Gut Health Continued: Are Probiotics the Answer?
Welcome back! In Part 1 of this gut health series, we talked about how your gut impacts everything from digestion and immunity to your mood. Today, we’re diving into one of the most common questions I get:
Are probiotics really the answer to long-term gut health?
Let’s break it down.
Probiotics: A Short-Term Tool, Not a Forever Fix
Probiotics are live bacteria that offer health benefits when taken in the right amount. They can be incredibly helpful during:
Periods of high stress
Antibiotic use
Travel
Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
But here's what many people don’t realize:
Probiotics don’t permanently colonize your gut.
That means once you stop taking them, they typically don’t stick around. They support your system while you're taking them, but they aren’t a long-term solution by themselves.
The Real Game Changer? Prebiotics.
If you want lasting change, you need to feed your good gut bacteria—and that’s where prebiotics come in. These are the fibers found in foods like:
Garlic
Onions
Asparagus
Bananas
Prebiotics help nourish your healthy gut bugs so they can thrive. (We’ll dive deeper into this in a future post!)
What to Look for in a Probiotic
Not all probiotics are created equal. If you’re taking one, here’s what matters most:
Targeted strains: Different strains serve different purposes.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may help with diarrhea.
Bifidobacterium longum may support mood and reduce inflammation.
Proper dosage: Look for at least 10⁹ CFU (that’s 1 billion CFUs) per serving. Some situations may require higher doses depending on the strain and individual need.
Storage & stability: Some probiotics need refrigeration, while others are shelf-stable. Make sure to store them as directed for best results.
How Probiotics Actually Work
When you take a probiotic, it’s not just passing through your system quietly. Here’s what it’s doing:
Competing with harmful bacteria and yeast
Inhibiting the growth of pathogens
Supporting immune function and calming inflammation
Producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help heal your gut lining and reduce inflammation
So even if they’re temporary visitors, they can still help shift your internal environment in a healthier direction.
Probiotic Tip: Take With Food
For better survival through the acidic environment of your stomach, take your probiotic with a meal. This helps more of the beneficial bacteria reach your intestines alive—where they’re most effective.
Bottom Line
Probiotics can be a valuable part of your gut-healing strategy—but they’re not the whole picture. For lasting results, your plan should include:
Personalized nutrition
Prebiotic-rich foods
Addressing root causes like gut infections, inflammation, or food sensitivities
The right probiotic strains for your individual needs
This is exactly what I support clients with in a functional nutrition session. If you’re ready to stop guessing and finally get to the root of your gut issues, I’d love to help.
