The Best Probiotic Supplements in 2020, According to a Doctor and Dietitian Whether you’re dealing with GI issues or just finished a round of antibiotics, you’ve probably thought about taking a probiotic supplement.
Probiotic bacteria work to keep the community of microorganisms in your gut—and throughout the rest of your body—in a healthy, balanced state.
“The last several years have seen an explosion of research on the importance of the microbiome and the many health benefits associated with a balanced one.
Probiotic supplements offer a way to help maintain this balance,” says NYU Langone Health gastroenterologist Roshini Rajapaksa, M.D.
In other words, they might serve as a sort of insurance to support your overall health, particularly if you don’t eat a lot of fiber or fermented foods.
“Taking a probiotic supplement can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut.” A growing body of evidence also suggests that probiotics can play a role in improving digestion and decreasing bloating (particularly in those with gastrointestinal disorders), improving immune function, promoting healthy blood sugar, and fighting acne and skin inflammation.