Probiotics are live microorganisms (i.e., strains of “good” bacteria) that help support your digestive system and your immune system, among other things. These days, you can find probiotics in what seems like every food and supplement known to man — and ONE of the most popular forms is probiotic gummy bears! However, do probiotic gummies work?
What Are Probiotics and Their Benefits?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria mentioned above (also known as “probiotic bacteria” or simply “probiotics”) that are typically found in fermented foods, such as cheeses, yogurts, and kefir. These microorganisms work in harmony with your body to help promote overall health and wellness. Some of their well-known benefits include:
Boosts Immunity: Probiotics are thought to help boost your body’s immune system. This is especially helpful before and during periods of infection.
Supports Digestion: Since probiotics help improve your digestive system, they may also support overall digestion and nutrient absorption.
Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar Levels: Probiotics may also play a role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. Studies have found probiotics to help improve insulin sensitivity, thus improving your body’s ability to regulate glucose (natural sugar) levels. (1)
Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is one of the leading causes of many diseases, including celiac disease and Crohn’s disease. Studies have found that probiotic supplementation may help reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body, which can reduce your risk of certain diseases. (2)
Do Probiotic Gummies Work or It’s a Scam?
They don’t, at least not as well as whole foods. The best (and most natural) way to consume probiotics is through the use of fermented foods. Fermented foods contain probiotic bacteria and the live cultures that we need to stay healthy. Examples of these types of foods include miso, kimchi, natto, sourdough bread, and tempeh. In comparison, probiotic gummies only contain a small amount of the actual microorganisms.
So in conclusion, do probiotic gummies work? While probiotic gummies can assist with your overall digestive health by increasing your intake of beneficial bacteria — they are not as powerful as a whole food source. Furthermore, some gummies contain artificial sweeteners and colors, so it would be best to stick with a natural food source.
The Only Way to Really Get Healthy Probiotics
While probiotics are great, they’re not always available for us to consume.
Thankfully, there are far more natural and effective ways to get your probiotics than by eating a gummy bear!
Fortunately, there are thousands of other foods that contain probiotic bacteria that you can easily add to your diet. Here’s a shortlist of some of the top sources:
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that contains a large number of beneficial bacteria. This dish is usually served as a condiment for hot dogs, hamburgers, and bratwursts.
Kimchi
Kimchi consists of pickled cabbage and various seasonings that are stored in an airtight container to ferment. It is typically eaten with meals and its strong flavor can add a new dimension to your favorite dishes.
Kefir
Kefir is similar in taste and texture to yogurt, but it comes from milk that has been fermented using bacteria instead of using yogurt as a starter culture.
If you want to read more about probiotic-rich foods, check the article below:
Best Foods with Probiotics That Will Make You Fantastic
The ideal way to eat probiotics is through fermented foods, such as kimchi, yogurt, and kefir. These foods have been eaten for thousands of years, long before the gummy form was even invented! So, do probiotic gummies work? Well, not as well as whole foods!
If you’re not keen on the taste of fermented foods, then you can also buy probiotic pills and supplements. While these may not offer all of the same benefits as food sources, they still contain many of the same probiotic strains.
These supplements come in a wide range of doses and brands. Make sure to check the label to see how much bacteria you are getting per serving. Also take note that some pills are made from dairy, while others are vegan-based.
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