Are Your Probiotics DYING Before They Can Help You?
Probiotics are awesome, because they make your gut healthy, which can prevent you from getting cancer and heart disease in the long run. But do you have to worry about probiotics dying and being EATEN by your stomach acid?
Chances are, you're probably already well aware how important probiotics are. Because, this good bacteria keeps your gut healthy, and your gut health is connected directly to immune health and disease.
So how do you cultivate your gut garden with healthy bacteria?
Well, by eating a lot of fermented foods that contain good bacteria, and are great for your digestion and your heart! Things like yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and even cheese that's fermented, can all improve your gut health.
But what if, despite eating these awesome foods, you still always:
- have an upset stomach
- are gaining weight
- are always tired
- have bad skin
- or other health problems?
It could be that good bacteria just isn't getting to your gut!
Are YOUR probiotics dying in your stomach first?
"Probiotics must survive in the acidic gastric environment if they are to reach the small intestine and colonize the host, thereby imparting their benefits. Lactobacillus species are considered intrinsically resistant to acid."
So, you may be wondering whether the good bacteria you're consuming (in food form or supplement form) is actually making its way to your gut. Or, is it being killed by your stomach acid?
Well, just as an example, regular yogurt has cultures in it that won't live through your stomach. So if most of the good bacteria is unfortunately being eaten up by your darn stomach acid…is there ANYTHING that can be done to shield them?
It turns out, yes, what you do is you literally SHIELD the probiotics! Scientists have made natural shields for probiotics by putting them in alginate โ a byproduct of algae. I know that maybe sounds just the tiniest bit gross, but donโt worry, you wonโt taste the algae!
One company that makes probiotics like this, that I really like, is Just Thrive. The team works with a microbiologist, Kiran Krishnan, who has been researching and developing protective spores for probiotics, for a long time. So this company developed effective, natural productsย and supplements, where the probiotics are actually protected.
Now, I totally think you should still keep eating your (full-fat! No sugar and add something healthy and sweet yorself!) yogurt. Just know that unfortunately, many probiotics will fall in battle while trying to make it to your stomach.
Thanks, little guys!!