains are integral to the gut microbiota, while others may pose risks in excessive amounts.
The gut microbiota comprises a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, predominantly residing in the digestive tract. This community, with its highest concentration of bacteria compared to other bodily regions, collaborates with the human body in vital functions such as nutrient digestion, immune system regulation, and defend against pathogens, essential for maintaining gut equilibrium and supporting optimal health.
What is Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, offer health benefits to the host. Probiotics can be acquired through fermented food like yogurt, kimchi, nato and sauerkraut. Alternatively, many people are opting to consume them in forms of pills, powders or capsules as supplements.
In recent decades, there has been a surge in interest surrounding gut health and the gut microbiota, driven by their links to mental well-being, potential improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes, and other health advantages.
This growing awareness has led many health-conscious individuals to consider incorporating probiotics into their diets. Consequently, the market for probiotic supplements has experienced significant growth to meet the demands of consumers seeking to improve their health.
A healthy gut microbiota comprises of a healthy gut in a balance state with a diversity of microbiota. The major ecosystem of microbiota in our gut that started to build very much from the time we were delivered from our mother’s womb to the very first skin contact with another human. An optimal healthy gut microbiota composition is different for each individual.
Interesting read regarding growth of microbiota and mode of delivery : https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/supporting-your-newborns-health-intestinal-colonization-after-elective-cesarean-section-2019070517262
Do we really need probiotics supplement?
The microorganisms within our gut ecosystem are in a constant state of evolution and reproduction, adapting by the hour to accommodate new changes and ensure survival. For example, the consumption of antibiotics can decimate a significant portion of the gut's living population. Additionally, dietary changes may favour certain microorganisms, while hormonal fluctuations such as those during pregnancy and exposure to stressful environments can also trigger restructuring within the gut ecosystem.
Although the array of gut microbiota may share similarities, it's never an exact replica from one individual to another, even within the same family or among identical twins. Given the large amount of probiotic supplements available, each offering different strains of gut microorganisms, the question arises: how do we discern which is precisely what we need?
Numerous types of probiotics flood the market, some extensively researched and others less so. Generally, ingredients utilised in health supplements are presumed to be well-established through years of safe use and are not intended for medicinal purposes. Consequently, health supplements do not necessitate approval and often remain unaudited by health authorities in many countries.
Numerous companies manufacture probiotic supplements rich in multiple strains of beneficial gut microorganisms. The primary focus of marketing should revolve around the delivery of live microorganisms or the viability of these strains within the capsule, as this is crucial for reaping the benefits of these supplements.
How effective are these pills which we are consuming? Are we ingesting live microbiota, or are we merely ingesting dead ones that pass through our system unchanged? Do we genuinely benefit from these supplements, or are we merely wasting our investment?
I have no intention of asserting that probiotic supplements are a poor investment for your health or that they pose a danger. As a healthcare provider, my objective is to ensure that consumers fully comprehend what they are consuming and why they are taking certain supplements. While I wish I could recommend a particular product as the best option, the reality of the situation is not as straightforward.
The easiest way to assess gut microbiome diversity is by sending a fresh stool sample for analysis, although this method may not fully reflect the entire gut ecosystem. Biopsy samples of gut tissue are the only way to accurately determine if you are deficient in certain strains of gut microorganisms, but this approach is drastic and typically reserved for diagnosing specific gastrointestinal conditions rather than routine assessment of gut health.
It takes many years of clinical trials to confirm the benefits or risks associated with the use of specific drugs or supplements. The safest approach is to consume supplements backed by well-conducted clinical trials, and it is not a common habit of consumers to delve into the details of clinical trials.
Research on probiotic supplements for general health benefits remains a work in progress. If recommended by a trusted doctor for a specific purpose, they should be taken as prescribed. Otherwise, it is never too late to incorporate fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut into your diet. After all, our diet is the primary source of our gut microbiota, and maintaining a healthy gut requires a balanced approach to nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being.
Interesting read :
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