Probiotics were discovered by the father of probiotics “Elie Metchnikoff” in 1905. He recognized the beneficence of probiotics from fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi in aiding in the health of digestion and many other vital processes. However, is consuming probiotics from pharmaceutical products more useful than directly administering them from natural products?

What are probiotics?

They are living microorganisms which could be bacteria or yeast that are localized in our bodies due to their massive health benefits in maintaining a balanced digestive system and strong immunity. Examples of such microorganisms are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

What are the health benefits of probiotics?

• In the case of taking antibiotics to fight infections, probiotics’ consumption would prevent a condition called “antibiotic-associated diarrhea” since antibiotics kill our microflora. 
• Maintaining a healthy digestive system for people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and lactose tolerance.
• Support a healthy female reproductive system since the vagina has healthy, good bacteria that maintain a normal pH.
• Maintain a fresh oral cavity by preventing a condition called halitosis or bad breath.
• Sustain the beneficial bacteria in the urinary tract to prevent urinary tract infections from occurring.

From where and how do we take probiotics?

Studies have shown that probiotics from natural sources, for instance, fermented foods or those obtained from pharmaceutical supplements have equal effectiveness and outcomes. Hence, It’s best recommended to take antibiotics on an empty stomach in order to fasten the reach of probiotics into your gut since the microbiome lives in the large intestines in a pocket called the cecum. Other researchers recommend taking the probiotics before bedtime since the intestines would be inactive in the sleeping stage and would maximize the absorption of the probiotics.