Probiotic supplements are designed to help support the level of good bacteria within our gut, which ultimately enhances the overall health, wellbeing and performance of our gut. The question is, are probiotic supplements necessary? And how can we tell if we need probiotic supplements? We’ve got everything you need to know right here.

Do I need to take probiotic supplements? 6 Signs you need probiotic supplements 

The majority of us don’t need to take probiotic supplements as we consume sufficient probiotics through our diet alone. However, for others, the addition of a probiotic supplement can have huge health benefits. If you are deficient in probiotics, you may notice that you suffer with one or more of the following issues:

1. Increased mood swings

Our gut health and the level of probiotics in our gut are directly linked with mental health disorders and mood-related issues. The likes of anxiety, stress and depression are all impacted by the serotonin and dopamine secreted in our gut, and it’s essential that these hormones are healthily balanced. Our brain-gut connection means that if our gut is unhappy, our mood will follow suit. If you’re suffering from mood swings and can’t seem to pinpoint the reason why, it could signal that there is a hormonal imbalance in your gut. Speak with your Doctor and try supplementing your diet with probiotics to help resolve the issue.

2. Difficulty sleeping

Those with poor or compromised gut health often have difficulty sleeping. Our gut microbiome directly communicates with our brain, and those with reduced probiotic levels tend to produce a smaller amount of the relaxing hormone, serotonin, and higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. This hormonal imbalance can directly impact our sleep pattern. So, if you have difficulty sleeping, it may be worth examining your diet to help determine whether or not you are consuming enough probiotics. If you’re struggling to consume the necessary amount of probiotics, a probiotic supplement may offer the perfect solution.

3. Frequent or increasing health complaints

Our gut health plays a huge role in our overall wellbeing and in particular, the development and maintenance of a robust immune system. A diet rich in probiotics allows our gut health to thrive, resulting in a well-developed immune system. In turn, this helps deter our bodies from picking up harmful bugs and illnesses. A well-balanced and healthy gut microbiome directly correlates with the maintenance of a strong immune system, which is why it’s essential to consume a healthy level of probiotics that can help combat these pathogens. If you frequently suffer from the likes of the common cold, flu and other infections, you may need to reassess your consumption of probiotics so that you can begin to improve your gut health.

4. Gut-related problems and bowel disorders

A healthy gut microbiome is usually reflected in our bowel habits. The likes of frequent spells of diarrhea, excess gas and constipation are all key indicators that our gut microbiome is in decline. Probiotics can help treat and prevent these bowel issues from recurring. They can even act as a natural treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

5. Unexplained weight gain

The probiotics in our gut, or rather the lack of, have been linked with weight complications and concerns, including obesity. There are certain probiotic strains that are directly linked with weight loss, which is why overweight and obese individuals have different gut bacteria than those with a healthy weight. Probiotics allow our bodies to effectively break down the fats we consume and transform them into energy that we can then use. If you are concerned about your weight and you have issues maintaining a healthy weight, it may be with incorporating a probiotic supplement into your diet. This may help you to lose weight, as well as reduce the percentage of fat in your body.

6. Skin-related issues and disorders

Our skin naturally plays home to various bacteria. The good bacteria works against the bad, preventing it from infiltrating our pores. However, if there is a lack of good bacteria in our skin, then the harmful bacteria can begin to take over, resulting in a catalogue of skin complaints ranging from rosacea and eczema to acne flare-ups.

The good news is that there are lots of products available to help combat these issues. Antibacterial ointments and solutions will target the likes of spots and acne, treating existing inflammation and helping prevent future skin issues. The trouble is, as these topical products attack the harmful bacteria, they also kill the probiotics we need to keep our skin healthy. This decline can then leave the skin vulnerable to the likes of fungal infections and yeast infections.

If you’re keen to improve your complexion and target the root cause of these complaints, it may be time to increase your intake of probiotics. A diet naturally rich in probiotics is sure to help, but you may also wish to integrate a probiotic supplement into your everyday diet to help resolve the issue.

Speak to your Doctor

As always, if you are concerned about your skin and you’re thinking about introducing a new strain of probiotic into your diet, it’s essential that you consult a health professional or your Doctor first.