Many people benefit from taking probiotics. Maintaining a sufficient quantity of beneficial bacteria in your gut can help support digestive health, immune function, and other important bodily processes, including metabolic function.
Your Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Health
To understand the positive impacts of probiotics, it helps to know how your gut affects your overall health.
In your digestive tract, there are trillions of bacteria that make up what is called the gut microbiome. In general, the more diverse the species in the microbiome, the healthier it is. Beneficial bacteria, called probiotics, produce substances that help support a healthy digestive tract and immune system. If you have insufficient quantities of probiotics, your general health could be impacted as less beneficial bacteria build up.
Research indicates that changes in the gut microbiome composition correlate with changes in metabolic health. For instance, some studies have found that individuals with metabolic imbalances may have different concentrations of certain types of bacteria compared to healthy individuals.
Exactly why this occurs is unclear, but there is a well-established link between the balance in your gut microbiome and normal metabolic processes, such as glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This link suggests that reestablishing a healthy microbial balance in your gut could help support the body’s natural metabolic processes. That balance can be supported by introducing beneficial bacteria into your digestive tract with probiotic supplements.
Probiotics and Support for Metabolic Health
Probiotic supplements are generally considered safe for consumption by healthy adults. Research into their ability to help support metabolic health, such as maintaining blood sugar levels already within a normal range, is ongoing and promising.
Probiotics and Normal Insulin Sensitivity
For instance, one study indicated that supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus (a probiotic strain) for four weeks helped support the body’s normal insulin sensitivity. This suggests that a healthy gut microbiome may play a role in supporting normal metabolic function.
Probiotics and Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Research also indicates that probiotic supplements could have a positive impact on helping to maintain blood glucose levels already within the normal range. Tests on animals have shown positive results, though clinical trials on humans have had mixed results.
One recent study found several probiotic strains that seem to be beneficial when it comes to supporting the body’s normal processes for glucose metabolism. The inclusion of prebiotics (which nourish beneficial bacteria) can also help support these strains, which in turn could yield positive results for those seeking to maintain their metabolic health.
Choosing Probiotics for Overall Health
Probiotics are an effective way to support your gut’s health, and a healthy gut supports your overall well-being. The implications that a balanced microbiome has for supporting normal metabolic function are promising, and there’s typically no harm in using probiotics to support your gastrointestinal health.
Dr. Ohhira’s probiotic supplements are a time-tested option for supporting digestive health. Since they’re derived from natural ingredients, they are a trusted choice for daily wellness. To learn more, contact Essential Formulas.
Disclaimer:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
