Should You Be Taking Them?
Probiotics have become increasingly popular, lining store shelves with promises of improved gut health. But are they really necessary?
Scientists' understanding of probiotics is evolving. While once seen as a beneficial daily supplement, some experts now believe they may not be as helpful as initially thought.
Dr. Aditya Sreenivasan, a gastroenterologist, emphasizes the individual nature of probiotics. "Each probiotic is very specific, and each person is very specific in terms of what they need," he says. This makes it difficult to determine which probiotic is right for each individual, especially without a test to identify gut imbalances.
Dr. Sreenivasan rarely recommends starting probiotics but also advises against stopping them if they provide some benefit. He acknowledges their potential effectiveness for individuals with specific conditions like IBS, but cautions against their high cost and the possibility of wasted money.
Dr. Shilpa Ravella, a transplant gastroenterologist, agrees that probiotics are best used for specific issues under a doctor's guidance. She highlights their use in cases like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
However, both doctors emphasize caution, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems or conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Additionally, the FDA's classification of probiotics as "generally recognized as safe" means they haven't been rigorously tested for effectiveness.
Dr. Ravella recommends consulting a gastroenterologist to determine if a specific probiotic could be beneficial for your individual needs. For general gut health, she suggests focusing on a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods instead of relying on supplements.