Have you been taking probiotics to improve your gut health but aren’t sure if they’re actually working for ya?
There’s nothing worse than taking a supplement and not sure if you’re ‘really’ seeing any results. How do you know when our body is responding positively to probiotic supplementation?
Let’s take a look at why every health guru you know is adding probiotics to their diet and learn the signs it’s working for you!
What Are Probiotics?
Well… Probiotics are like the superheroes of the bacterial world, consisting of live beneficial bacteria and yeasts that naturally reside in your body.
They work their magic by maintaining a harmonious balance within your body, fighting off harmful bacteria, and restoring equilibrium when you’re feeling under the weather. (Think of them as the guardians of your gut, mouth, vagina, urinary tract, skin, and even your lungs)
These friendly microorganisms, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium bacteria, along with saccharomyces boulardii yeast, play a vital role in keeping your body healthy and in tip-top shape.
Bottom line: you can keep your gut happy and healthy with probiotics!
Signs Your Probiotics Are Working For a Healthy Gut
Let’s dive into five signs that help tell us probiotics are working (or not!)
1. Improved Digestion & Regularity
It’s not surprising that improved digestion with regular bowel movements are among the first signs that probiotics are doing their job.
Probiotics feed your system the good bacteria to help pesky digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
How? They help maintain what is called immunologic equilibrium, where the gastrointestinal tract receives direct interaction with immune cells creating a balanced environment for a healthy gut.
Before I started (consistently!) with probiotics, I either was running to the bathroom with diarrhea or backed up for days suffering from constipation. I had irregular bowel movements and was constantly suffering from abdominal pain, and frankly, my digestive system was a hot mess!
Note: Docs are quick to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease when the solutions could be as easy ad diet changes to improve your digestive tract. You have to be your own advocate to see the real health benefits you’re looking to achieve.
With a probiotic supplement (and an animal-based diet!) I now have improved digestion and regularity with healthy gut bacteria – and I no longer feel bloated or gassy after eating meals.
This is proof that my gut flora and the gut microbiome is better balanced and is now functioning as they should! Finally!
2. Boosts Your Immune System
Are you sick of getting sick? (I hear ya, my friend!)
Did you know that a boosted immune system is a sign of a healthy gut? And probiotic bacteria play a significant role in supporting immune function. (Especially for my chronic illness warriors out there!)
These friendly bacteria can do wonders for your immune system. They help produce antibodies, enhance the activity of immune cells, and maintain a healthy gut lining.
The result? You become less susceptible to diseases caused by harmful pathogens.
When you live with autoimmune conditions like me, you’re always looking for ways to improve and regulate inflammation levels and up your immune system. That’s when I grabbed these probiotics and finally said good-bye to poor gut health.
So, if you’ve been feeling a little off – or feel like you’ve caught every single bug that’s going around, reach for probiotic foods and supplements to ward off those yucky infections… because no one has time to be sick!
3. Increased Energy & Vitality
If you’ve recently been feeling more alive and full of energy, it’s possible that probiotics and healthy gut flora are the reasons behind the pep in your step.
A balanced and healthy gut microbiome improves the absorption of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production in the body.
With probiotics, toxins are eliminated, and inflammation is reduced, giving you an extra boost of vigor.
Once I started an animal-based diet paired with probiotics, I was able to get up in the morning without that sluggish feeling AND… I was able to start running again! (my first love!) What a game-changer our diets can be for health & healing.
Read more about my journey here: HOW I’M HEALING ON AN ANIMAL-BASED KETOVORE DIET
So, if you’re experiencing more energy and less brain fog, it’s definitely possible probiotics are to thank!
4. Reduced Food Cravings and Weight Management
Have you noticed you’re not as hungry or even losing a little weight lately? You might have your gut microbes to thank for that.
Believe it or not, probiotics are proving to be powerful regulators of our appetite and metabolism.
They can help control the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and provide a sense of fullness by increasing leptin levels, leading to fewer cravings and more balanced eating habits.
And with their role in how our body stores and processes fat, they could be the missing link in your weight management journey.
