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When probiotic supplements are beneficial
The American Gastroenterological Association states that most people do not need probiotic supplements. They should not be used to treat most digestive problems, as they lack sufficient clinical evidence.
A study published in the journal Gastroenterology showed that certain probiotics can help reduce the risk of Clostridioides difficile bacterial infection, which can develop while taking antibiotics.
Gastroenterologist on risks of replacing medical exams with supplements
Gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha explains that while a healthy microbiome protects against infections, antibiotics can disrupt it, making the body more susceptible.
People may spend significant amounts on supplements without addressing the underlying causes of symptoms, such as stool form, fiber intake, gut motility, or stress.
For persistent symptoms like bloating, pain, weight loss, or bleeding, a probiotic should not replace a proper medical evaluation. Supplements can create a false sense of action while the real problem remains unaddressed.
Why nutritious diet is better option
The journal Microorganisms states that whole foods provide gut health benefits that probiotics cannot replicate. Some of the best foods for gut health include fermented products like kimchi, sauerkraut, plain kefir, miso, and yogurt with live and active cultures.
Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are also essential, as they help nourish important gut microbes and support a diverse microbiome.
What to look for when choosing probiotic supplement
Probiotics work in a strain-specific manner — different strains have different effects. If specific strains are not listed in the instructions, it is a weak indicator of quality.
Probiotics are not universal; they are chosen depending on the goal. Check whether there are clinical studies on that specific supplement related to your objective.
Some probiotics require cold storage, while others are stable at room temperature. If storage conditions are not on the package, it raises doubts about the viability of the strains.
Probiotics are considered safe for healthy people, but may cause bloating at the start of use.
An expensive supplement does not guarantee effectiveness. It is better to focus on strains with proven efficacy, correct dosages, and quality labeling.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
