Probiotics and
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If you struggle with digestive issues, probioticsyou may be aware of the terms “probiotics” and “prebiotics.” You may have even tried them. To help your gastrointestinal system right itself effectively, you need a carefully established plan that may or may not include probiotics and prebiotics, especially if you suffer with a chronic condition. With the support of the team at Swetech Medical Center, you will come to understand the purpose of these important elements of your digestive health and walk away with a health plan that is just right for you.
The Difference Between Probiotics and
Probiotics are live, “good” bacteria or yeast that can be added to the diet to replace and help combat “bad” bacteria in the gut. These friendly bacteria are like organisms that are found naturally in the digestive system and they help balance bacteria in the digestive system while also giving the body’s immune system a boost.
The microorganisms in probiotics are living organisms, which means they need to be fed to reproduce in the gut and create the healthy bacteria that keep your digestive system working properly. Prebiotics and probiotics have a symbiotic relationship and work in conjunction for optimal gut health. Prebiotics are not live bacteria and cannot reproduce, but they are the food source and fuel that good, live probiotics need to thrive and grow in the gut.
Two common examples of probiotics include lactobacillus and microbacterium, which can often be found in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread. Some examples of prebiotics include carbohydrates like bananas, onions, garlic, chicory root, and Jerusalem artichoke. Both probiotics and prebiotics are also available as dietary supplements. Your doctor will determine the best route for you.
It’s All in Your
Gut health plays a major role in overall health and wellness, especially your immune system. You may be suffering from a digestive disorder like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, which are clearly gut-related, but some gastrointestinal problems masquerade as other immune-related conditions like skin problems, anxiety and depression, headaches, fibromyalgia, and more.
When you are treated by a doctor of osteopathic medicine, you can trust that the exam will go beyond looking at your symptoms and putting a bandage on them. DOs work with a full-body diagnostic approach, identifying everything that might be happening within your system to truly discover the source of the problem and what’s really happening with your health.
The solution you need may be smaller than you think. Replenishing the gut with probiotics and prebiotics may be the answer to your digestive issues or other health problems. Your lifestyle, environment, nutrition, movement, and more all affect your wellbeing. A DO is prepared to encourage your body’s natural tendency toward self-healing.
Should You Take Probiotics or
Probiotics and prebiotics don’t work for everyone, and your doctor is the resource to determine whether this kind of regimen will benefit the health conditions you’re experiencing. Some of the symptoms that prebiotics and probiotics may help ease include:
- Diarrhea
- Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Intestinal infections
It’s wise to consult with your doctor before starting any prebiotics or probiotics to make sure they don’t interfere with any other treatment you’re undergoing or medications you’re taking. Because there are many different forms of probiotics and prebiotics, some may be right for you and some may not. This is one area where you don’t want to test things out on your own without observation and care.
Learn More About Probiotics and Prebiotics in
Your gastrointestinal health is important for your body, overall well-being, and confidence. When you are doing everything else right and taking care of yourself but something is still off, it’s time to figure out how to really help your body. Probiotics and prebiotics may be the answer.
Rely on the medical care at Swetech Medical Center. Learn more about how to take care of your gut holistically and naturally and encourage your body to heal itself. Schedule an appointment at our office in Clinton Township.
