Do You Need Probiotics?

Should you take probiotics?

Let’s understand this in a simplified way. In your large intestine, there are trillions of bacteria and they have two teams – good and bad bacteria. Both of these teams are constantly trying to outcompete each other. If the good bacteria outnumber the bad ones, your health will be optimal in most cases.

If the bad bacteria dominate, you might experience issues related to digestion and overall health, such as IBS, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, weakened immunity, skin problems, and various diseases, and generally, an overgrowth of bad bacteria can affect your health. 

There are two common causes: the first is an unhealthy lifestyle that involves consuming low-fiber foods, lack of exercise, insufficient water intake, a diet rich in low-nutrient foods, alcohol, and smoking, among other factors. The second is illness or the use of antibiotics. The only solution to defeat these bad bacteria is to increase the population of good bacteria.

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The first way to do this is by including high-fiber foods in your diet. All plant based foods are great sources of fiber such as nuts, seeds, lentils & beans, all whole grains, fruits & vegetables. Make sure you’re getting enough of them. In simple terms, fiber is the food of good bacteria. By consuming fiber-rich foods, you help these bacteria thrive and grow. 

The second method is by consuming probiotic foods. Probiotics are live good bacteria found in foods like curd, yogurt, and fermented foods. Generally, if you combine these two methods with regular exercise and adequate water intake, your gut health will be excellent. 

However, if you’re already dealing with a digestive issue or taking antibiotics, adding a probiotic drink or supplement for a few days can be a good initial step.

The bottom line is that under normal conditions, a good lifestyle with a diet rich in fiber and probiotic foods is sufficient for gut health. But if you’re dealing with a digestive issue or taking antibiotics, starting with a probiotic drink or supplement can be a smart strategy.