Body & Fitness

3 surprising things you may not know about probiotics

Want to support your gut bacteria and reap the benefits? Probiotics may be the answer.

I’m willing to bet that when you catch up with a girlfriend for a casual Saturday coffee, gut health isn’t a topic you regularly talk about – or one that you would want to freely discuss within ear shot of other people.

So often any gut trouble we experience is kept quietly to ourselves and delegated to the “I hope this problem sorts itself out” pile.

However, knowing how to support a healthy gut and addressing gut-related issues is more important than you might think, for our overall health and wellbeing.

This is where probiotics come in. You may have heard about probiotics through the wellness grapevine (Instagram), but might not fully understand just how beneficial they are.

To better understand whether you may benefit from upping your intake of probiotic-rich food or taking probiotic supplements, Now To Love has put together a handy guide on all-things probiotics, including three surprising facts…

1.) Probiotics are a supplement containing live strains of good bacteria

Every time you drink Kombucha, munch on some kimchi or down some delicious sauerkraut, you’re eating live beneficial bacteria – yes, really.

This bacteria is actually very good for you to consume. We have roughly 2kg of bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract all the time – this is called our gut microbiome – and this is made up of thousands of strains of both good and bad bacterial flora.

Probiotic supplements top up and support the good bacteria in your gut microbiome, in case eating fermented and gut-friendly foods (such as pickles and tempeh) and drinks (like kombucha and kefir) in your daily diet doesn’t appeal to you.

Taking probiotic supplements will provide your gut with strains of good bacteria; with each strain assisting in different roles of our daily bodily processes and functions. These health benefits can include digestive and immune support, metabolic balance and healthy weight management, balanced cholesterol and blood sugar levels and support for healthy mood, along with many other benefits. Which brings me to my next point…

Taking a good quality probiotic supplement is a great way to support your gut health.

2.) Probiotics can help support a number of issues – not just your gut

If you thought probiotics only assist with gut health issues, you’d be mistaken.

At the 2018 Nadia Healthy Well-thy Wise event, naturopath Annaliese Jones explained it best when she said: “good health starts in the gut”.

Why’d she say this? Many health concerns have been linked to an unhealthy gut.

Our gut health affects the majority of our body’s functions, and has been linked to everything from metabolism to mood (serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness, is made in the gut), skin issues (there is evidence to show skin issues can stem from an unhealthy gut) and the immune system (80 per cent of our immune system is in our gut).

Given our gut bacteria’s influence on these key areas of our health, it’s safe to say maintaining good gut health is important!

To help people support their health and wellbeing, Lifestream have created a range of premium probiotic supplements, each with multiple clinically researched beneficial strains of good bacteria.

Lifestream’s Advanced Probiotics’s clinically-researched range contains 14 Strains Beneficial Bacteria, Mood + Immune and Metabolise – so whether you’re after an immune system boost or digestive support, there’s something for you.

For immunity, digestion and skin health:

Lifestream Advanced Probiotics 14 Strains is a multi-strain probiotic that helps digestive, immune and skin health. The formula helps to top up our good bacteria, supports healthy bowels and protects against ills and chills – bonus!

For healthy weight management:

The seven powerful strains of beneficial bacteria in Advanced Probiotics Metabolise work together to support healthy weight management by supporting balanced blood sugar and cholesterol levels – which is important for those struggling with balancing their metabolism.

For mood and immune support:

Lifestream Advanced Probiotics Mood + Immune contains strains of beneficial bacteria that support a healthy digestive system and immune response, and also supports the two-way connection our gut fosters with our mental health and wellbeing. Keeping the two-lane mind-gut highway in good working order through the right balance of good bacteria supports those stress-induced digestive imbalances, immunity, and a healthy mood.

Lifestream’s Advanced Probiotics are a range of clinically researched, vegetarian friendly products that do not need to be kept in the fridge. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Use Lifestream Metabolise in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise.

3. Many people can benefit from some kind of good quality probiotic supplement

Whether you’re experiencing stress at work, having tummy troubles or trying to fight off the office cold that’s going around, chances are at some point you may benefit from upping your probiotic intake.

While everyone can benefit from restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut, some people may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement more than others…

Probiotics may benefit:

• Those who experience poor digestive or bowel health

• Those experiencing bloating or wind

• Travellers that have experienced upset digestion

• People with intolerances or sensitivities

• Those with poor immunity

If you’re looking to support your gut health or address a health issue that’s been linked to an unhealthy gut, try Lifestream Advanced Probiotics. Lifestream Advanced Probiotics are available online and in health stores and pharmacies nationwide.

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