Over the first two weeks of The Gut Truth, we’ve explored the importance of the gut microbiome and the fascinating connection between your gut and brain.
So now comes the obvious question:
What can we actually do to support our gut?
One area you’ve almost certainly heard about is probiotics. They appear in supplements, yoghurts, fermented foods and an ever-growing range of products promising to support gut health.
But what exactly are probiotics – and are they all the same?
What are probiotics?
Put simply, probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can provide a health benefit.
They're often described as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, although the science is a little more complicated than simply dividing bacteria into good and bad.
Our gut already contains a vast community of microorganisms – the gut microbiome – and different probiotic strains can interact with this environment in different ways.
Which brings us to a useful way of thinking about gut health.
Think of your gut like a garden
Imagine your gut microbiome as a garden.
A healthy garden isn't made up of one type of plant. It's a complex ecosystem containing different plants and microorganisms, all interacting with their environment.
Your gut is similarly complex.
Introducing probiotics could be compared to adding particular plants to that garden. But just as you wouldn't expect every plant to behave in exactly the same way, you shouldn't expect every probiotic to do the same thing either.
The particular microorganism – and importantly, the specific strain – matters.
Why do probiotic strains matter?
You'll often see familiar names such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium on probiotic products.
But that doesn't tell you everything.
Within different species are individual strains, and particular strains can have different characteristics and have been researched for different purposes.
That's why simply seeing the word “probiotic” on a product doesn't necessarily tell you what you need to know about it.
When looking at the science behind a probiotic, it's important to consider the specific strain being used and the evidence relating to that strain.
We'll explore this in much more detail as The Gut Truth continues.
Probiotics aren't a magic solution
This is an important point.
Gut health is much bigger than taking a probiotic supplement.
Your microbiome can be influenced by numerous factors, including what you eat, your lifestyle, sleep, stress, physical activity, illness and certain medicines.
So rather than thinking of probiotics as a quick fix, it makes more sense to view them as one potential part of a much broader approach to gut health.
A varied, balanced diet and healthy everyday habits still matter.
Think back to our garden.
Adding something beneficial isn't much use if you completely ignore the soil and everything else the garden needs to thrive.
What should you look for in a probiotic?
One of the most noticeable things about probiotic products is the enormous numbers displayed on their packaging.
You might see 10 billion, 20 billion, 50 billion or even more.
These numbers usually refer to CFUs – Colony Forming Units, a measure used to indicate the number of viable microorganisms in a product.
It's tempting to assume that the biggest number must mean the best probiotic.
But it's not quite that simple.
The number alone doesn't tell you everything about the quality or suitability of a probiotic.
The strain, formulation and scientific evidence behind it all matter too.
And that's exactly where we're heading next.
The Gut Truth continues…
Throughout this series, our aim isn't simply to tell you what to buy.
We want to help you understand gut health, so you can make better-informed choices about the products you use and the lifestyle choices you make.
We'll also be introducing you to MaXilin, the latest addition to the PH Life range, and looking more closely at the thinking and science behind it.
If you'd like more information about MaXilin in the meantime, get in touch with the PH Life team and we'll be happy to help.
Next in The Gut Truth: Do more billions really mean a better probiotic?
Here’s to a happier, healthier you.
The PH Life Team