What are probiotics and why do we need them?

Probiotics are live bacteria that are understood to be beneficial for the human body. They are found naturally in the colon as part of the gut microbiota but can also be found in certain foods and supplements. In particular, probiotic bacteria are abundant in fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, tofu, kefir and yogurt.

Probiotic bacteria include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus. They provide several benefits for humans and aid a range of processes, including digestion, immunity and vitamin production.

Here are some of the benefits of probiotics and why you should consider consuming more of them to support your natural gut microbiota.

Better digestion

Probiotics support your natural gut microbiome, which is essential for healthy digestion, by helping to boost the numbers of beneficial bacteria and reducing the potentially dangerous bacteria in your gut.

A healthy digestive system is important because it effectively breaks down food into the nutrients your body needs for energy and cell repair.

Improved immunity

Around 70 - 80% of your immune cells lie within your gut, so it's clear that your gut bacteria play a key role in immune function. Probiotics may support the immune system by promoting beneficial bacteria growth and helping combat harmful pathogens. They also act as an initial barrier to prevent potentially harmful substances from passing through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, where they can impact the body.

Production of beneficial compounds

Probiotics can produce beneficial compounds for humans, such as vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), both of which are vital for the body's functions. Vitamin K aids blood clotting, and SCFAs are known to be neuroprotective and have anti-inflammatory properties.