{"id":4754,"date":"2018-11-22T09:20:53","date_gmt":"2018-11-22T15:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=4754"},"modified":"2021-01-27T18:52:15","modified_gmt":"2021-01-28T00:52:15","slug":"probiotics-does-everyone-need-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/probiotics-does-everyone-need-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Probiotics: Does everyone need them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a new food trend that\u2019s taking off and food industry experts say you\u2019ll be seeing more of it \u2013 probiotic-enhanced foods. These are foods that have live microorganisms added to provide possible health benefits. Food producers are starting to put them in items such as ice cream, coffee, tea, soups and even beer.<\/p>\n

And then there\u2019s the explosion of over-the-counter products that can help balance the natural bacteria in your body. So it begs the question \u2013 should everyone be taking probiotics like a multi-vitamin or at least be seeking out foods rich in them?<\/p>\n

What are probiotics?<\/h2>\n

Probiotics are live bacteria that are important to maintaining good gut health and a strong immune system.<\/p>\n

If your gut is less than healthy, you may begin to experience increased sensitivity to certain foods in addition to gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas or diarrhea.<\/p>\n

Should you take a supplement?<\/h2>\n
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Not sure what’s right for you?<\/p>\n

Start with a primary care provider<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Jamie Robbins, director of Dietary Services at OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center<\/a> in Monmouth, Illinois, said there\u2019s nothing wrong with average, healthy adults taking a probiotic. But since there are hundreds of strains of probiotics, an over-the-counter probiotic might not help if you are experiencing a specific problem such as chronic diarrhea<\/a> or bloating.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot everything is clear cut. They have some recommendations where this strain might help with this problem, but you have to be a smart consumer and look up those studies to see what strain is best for the particular problem that you are trying to solve,\u201d Robbins said.<\/p>\n

Over-the-counter pill forms can also be expensive. A survey of options of some top-selling probiotic supplements show they range in price from $20 to just under $30 for a two-month supply.<\/p>\n

And, researchers have not definitely confirmed the health benefits of taking probiotic supplements for a healthy person who eats a balanced diet.<\/p>\n

Robbins advises seeking medical advice before taking any over-the-counter probiotics.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re having a particular problem, I would consult your physician. They would be able to recommend a certain type of probiotic that would have the certain strain of bacteria that could help you with your problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

How to keep your gut healthy<\/h2>\n

People who eat highly-processed and fatty foods won\u2019t feel any better by simply taking a probiotic supplement, Robbins said. Eating a healthy diet is the best way to maintain healthy flora in your digestive track<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You should include foods like:<\/p>\n

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