Health Highlights | Probiotics
Do you need to take probiotics to improve digestion and have a healthy gut?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that affect your body. But, OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist Omar Khokhar, MD, says the research isn't there yet for him to recommend taking probiotic supplements.
Instead, he suggests getting the nutrients through fermented foods and drinks.
“I suggest you take prebiotics and probiotics in their natural form – in a kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha or Greek yogurt,” Dr. Khokhar says. “Those are highly fermented foods that are in the organic state and have been shown to improve microbiome gut vitality.”
If those types of food or drinks are too challenging to include in your diet, Dr. Khokhar says to talk with your medical provider first.
In most cases, taking prebiotic or probiotic supplements won't hurt and could possibly help.