Often referred to as "good" bacteria, probiotics are a must for your body. They help improve digestion and nutrient absorption in the body, boosting the immune system. These bacteria are actually live microorganisms which when consumed aid in balancing the digestive system, no matter what junk you put through it. Another necessity for your body is prebiotics; non-digestible fibres that serve as food for probiotics and stimulate the growth of natural bacteria in the gut. Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir whereas prebiotics are found in fibrous foods like bananas, onions, garlic, and whole grains.
But in case you aren't getting a sufficient amount of these healthy bacteria in plenty variety such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces to keep the microflora of your gut healthy and intact in the correct amount of millions of CFUs, then it is safe to opt for supplements.
The reasons can be various from as simple as not liking dahi (yoghurt) to having a weak digestion system, or high consumption of antibiotics. These supplements are generally safe for everyone from pregnant women to children, but it is still a good practice to consult a doctor before starting on any of them and listen to your body while testing them for a bit first.
LBB tip: It is a great idea to keep switching in different supplements as it introduces new bacteria to the gut which keeps it fresh and intact.
Here are top 10 Probiotic supplements to try for your gut health;