Walk down any pharmacy aisle and you’ll find shelves packed with probiotic supplements promising to fix everything from bloating to brain fog. As a nurse I get asked about probiotics constantly. Here’s the honest answer.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. Your gut already contains trillions of bacteria — the goal is keeping the right balance between the good and the bad.
They work best after antibiotics, which wipe out good bacteria along with the bad. They also help with irritable bowel syndrome and general gut health. What they won’t do is fix a bad diet or replace medication your doctor prescribed.
Look for at least 10 billion CFU and multiple strains. Refrigerated options are generally more stable. If you’ve recently been on antibiotics or deal with chronic digestive issues, probiotics are absolutely worth trying.
— Jamie RN
