Probiotics and How They Help Maintain Good Gut Health

You have most likely already heard something concerning the importance of your gut’s bacterial environment. Good gut bacteria, also known as microbiota are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and digestive system. The state of your gut’s microenvironment can truly affect your quality of life; it can determine how much energy you have and even your comfort levels.

When your gut’s bacteria balance goes out of whack, it can end up causing some very unwanted side effects:

• Constipation & bloating
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Chronic inflammation
• Food intolerances (e.g., gluten, casein, or lactose)
• Brain fog, depression, anxiety
• Skin conditions (such as eczema or acne)
• Autoimmune disease

This is why probiotics are so important, they maintain your gut’s bacterial balance. But not all probiotics are made equally. There are actually many different strains of probiotics available (there are literally hundreds), but supplements only end to use 1 strain. To successfully alter your gut environment, the probiotics have to be able to make it through your digestive system and stomach acid to reside in your gut, which is why spore-forming probiotics are the proffered kind. Below are 4 of the best strains to include in your probiotic diet.

The Best Probiotic Strains

1. Bacillus coagulans
   Bacillus coagulans is responsible for producing lactic acid and forming spores. B. coagulans helps to reduce inflammation and can even treat symptoms of arthritis. It is also good for protein absorption.
2. Lactobacillus gasseri
   gasseri is considered to be a healthy bacteria that can reduce the total number of harmful bacteria that is residing in your gut. It is also great for weight loss and can help to eliminate belly fat.
3. Bifidoacterium bifidum
   bifidum resides in your large intestine. You typically are born with a significant amount of this bacteria, as it plays a large role in your immune system’s health. Replenishing this bacteria can greatly improve your digestive system and help with diarrhea.
4. Bifidobacterium longum
   This is one of the biggest players in determining gut helath. It is an all-rounder when it comes to health benefits. One of its more noteworthy benefits is that it produces acetic acid in the intestines which can cut down the production of mold and yeast.