When it comes to our health, we often tend to trust rather than train. In fact, many people are confused by the use of substances useful for our health or simply some natural aids to get better. We find the greatest confusion when choosing probiotics and expecting benefits that have nothing to do with the type of supplement chosen. So let’s try to clarify, and understand what we are talking about. Their use and the benefits that anyone can derive from them.

What are probiotics and how are they different from dietary supplements

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of them as bacteria only as disease-causing germs. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy. They are therefore different from food supplements, which may still have probiotics as an active ingredient.

You can find probiotics in dietary supplements and in some foods, such as yogurt. Doctors often suggest them to help people with intestinal difficulties or digestive problems.

How do probiotics work?

Researchers are trying to understand exactly how probiotics work on a cellular level, but the exact ways they can keep you healthy are known:

• When you lose the “good” bacteria in your body, for example after taking antibiotics, probiotics can help you replace them.

• They can help balance “good” and “bad” bacteria to make your body function as it should.

Types of probiotics

Many types of bacteria are classified as probiotics. They all have different benefits, but most come from these specific groups. Ask your doctor which one might help you best depending on the health condition you are in.

Lactobacillus. This could be considered the most common probiotic. It’s what you find in yogurt and other fermented foods. Several strains can help with intestinal disorders, especially diarrhea, and can help people who cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk.

Bifidobacterium. You can find it in some dairy products. It can help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and some other intestinal conditions.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast found in probiotics. It appears to help fight diarrhea and other digestive problems.

What do probiotics do?

Among other things, probiotics help send food through the gut by affecting the nerves that control bowel movement. Researchers are still trying to figure out which ones are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites)

• Diarrhea caused by antibiotics

There is also some research showing that they are helpful for problems in other parts of your body. For example, some people claim that they have tremendous help from probiotics with:

• Skin conditions, such as eczema

• Urinary and vaginal health

• Prevent allergies and colds

• Oral hygiene

How to use probiotics safely

The FDA regulates probiotics as it does with food and dietary supplements, not drugs. Unlike drug companies, probiotic supplement manufacturers don’t have to prove their products are safe or that they work.

Ask your doctor if taking probiotics is a good idea for you and your health condition. In general, probiotic foods and supplements are believed to be safe for most people, although some people with immune system problems or other serious health conditions should not take them. Furthermore, even in young children it is good to talk to the pediatrician first before proceeding with the administration of probiotics, to avoid that they irritate in some way a much more sensitive intestine than that of adults.

In some cases, mild side effects could include stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and bloating for the first two days after you start taking them. They can also trigger allergic reactions. In any of these cases the best advice we can give you is to stop taking them and talk to your doctor.

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