You’ve heard that probiotics are good for you, but what do they actually do for you?
Everyone is talking about them, but what is it exactly that probiotics actually do for us? Let’s take a journey into the beautiful, complex machines we call “bodies” and learn how these microscopic organisms yield so much power.
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
Let’s start with what we know. We’ve all heard of, and probably used, antibiotics at some point in our lives. The role of antibiotics is to tackle, manage the reproduction of, or kill any bad bacteria that are causing us problems. If you have an infection, for example, you take an antibiotic in order to attack the bad bacteria that are causing illness, pain, or inflammation.
Probiotics, on the other hand, are the good guys. They are the healthy bacteria that help keep everything balanced so that our bodies are functioning the way they’re supposed to. Within our gut, it’s a classic battle between the good guys and the baddies. Probiotics are the tools you want more of to play good offense and effective defense.
HOW DO PROBIOTICS WORK, EXACTLY?
Picture your gut, or your digestive system, as a bright and beautiful field of wildflowers. This is your healthy gut-flora, and because we all love breathtaking floral scenery, we want to preserve this pretty picture. Probiotics are what make that flora healthy and happy, keeping the field thriving. When the flora is healthy, it’s strong enough to play defense against anything that might threaten the balance. That balance is its own ecosystem, which we refer to as the microbiome.
Let’s say that one afternoon, a storm comes rolling in. Maybe you fell and got a cut, but the debris wasn’t cleaned out thoroughly. Bad bacteria found a way to enter your body, and now things have gotten a little inflamed. Your inner fauna is trying to fight off the infection, and because you’re already a probiotic pro, that field of wildflowers easily weathers the bad-bacterial storm. Woo hoo, that was an easy win!
Now, let’s look at an alternative scenario. You realized too late that your cut was feeling more irritated and looked more inflamed than it should appear. You go to the doctor and you’re prescribed antibiotics. These antibiotics are sent in to kill the bad guys, but you know your gut is already a little weak because it’s been trying to fight off the infection. So, what do you do? Why, you supplement with probiotics, of course! Probiotics are replenishing the resources necessary for your microbiome to rebalance itself.
DO I NEED TO TAKE PROBIOTICS?
Your body naturally produces healthy probiotics, so you can think of probiotic supplementation as a stronger insurance policy. If something about your health or wellbeing feels out of sync, probiotics can help. In the “cut scenario” we talked about earlier, supplementing with oral probiotics can not only replenish good gut bacteria but can also help you ward off some of the most common side effects of antibiotics such as diarrhea and yeast infections.
Try taking a regular oral probiotic supplement like our Daily Glow Supplements. They contain a simple, daily dose of the most beneficial probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus Plantarum
- Bifidobacterium Lactis
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus Paracasei
- Bifidobacterium Longum
PROBIOTICS FOR PREVENTATIVE HEALTH
If wellness is your jam, then probiotics might just be your ultimate protectors. And it doesn’t stop at injury-healing and gut health. Your microbiome is the ecosystem that regulates your digestive health, but also your skin health. A thriving, balanced microbiome is quite literally reflected on the outside.
Studies have shown that oral and topical probiotics can help with conditions like acne, wrinkles, and even counter the effects of extrinsic aging. This is great news for anyone hoping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by environmental factors like UV light exposure, pollution, and smoking.
These little bacteria pack a powerful punch. So if you’re looking for a new way to care for your gut and your skin, balancing your microbiome with probiotics is a great routine to incorporate. Help your gut flourish and it’s sure to earn you and your skin more than a few glowing reviews.
