What is Your Gut Microbiome, and What Does It Do?

Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that many use to support their gut health, may play an important role in helping support overall health. Probiotics are particularly known for supporting gut health.

Below are just a few of the ways that gut bacteria may impact your body.

• Your gut microbiome helps to regulate the release of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone which is essential for mood regulation and feeling happy. A large portion of the serotonin receptors in your body are in your gut. The gut-brain connection is a subject that continues to be researched, exploring how the bacteria in your gut may play an important role in mental and emotional health. Supplying your body with probiotics through food and supplements may help you promote a healthy microbiome which may support a healthy mind.

• Your gut plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Your immune system fights off harmful bacteria and viruses, which can make you sick. If the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, your immune system may become compromised. Supporting the homeostasis of the immune system with probiotics and beneficial bacteria from fermented foods may help you further promote your overall wellness.

• Beneficial bacteria help your gut perform its normal healthy functions. Gut bacteria support the function of your gastrointestinal system. An unhealthy gut microbiome can possibly lead to gastrointestinal problems and issues with digestion. Your gut bacteria also help your body use the nutrients in the food that you eat. The digestive enzymes in your gut work to break down food.

How Probiotics May Contribute To A Healthy Gut

Probiotics are live cultures that may be beneficial to you, and they’re a great way to take care of your gut. Did you know you can get probiotics from food as well as supplements? You can! More about that later...

Below are some of the ways that taking probiotics may benefit you.

• Your gut health plays an important role in digestion, and a compromised gut microbiome may lead to gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea. Speak with your doctor if you are experiencing diarrhea to see if the cause is a disrupted gut microbiome or if something else is at play.

• Probiotic supplements may also help you maintain a healthy immune system. While some aspects of the relationship between gut health and immunity are still unknown, it is clear that a healthy gut microbiome supports your immune system.

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How To Take Probiotics

Probiotics come in different formats, so there is no one specific way to take probiotics. It depends on the type of format, as well as what each specific person may need.

When Should I Take Probiotics?

There is no exact consensus on a specific time of day to take all probiotics.

MaryRuth’s Liquid Probiotic is easy to take directly or can be added to another cold liquid; many customers opt to add this to their Liquid Morning Multivitamin in the morning. Still, there are others who may take this probiotic later in the day, either before or after a meal.

Liquid Probiotics and Capsules May Both Be Equally Effective

When it comes to the probiotic supplement that you choose to take, there are a lot of factors to consider. First is the strain type — different strains of probiotic work differently in the body. Second is your purpose for taking the probiotics. Different probiotics may be suggested to support you in different ways. But here’s where it gets a bit more difficult… not everyone agrees on which probiotics to suggest for different individuals.

That’s not to mention the method of supplementing your probiotics. Liquid or pills? Which is better?

It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference.

MaryRuth’s offers probiotic supplements in both liquid and capsule formats, so no matter which you prefer, we may have something for you.

Add Probiotic Foods To Your Diet, As Well!

In addition to getting probiotics from a high-quality supplement, it’s also a great idea to add them to your diet in the form of fermented foods and drinks.

Below are some of the best plant-based sources of probiotics.

• Kimchi: A fermented form of cabbage, kimchi is a traditional Korean dish that is low in calories and has probiotics. It also has a distinct spicy flavor and crunchy texture that makes it a favorite source of probiotics for many people.

• Sauerkraut: Another form of fermented cabbage, sauerkraut originates from Europe rather than Korea, and it is prepared to be less spicy than kimchi. When shopping for sauerkraut, make sure to pick an unpasteurized brand.

• Pickles: These crunchy, salty snacks are made by fermenting cucumbers. Pickles are low in calories and taste great, but they’re also not all made the same. Some pickles are made with vinegar rather than through traditional fermentation, which eliminates their benefits for your gut.

• Kombucha: A fermented drink made with tea, kombucha has a distinct fizzy mouthfeel. This fermented tea is sometimes made with lots of added sugar, which may not be great for your gut. If you plan on drinking store-bought kombucha, opt for a brand that uses minimal added sugar.

Opt For Probiotics Without Any Artificial Ingredients

Many probiotic supplements contain artificial dyes, preservatives, and other unwanted additives that do not add to their quality. Some probiotic supplements are made with small traces of animal products as well.

To make sure that you are getting probiotics from a high-quality source, stick with a supplement that is vegan, sugar-free, and free of artificial ingredients.

MaryRuth’s liquid or capsule probiotics are the perfect supplements to add to your all-natural nutritional regimen!