

Is the Hype about Probiotics True?
  • Email Email
  • Print Print

Is the Hype about Probiotics True?

It is almost commonplace now to get a recommendation for a quality probiotic from any doctor, nutritionist, or anyone who cares about you and your health.


Because almost all health professionals now know the critical importance of everyone adding these good, friendly bacteria into their digestive system.

But you may still be wondering...does that include me?

Here are some common questions I get about probiotics and how to know if they are right for you:

1. What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

We all need "good" bacteria (aka probiotics) in our system. The problem is, most of this bacteria is being killed off by harmful toxins and antibiotics in our food and medicine due to common agricultural and pharmaceutical practices. By adding more high-quality probiotic foods or supplements to your diet, you are adding this "good" bacteria back to your system (which is especially beneficial for digestive health).

Among other benefits, probiotics:

  • •Treat intestinal infections,
  • •Support nutrient absorption,
  • •Boost immunity,
  • •Repair leaky gut by helping to seal the gut lining,
  • •Increase energy levels, and
  • •Ease systems of food allergies such as diarrhea, rosacea, and eczema.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are a type of special fiber that serve as food for probiotics. They increase the colonization (effectiveness) of probiotics, which is why many supplements and foods contain both probiotics and prebiotics. 

2. And how are probiotics different from digestive enzymes?

Probiotics are absolutely critical to overall health and have a much larger function than digestive enzymes.

Digestive enzymes have one function: breaking down the large particles of food we eat into components small enough for the body to absorb through the intestinal wall. 

Probiotics, on the other hand, have a wide range of functions. Among other things, they strengthen the immune system, prevent growth of "bad" bacteria, and produce vitamins for our bodies. Also, probiotics are reproductive. They grow and multiply like any living organism.

3. Who should take probiotics?

Honestly, absolutely everyone should be including probiotics into their daily routine. Unfortunately, due to lifestyle and environmental factors, the vast majority of the population is severely lacking when it comes to good probiotic bacteria, throwing their gut flora ratio completely out of whack.

But you especially need to take probiotics if…

You have ever taken antibiotics (which includes almost everyone). Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work in one of two ways: killing bacteria or preventing bacteria from multiplying. 

As mentioned above, while antibiotics do help to rid your body of the "bad" bacteria, they also kill off much of the "good" bacteria (aka probiotics) that are so vital to your health.

You have suffered or are currently suffering from gas, bloating, and constipation (constipation means that you are having bowel movements less than 1-2 times each day).

This is a sign that your intestinal bacterial balance is beginning to spin out of control - there is much more "bad" bacteria (and much less "good" bacteria) than there should be. Probiotics will help restore the balance.

If you are suffering from any form of skin rash. Many studies have linked inadequate probiotic levels to skin problems like dandruff, eczema, and acne.

Beyond that, research has also shown probiotic supplementation to have a positive effect on weight loss by restoring gut flora balance.

In fact, a recent double blind study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that test subjects who received probiotics daily were able to reduce their abdominal fat by nearly 5% over a 12-week period, while the "no probiotic" group experienced no positive changes.

And finally, if you’re under unusual amounts of stress – or feel as if you are chronically stressed emotionally and physically.

Stress and poor diet cause gut inflammation, which in turn causes leaky gut, inflammation throughout the entire body, and autoimmune disease.

In an animal study published by The British Medical Journal, it was found that “probiotics can prevent chronic stress induced intestinal abnormalities and, thereby, exert beneficial effects in the intestinal tract.”  

Bottom line, with research suggesting that probiotic supplementation is even more important to your health than taking a daily multivitamin, and the fact that inadequate probiotic levels have been linked through research to more than 170 different diseases and health issues – including obesity, weight gain, and autoimmunity – I truly believe that everyone should be taking a quality probiotic daily.

4. When do I take my probiotic?

It is best to take your probiotic before or after a meal. Probiotics are quite gentle, and when you take your probiotic alongside food (healthy food, of course), it gives it good protection against the powerful acids in your stomach. It also gives these little bacteria good nourishment as it makes the journey down to your intestines.

5. How do I choose the right probiotic?

As with all the supplements I take and recommend, quality is always the #1 thing I focus on. I never want to put anything that is not of the absolute highest quality in my body, and I know you don't either.

Look for a probiotics that contains 40+ billion CFUs and a broad array of 11 clinically-proven strains of positive probiotics. You'll want to find a formula that also contains prebiotics to enhance intestinoal conolinization of its probiotics, making it even more effective. Not just that, but you'll want to see terms such as "free of any synthetic or artificial ingredients" of any kind somewhere on the label or in the desription of the product.

All of these guidelines are super important for me and my family, and for you too.

So, is the hype about probiotics true?


Here’s the catch…you need to lower your stress levels and eliminate gut irritating foods (like gluten, dairy, and nightshade veggies and spices artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, processed and GMO foods) in addition to incorporating a high-quality probiotic for complete gut-altering health.

Why? Because if you don’t start eliminating the big offenders, incorporating gut healing foods and supplements won’t help!

Okay, I don’t want you to let this caveat add to your overall stress levels. I have a super-simple 30-day solution for you that won’t just show you exactly when and how to start using probiotics, but to heal leaky gut, candida overgrowth, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid dysfunction. Yep, in just 30 days you can cleanse your body of the big offenders harming your gut... and I tell you exactly what to eat (and not eat), with the help of coaching and community support. 

So if you want to renew your gut, improve your skin, gain much-needed energy back, and heal your thyroid, you need to check out my 30-day solution here » 


Josie Willis
What about a brand for a child under 2 years old?
Velma Popham
My ob/gyn recommended I take ALIGN probiotic. She said it was the only one with science behind it. They actually tested strains to find the most effective, and didn't use the less effective yogurt strains. Made a HUGE difference! Not like I'm cracking walnuts anymore, cleared up my IBS!
Coach Chrissy

Liz - Spring of Life is the brand we recommend and you can get it on Amazon.

Liz Brooks
Hi I live in Canada and have so many of the symptoms you are talking about could you please suggest a very good probiotic for me to use . Thank you so much Liz
Coach Chrissy

Dotty - Spring of Life makes a probiotic that we recommend. Click Here to find it on Amazon.

Dotty Hull
What probiotics pill do you recommend on the market