When I changed my diet and started consuming probiotics (supplements & probiotic-rich foods), I actually gained weight… BUT… I did find that all of my cravings almost disappeared WAY fewer sugar cravings and certain foods didn’t even sound good anymore.
And over the long term, it’s evening out – my clothes are fitting much better, and even though I’m not at my skinny racing weight, I’m healthier and happier than ever before.
READ: I GAINED 10lbs ON AN ANIMAL BASED DIET (Why I’m sticking with it)
So next time you’re feeling proud of those jeans fitting better, you might want to give the nod to your probiotics for helping you out.
5. Enhanced Mood and Mental Well-being
When it comes to feeling good, it’s not only about what you put in your mind, but also what you put in your gut.
That’s right, probiotics can have a significant impact on your mood and mental well-being. The gut-brain axis is a complex system where the two organs communicate and influence each other.
Research has shown that certain probiotic strains can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve the overall quality of life. This happens because probiotics stimulate the production of neurotransmitters which help regulate mood such as serotonin and GABA.
Not only do they help with mental health, but probiotics have also been associated with better focus, memory, and cognitive function.
When I started taking care of my gut health with probiotics and a meat-based diet, within a few months, I was able to stop taking all of my mood-enhancing prescriptions. That’s HUGE!
By promoting a healthy gut environment, probiotics can reduce anxiety and depression and enhance overall mental health.
READ: 13 GOOD MOOD FOODS FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
So don’t underestimate the power of a healthy gut, and start nurturing it with the help of probiotics and good mood foods.
How To Increase Probiotics For Gut Health
There are many probiotics found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and certain cheeses, but many of us need to use a probiotic dietary supplement.
Here are some tips for choosing a probiotic supplement:
READ: 7 BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR GUT HEALTH AND BLOATING
A high-quality probiotic support your immune response, helps with digestive health, prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria, and even produces vitamins.
Btw: My FAVORITE probiotic is Standard Process ProSynbiotic – you can find it on Amazon here!
Probiotic supplements come in different forms, such as capsules, liquid, pills, and powder. It’s important to follow instructions for storage to maintain effectiveness (some need to be refrigerated)
Also, check out the label to make sure you’re getting the right probiotic strains. There are dozens of different types of bacteria, and you want to make sure you’re getting one that’s specific to your needs – look for “Live & Active Cultures”
And always purchase probiotics from a trusted source like Standard Process to ensure it’s clinically proven to be effective and safe.
Btw, you can’t ‘out-supplement’ a poor diet if you want to really see the benefits of good gut health. Healthy foods PAIRED with dietary supplements are a MUST.
The-Wrap – Signs Probiotic Supplements Are Working
No doubt, probiotics can be a natural and important tool to help improve gut health and overall well-being. From increased energy levels to regularity in bowel movements, these signs will help alert you that your body is reaping the benefits.
As always, I’m not a doctor or health professional, so it’s always best to talk with your doctor about probiotics and dietary changes before starting something new.
We all have different body chemistry, and bio-individuality plays a major role in our personal health journey.
I’m simply sharing what works for me… (but I sure hope it works for you too!)
XO,
Jules
FAQ’s – Probiotics
How do probiotics work?
Probiotics, also known as our ‘good bacteria’, play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance within your body. They help fight off bad bacteria, support immune function, control inflammation, aid in digestion, prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, create vitamins, and support the gut lining. This balance can lead to a healthier gut and better you!
Where do beneficial probiotics live in my body?
Beneficial probiotics reside in various locations in and on your body, including your gut (large intestines), mouth, vagina, urinary tract, skin, and lungs. These areas have contact with the outside world and host good microbes that contribute to your overall health [1].
Is there a specific test to show if probiotics are working for me?
While there is no definitive test to determine if probiotics are working, there are several signs that can help us determine their effectiveness.
Regular bowel movements
Less bloating
Reduced cravings
Improved mood
Stronger immune system
Increased energy
Better, deeper sleep
How quickly do probiotics work for beneficial bacteria?
The timeline for experiencing the effects of probiotics can vary based on your previous gut health, individual diet, dosage, etc. Either way, it can take a few days to several weeks before noticing any significant changes.
Consider supporting my work!
