In the last few years, microbiome research, or the study of the bacteria in our gut, has exploded.
Science tells us having a diversity of microorganisms in the guy enhances immunity, digestion, and other aspects of health…
The research has caused a media frenzy over the importance of taking a daily probiotic to maintain proper gut health. A huge market for probiotic supplements suddenly exists and has become a hot commodity by being a $1.7 billion U.S. industry leader, with projections showing a potential increase to $2.5 billion by 2018.
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The big question here is: is a probiotic supplement necessary and worth the price tag?
The short answer to this big question: scientists are undecided, and there are arguments for and against the daily use of a probiotic supplement.
Dr. Amy Burkhart, a Napa Valley physician, explains that the marketing and consumer demand for probiotics are creating a trendy stigma, and although they may be beneficial, there is not enough science at this point to support some of the claims.
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There has been more research done on certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacetrium, which you may have heard of from various commercials and marketing, particularly for different kinds of yogurt. However, the rest of the probiotic strains remain mostly unstudied, leaving many unknowns.
Additionally, the biggest issue with probiotics is their unstable shelf life. Dr. Burkhart explains,
To be effective, probiotics must be either heat- and shelf-stable or refrigerated and maintained during processing and transport…if they’re not, a good portion – if not all – of the probiotics in the product will be dead by the time you buy it.
So, the biggest concern some scientists have with probiotic supplements isn’t necessarily their effectiveness, but with the processing and delivery of them – are you getting the bacteria you purchased, or simply getting a, literally, dead product?
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There is one probiotic in particular, however, that has gotten the attention of researchers – a Bacillus coagulans strain called Ganeden BC30. If you ingest BC30 either by itself or with a food or drink containing BC30, there are very high chances that probiotic will still be alive and intact and ready to help maintain your gut health. However, many of the other strains do not show this same stability, meaning by the time they actually arrive in your stomach, all of the bacteria are more than likely dead and unable to help with any aspect of your health.
Overall, the hefty price tag that is generally placed on probiotics might not be worth it, unless it’s BC30. Many researchers have stated that the probiotic imbalances that we are experiencing are primarily caused by our poor diet. Therefore, simply switching to a diet of whole, nutritious, organic foods could give you the probiotic balance you have been looking for, without taking the probiotics.
Curated article from:
Men’s Journal
