What are probiotics anyways?

Probiotics are often celebrated as a natural way to support gut health. But did you know that overusing probiotics could potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for you, especially your digestive system that help keep your gut healthy, aid in digestion, and improve overall health. We can find these “good” bacteria in supplements, as well as yogurt, sauerkraut, drinks, and other various forms. Many of us are familiar with the benefits of probiotics and incorporate them into our daily routine in some form or fashion.

The Role of Probiotics on the Gut & Its Connection to Antibiotic Resistance

Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria-both good and bad. Probiotics helps us maintain a healthy balance by crowding out harmful bacteria that can cause illnesses and support our overall health. Think of them like little peacekeepers, guarding your gut and making sure everything is in order. 

However, while these little helpers are generally beneficial, there’s a growing concern of overuse, just like with antibiotics can lead to issues such as antibiotic resistance. Think of it like the old saying, “too much of a good thing…”. We get antibiotic resistance when bacteria evolve to survive even in the presence of the same bacteria trying to kill it. The same thing can happen with probiotics, especially when not taken properly or over consumed. 

When probiotics are overused, the bacteria already in our gut can acquire resistance genes from the probiotics themselves or from other bacteria in the gut’s environment. This means that the bacteria could become resistant to antibiotics.

What Can You Do?

So, does this mean you should stop taking probiotics? Not necessarily. Probiotics can still play an important role in maintaining gut health, but there needs to be a balance. Some ways to help maintain balance are:

• Use Probiotics Wisely: Not everyone needs to take probiotics everyday. Consider them when your gut may be imbalanced or compromised- after a course of antibiotics, during travel or when experiencing digestive or other gut-related issues.

• Choose the Right Probiotic: Different strains serve different purposes. It’s helpful to use the strain that serves specific purposes (for cognitive function, skin health, gut recovery, etc). It could also be beneficial to change up probiotics or take breaks in usage. 

• Focus on a Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and veggies can naturally support good bacteria without the need for supplements. Also, consuming foods with natural probiotics such as kimchi and sauerkraut can be a great alternative to supplementation.

• Be Mindful of Dosage: More isn’t always better. Always stick to the recommended amount either on the bottle or by your health practitioner. 

Remember, it’s all about balance! 

Resources

Gueimonde, M., Sánchez, B., G. de los Reyes-Gavilán, C., & Margolles, A. (2013). Antibiotic resistance in probiotic bacteria. Frontiers in microbiology, 4, 202.

Snydman, D. R. (2008). The safety of probiotics. Clinical infectious diseases, 46(Supplement_2), S104-S111.

Imperial, I. C., & Ibana, J. A. (2016). Addressing the antibiotic resistance problem with probiotics: reducing the risk of its double-edged sword effect. Frontiers in microbiology, 7, 1983.

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