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Have you heard the buzz about the probiotic market? It’s hitting record-breaking numbers, with a whopping USD 2.5 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow at an astonishing 8% annually from 2023 to 2032.
With such record-breaking stats, it’s safe to say that the frenzy around consuming probiotic-rich foods and supplements is not dying out anytime soon. who doesn’t want to be multicultural, right?
However, with this popularity comes a cloud of misconceptions and myths surrounding probiotics and their beneficial role in gut health.
Especially, when there are so many probiotic products and supplements available naturally or commercially.
That’s why we’re here to set the record straight by debunking the 20 common probiotic myths with factual information.
Probiotics and gut health
Probiotics can perform wonders for your gut health, and even for vaginal health in women. They do so by balancing the good and bad microbes in your body.
If taken correctly, probiotics can be an assistive add-on to the primary treatment for GI disorders such as IBS, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall gut health.
Did you know that they’ve also been shown to improve symptoms of vaginal infections like BV?
Currently, most probiotic products have the most common bacterial strains in their formulae, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains.
Recent studies have also identified new bacterial species that can be used as probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Debunking 20 Probiotics Myths With Facts
Let’s debunk the 20 common or not-so-common myths about the beneficial role of probiotics.
Myth 1: Can Probiotics be an alternative therapy for certain diseases?
Most certainly not!
In most cases, probiotics cannot be considered an alternative to anti-microbial therapy, particularly in severe diseases.
Yet, probiotics can be used as adjunctive therapy to antibiotic treatment for reducing the severity of symptoms, improving antibiotic function, and boosting immunity.
Myth 2: Are all Probiotics the same?
Absolutely not true!
All probiotic strains confer specific health benefits to their host. This specificity is due to the difference in their metabolic by-products (like anti-microbial substances) that target particular harmful pathogens and their metabolites.
Therefore not all probiotic supplements are equal and it’s recommended to choose a supplement containing strains that are beneficial in treating your specific underlying health issue.
For instance, subspecies of lactobacillus acidophilus strains have different beneficial probiotic properties and target specific pathogens. examples include l.acidophilus la-05, l.acidophilus ncfm®, and l.acidophilus rosell-52.
Myth 3: Probiotics are only effective when consumed with a high number of bacteria.
That’s not necessarily true!
Probiotic effectiveness depends on strain specificity and dosage. The high-bacterial count doesn’t guarantee the desired effect of than low count.
In fact, some probiotic strains require a relatively low microbial count than other probiotic strains. More is not always better, and excessive probiotics may have adverse effects.
Following the recommended dosage on the label or as a healthcare provider advises is essential. Rather than going for numbers, focus on the strains that solve your health concerns.
Myth 4: Multi-strain Probiotics work better than single-strain ones.
Not necessarily!
Both multi-strain and single-strain probiotics can be effective, but the choice depends on the specific health condition being targeted and the effective strains for that condition.
Although multi-strain probiotics do have the advantage of providing a variety of strains that work together synergistically to provide health benefits.
A combination of different strains can provide a more comprehensive approach to dealing with a specific health issue or improving overall gut health.
Also, supplements with multi-strain probiotics may not have the claimed benefits, as they lack scientific evidence to back the claimed benefits.
Whereas, single-strain probiotics can also be effective, especially for specific health concerns and for which a particular strain has been identified as effective.
Single-strain probiotics are also preferable for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to specific strains and their metabolites.
For example, a recent study has highlighted the influential role of bacillus coagulans in significantly reducing the symptoms of IBS as compared to the effects of combinational probiotic therapy.
Myth 5: Are probiotics the all-in-one solution for gut problems?
Not necessarily!
While probiotics can help support gut health and relieve some digestive issues, they cannot cure all gut problems.
For example, probiotics may not be effective for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
While probiotics can help balance the gut microbiome and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria, they cannot completely eliminate all harmful bacteria in your gut.
Myth 6: Probiotics consumption is safe for everyone.
Not entirely true!
While probiotics are generally safe, some people may experience side effects such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
People with compromised immune systems or serious health conditions should consult their doctor before taking probiotics.
Myth 7: You should take probiotics before or during antibiotic treatment.
Not necessarily!
Taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, but the timing and dosage of probiotics can affect their effectiveness.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment.
Myth 8: All probiotics need to be refrigerated.
True in some cases!
Some probiotics do require refrigeration to maintain their potency, but not all. The label or manufacturer’s instructions will typically indicate whether refrigeration is necessary or not.
