Probiotics
Live microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are beneficial to the human body. They help balance gut microbiome, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and support nutrient absorption and metabolism.
A 3-Minute Guide to Choosing a Complete-Formula Probiotic
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics & Postbiotics: Unlock the Power of Your Gut Microbiome
Gut-Brain Axis | Microbiome | Sleep & Emotions
The Gut: Your Second Brain
The gut is more than just a digestive organ. It's a essential neural hub. The gut microbiome influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, affecting mood, stress responses, and sleep quality. To support both mind and body, start by taking care of your gut.
Why Should You Take Care of Your Gut?
Eating out frequently, staying up late, stress, and an unbalanced diet can disrupt your gut microbiome. In such cases, taking supplements with probiotics has become a popular choice to support overall health.
Is More Always Better? Understanding Probiotic Counts
Probiotics need to be taken in adequate amounts and over a sufficient period to be effective. But more isn't always better. If the bacteria cannot act in the gut, they'll simply pass through the digestive system and be excreted.
What Are Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics? Unlocking the Importance of PPSPs”
A healthy gut microbiome depends on the synergy of four essential components: Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics
Prebiotics
The "food" for probiotics, including inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and various dietary fibers which selectively feed good bacteria and help them colonize the gut.
Synbiotics
Formulations that combine probiotics and prebiotics work through synergy and co-fermentation. They enhance probiotic survival and provide immediate energy support.
Postbiotics
Functional metabolites produced during probiotic fermentation, such as SCFAs, organic acids, peptides, and polysaccharides (e.g., Kefiran), contribute to immune regulation and microbiota stability.
High-quality probiotic formulations should feature the "four-in-one", P＋P＋S＋P（PPSPs）—Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics to create a complete and balanced gut ecosystem.
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a traditional fermented beverage from the Caucasus region, made through the co-fermentation of multiple lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. It can be regarded as a natural synbiotic. Compared with single-strain probiotic products, kefir offers several advantages:
- Diverse strains and synergistic properties: Multiple probiotic strains ferment together, producing a wider variety of metabolites through synergistic interactions
- Richer metabolites: Fermentation generates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), organic acids, and other compounds that help regulate gut microbiome
- Inhibits harmful bacteria: Kefir helps reduce pathogen adhesion and enhance mucosal IgA responses
- Adaptability and colonization potential: The co-fermentation nature allows probiotics to be more resilient and recover more effectively when the gut environment is disrupted.
What Is Probiotic Microencapsulation? Is More Encapsulation Always Better?”
Probiotics are sensitive live microorganisms that can be easily affected by temperature, humidity, and stomach acid. Microencapsulation forms a protective layer around the bacteria, enhancing their survival during transport, storage, and digestion. This helps ensure that the live probiotics reach the gut and successfully colonize.
It's important to note that more layers of microencapsulation aren't necessarily better. Excessive layering can reduce probiotic release, affect taste, and complicate the formulation. What matters more is the stability of the probiotic strains, the patented encapsulation technology, and the ability to release the bacteria at the right location in the gut.
Is More Always Better? High CFU (Colony-Forming Units) = High Quality?
A higher probiotic count doesn't necessarily mean better quality. If the bacteria cannot successfully colonize the gut lining, even large numbers may simply be excreted. When choosing a probiotic, it's important to consider:
- Does the strain have colonization potential?
- Does the formulation provide enough prebiotics to supply energy and support growth?
- Are postbiotics included to help establish a healthy gut environment?
Choose the Best: Complete Probiotic Formula Matters
Truly high-quality probiotic products begin with supporting a balanced gut ecosystem. The point isn’t on a single strain or a high CFU count, but on whether the probiotics can coexist, remain stable, and act consistently. A complete formula incorporating PPSPs can create synergistic effects and help maintain gut stability.
Follow the "less is more" principle: Ingredients added for taste like high-sugar carriers (e.g., glucose, sucrose) or artificial flavors can disrupt microbiome stability over time. Choosing a simple formula without unnecessary colorings or additives allows probiotics to function optimally.
The gut is the core hub for both physical and mental balance. From diet and lifestyle to probiotic selection, every detail shapes your gut ecosystem. Supporting probiotic coexistence and maintaining physical and mental balance builds the foundation for long-term health.
References
- Tegegne B.A. et al. (2025). The FASEB Journal, 39(20): e71146.
- Bourrie B.C.T., Willing B.P., Cotter P.D. (2016). The Microbiota and Health-Promoting Characteristics of the Fermented Beverage Kefir. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7:647.
- Piano M.R. et al. (2012). Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 46(Suppl): S85–S92.
延伸閱讀
2025-11-06