🌿 Probiotics: What You Need to Know
Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria—like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces boulardii—that naturally live in a healthy human digestive tract. When consumed in adequate amounts, they support digestion, enhance immunity, and reduce the risk of disease.
At Itasca Naturopathic Clinic, we often recommend probiotics to help restore balance in the gut, especially during times of stress, illness, hormone changes, or after antibiotic use.
🦠Why Are Probiotics Important?
A healthy gut is home to over 100 trillion bacteria, weighing approximately 3 pounds. These microbes aren't just passengers—they play an essential role in your health:
Supporting 80% of your immune system, located in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
Aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption
Protecting against harmful bacteria, pathogens, and inflammation
When this balance is disrupted—a state known as dysbiosis—it can lead to:
Weakened immunity
More frequent infections
Food intolerances and digestive distress
Increased inflammation and allergic responses
Greater risk of chronic disease
👶 Gut Health Starts in Utero
Our gut begins to populate with healthy bacteria in utero—and continues to develop, especially during vaginal birth and through breastfeeding. This early colonization is critical for developing a resilient immune system.
Disruptions in this process, such as:
C-section delivery
Use of antibiotics in pregnancy & infancy
An overly sterile environment
…can impair immune maturation and raise the risk of allergies, digestive issues, and autoimmune disorders later in life.
🧬 What Causes Good Bacteria to Decline?
Many modern lifestyle factors can deplete our beneficial gut flora:
Age and hormonal shifts (like menopause)
Stress
Antibiotic and medication use
Poor diet or dietary changes
Infections and illness
Travel or sudden lifestyle shifts
Digestive disorders (like IBS or IBD)
🌱 The Benefits of Probiotic Supplementation
Probiotic supplements help restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They are safe, well-tolerated, and beneficial for people of all ages—including infants and the elderly.
When used consistently, probiotics can:
Support and strengthen immune function
Improve digestion and nutrient absorption (especially minerals like calcium and magnesium)
Reduce the severity of food sensitivities and allergic reactions
Re-establish healthy gut flora after antibiotic use
Alleviate symptoms of IBS, IBD, bloating, and leaky gut
Lower intestinal pH, making it less hospitable to pathogens
Help reduce cholesterol absorption
Improve skin, mood, and hormone balance indirectly through gut health
Probiotics are especially useful during stressful times, illness, and after antibiotic treatment.
💊 How to Take Probiotics
With Food: Probiotics are best taken with meals for optimal absorption and survival through the stomach acid.
With Antibiotics: Take probiotics at least 2–3 hours apart from antibiotics and increase the dose during and after antibiotic treatment to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficile overgrowth.
Caution: Not all products labeled "probiotic" are created equal. Some contain no live cultures or fail to list strain specifics. Look for:
Human-strain species
Multiple well-researched strains
Guaranteed potency at expiration (not at manufacture)
✅ Our Clinical Recommendation
At Itasca Naturopathic Clinic, we recommend including a high-quality probiotic as part of your daily wellness routine—especially if you're experiencing:
Frequent colds or infections
Digestive issues (gas, bloating, constipation)
Hormone fluctuations
A recent round of antibiotics
Skin conditions, fatigue, or brain fog
Supporting your gut can support your whole body.
Rachel Oppitz, ND