Myth 9: Probiotics can cure allergies.
False!
Some studies have hinted at the promising role of probiotics in managing allergies. However, more research based on clinical trials is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Myth 10: Probiotics are effective in dealing with obesity and weight management.
Not necessarily!
Although some studies have suggested that certain probiotic strains positively impact the reduction of important obesity parameters (like waist circumference), the evidence is limited and inconsistent.
The studies remain unclear in highlighting the role of probiotics in weight loss in all age groups and genders.
There’s a need for more standardized studies based on clinical trials to investigate how the different probiotic strains affect the weight loss process in various age groups and genders.
Probiotics are not a holy grail for weight loss as they are commercially projected to be. They cannot be solely relied upon for achieving weight goals.
Myth 11: Probiotics can improve bad breath, aka Halitosis.
That is not entirely true!
According to a 2021 clinical study, probiotic genera lactobacillus, streptococcus, and weissella may significantly improve oral health and reduce bad breath.
Still, several therapeutic factors must be considered before utilizing probiotics’ healing potential in oral health.
These factors include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and certain medical conditions. It’s important to address the underlying cause of bad breath rather than relying solely on probiotics.
Myth 12: Probiotics can guarantee super immunity against infections.
False!
Several clinical studies have confirmed the role of probiotics in maintaining gut microbiota equilibrium and regulating their host’s immune response.
Still, they can’t be exclusively relied upon in prompting a strong immune response against a particular illness. Immunity is a complex and multifaceted system that depends on age, gender, health condition, fitness level, geography, etc.
Therefore, it is a must to consider these factors while assessing the impacts of probiotics on gut microbiota and the immune system.
Myth 13: Probiotics can cure depression and anxiety.
False!
While some studies confirm the influential role of probiotics in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, the lack of substantial evidence-based studies limits the use of probiotics as an alternative therapy.
However, they can be still used as an adjunctive option to the primary medicinal treatment.
Myth 14: Probiotics can prevent heart disease.
False!
Studies have highlighted the potential role of probiotics in maintaining cholesterol levels and improving markers of heart health.
However, they cannot entirely prevent heart disease. a healthy diet and lifestyle are essential for maintaining heart health.
Myth 15: Probiotics can cure acne.
False!
While some studies suggest that probiotics may help alleviate the symptoms of certain skin conditions like eczema and acne, no standardized studies support the claim that probiotics can completely cure acne.
Myth 16: Probiotics can improve athletic performance.
Not necessarily!
Recent studies have shown encouraging results that probiotic supplements may help in athletic performance and recovery, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent for now.
Myth 17: Probiotics can cure chronic fatigue syndrome.
False!
While some studies suggest that probiotics may help improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, the evidence-backed knowledge gap exists.
Myth 18: Probiotics can cure migraines.
That is not completely false!
While some studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, there is no substantial evidence to support the claim that probiotics can cure migraines.
Myth 19: Probiotics can be a supplementary therapy for controlling Type 2 Diabetes.
Not necessarily false!
Some recent studies highlighted the potential of single-strain or multi-strain probiotics in controlling type 2 diabetes parameters, but they cannot be considered an additional therapy option.
In addition, these claims lack statistical evidence and research in dissecting the most suitable probiotic species impacting glycemic index in type 2 diabetic patients, their exposure time, and their dose.
Myth 20: Probiotics can be an effective treatment for Psoriasis.
Not necessarily!
Several recent studies have evaluated the effectiveness of probiotics in treating psoriasis.
Yet, there’s a lack of statistical significance in determining the role of specific probiotic strains in alleviating the severity of psoriasis.
Major Takeaways
- Probiotics confer numerous health benefits to their consumers but are not a cure-all for various health conditions.
- It’s important to approach probiotics with realistic expectations and consult a healthcare provider before taking them for specific health concerns.
- Different probiotic strains’ effectiveness depends on their host’s gut microbiome.
- That’s why their use should be customized along with the primary treatment framework that considers the target disease to be treated and the level of microbiota affected for that particular patient in order to gain optimal benefits.
- These probiotic-related myths definitely have some truth in them. However, they are often exaggerated or oversimplified. The real problem lies in the big claims by the manufacturers of probiotic products.
- More efforts are required to encourage health professionals to educate the masses and to provide evidence-based information about the benefits of probiotics.
Need a guide on choosing the best probiotics available in the market? Read more to find out!
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