How Much Probiotics Do We Need Daily?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that carry out important functions in our bodies, including aiding digestion and supporting the immune system.
Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and certain types of fermented vegetables, are often recommended for better overall health.
But how much probiotics do you need to get the benefits? Let’s take a look at what science has to say.
What is the Recommended Daily Intake of Probiotics?
The amount of probiotics needed daily depends on your current health status, dietary intake, and gut microbiome makeup. Studies have found that healthy adults can benefit from ingesting anywhere from 1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day. To ensure you get enough beneficial bacteria into your gut, it's best to aim for at least one serving of a probiotic-rich food every day.
Important Factors that Affect Your Need for Probiotics
1) Diet
The quality of your diet will affect whether or not you need to supplement with additional probiotics. Diets high in processed foods and refined sugars lack many of the necessary components to support a healthy gut microbiome, so it's important to include nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your meals on a regular basis.
2) Gut Health
If you suffer from digestive issues such as IBS or leaky gut syndrome, then increasing your probiotic intake might help reduce symptoms more effectively than taking probiotics alone would. A microbial balance within the intestinal tract is key for optimal health so if you're struggling with digestive problems then improving your gut health should be a top priority.
3) Age
As we age our gut microflora starts to change which can result in dysbiosis (a dysfunction within the intestines). Increasing one’s intake of bacterial-promoting nutrients can help restore balance back to the digestive system – especially when combined with lifestyle changes like reducing stress levels and practicing mindful eating habits.
4) Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill both bad and good bacteria making it critical for those taking antibiotics for an extended period of time to increase their intake of probiotic-rich foods or supplements. Doing so helps restore equilibrium back into the gastrointestinal tract helping one avoid potential side effects caused by antibiotic use such as C Difficile infection and other imbalances within the intestinal bacteria population known as dysbiosis.
Final Thoughts
Overall it's best to consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any supplementation regimen as they'll be able to provide personalized advice tailored specifically towards your individual needs. Additionally if you have any existing medical conditions it's always wise to err on the side of caution before ramping up your daily probiotic intake substantially without first consulting with a doctor or registered dietitian who specializes in microbial nutrition therapy!
