Learn all about Probiotics
What are Probiotics?
Restore gut balance & strengthen immunity with targeted probiotics. Multi-strain formula with guaranteed CFU counts (Colony Forming Units, a measure of live bacteria). Transform digestive health!
Benefits of Probiotics
- Helps prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhoea by restoring gut microbiome balance[ref]
"The field of probiotics has moved significantly beyond the generic 'beneficial bacteria' concept toward precision applications of specific strains for defined health outcomes. We now understand that effects are strain-specific, dose-dependent, and often influenced by an individual's existing microbiome. While some applications like antibiotic-associated diarrhoea prevention are well-established, emerging research on conditions ranging from eczema to depression highlights how profound the gut-microbiome-health connection truly is."
- Dr. Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD, Executive Science Officer, International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (source)
How to use Probiotics
Dosage
1-100 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) daily, varying by condition and strain; therapeutic doses typically start at 10-30 billion CFU
Timing
Best taken with or just before meals to improve survival through stomach acid; specific timing depends on product formulation
Notes
Strain-specific effects mean different probiotics work for different conditions; multi-strain products may offer broader benefits; refrigeration required for some but not all products
Who should take Probiotics?
- People recovering from or taking antibiotics
- Individuals with digestive disorders like IBS, IBD, or functional constipation
- Those with compromised immune function or frequent infections
- People experiencing stress-related digestive symptoms
- Travellers seeking to prevent digestive disruptions
How do Probiotics work?
Probiotics work through multiple mechanisms, including crowding out harmful bacteria, strengthening of the intestinal barrier, making substances that fight harmful microbes, and adjusting immune responses. They can influence the gut environment by producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids (substances that nourish gut cells) through fermentation of fibre. Some strains communicate directly with intestinal cells, affecting mucus production and cell regeneration. Additionally, certain probiotics influence the gut-brain axis via signalling through the vagus nerve (a major nerve connecting gut and brain) and influencing brain chemical production, explaining their effects on mood and stress responses. Different strains have specialised functions, which is why strain-specific research is critical.
Frequently asked questions
Natural sources of Probiotics
Traditionally fermented foods provide natural probiotics, though strain composition and concentration vary widely. Yoghurt with live cultures typically contains Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus (100 million-1 billion CFU per serving). Kefir offers greater diversity with 10-30 strains and higher potency (5-10 billion CFU per serving). Other sources include unpasteurised sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha, each with unique mix of microbes. Commercial fermented foods vary significantly in probiotic content, with many heat-treated products containing few or no live organisms despite marketing claims.
Potential side effects & risks
Warnings
Immunocompromised individuals, those with severe acute pancreatitis, short bowel syndrome, or central venous catheters should consult healthcare providers before use; quality and strain verification important as regulatory oversight varies
Side effects
Temporary increase in gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort during first few days of use, typically resolving as microbiome adjusts; rarely causes thirst or headache
Interactions
Generally don't interfere with medications, though timing separation from antibiotics (2+ hours) recommended; may occasionally interact with immunosuppressants; some strains might affect blood thinner efficacy