Yes, your gut can affect the rest of your body. The gut, also known as the digestive system, is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. But it also plays a role in the immune system and is connected to the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, which allows communication between the gut and the brain.

An imbalance of gut bacteria, also known as gut dysbiosis, has been linked to various health issues, such as inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and mood disorders. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut through a balanced diet, probiotics, and reducing stress, can have a positive impact on overall health.

The gut microbiome refers to the collection of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that live in the digestive tract. The gut microbiome is unique to each individual and can be influenced by several factors, such as diet, and medication use.

Studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in several aspects of health, including digestion, metabolism, immunity, and the regulation of the central nervous system. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome involves a balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and probiotics. Additionally, reducing stress and limiting the use of antibiotics, which can disrupt the gut microbiome.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are believed to have several health benefits and are commonly used to help with digestive issues.

At Rice Family Chiropractic we have done the research for you and have found our favorite probiotic brands for you to try. The first probiotic I would like to share with you is from a brand called innate choice, we have been supplying this brand to our patients for years for good reason. In the probiotic the ingredients are all Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Wheat-Free, Corn-Free and 100% Vegetarian. The daily recommended dose is 2 capsules daily providing 30 billion viable probiotic organisms from the 9 most essential species of beneficial probiotic bacteria for humans.

Our second favorite probiotic is from a brand called Cyto matrix, we have recently discovered this incredible brand of probiotics and have loved the results. They carry probiotics not only for adults but also infants and kids of all ages, they have multiple stains of probiotics each with their own targeted focus. Each probiotic supplement is GMO, gluten, soy and dairy free and tailored to each probiotic strain. The kids probiotic is chewable and includes vitamins A, C and D, designed to optimize digestive and immune function in children. The infant probiotic is a liquid formula and includes vitamin D3, designed to optimize digestive and immune function in young children. For adults there are a few different options including a vaginal and UTI strain, an immunity and IBS strain.

We hope this was a helpful read and you were able to learn something, our health is so important to not only maintain but succeed at for a long and healthy life. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting probiotics to ensure their safety and potential benefits for your individual needs. If you are interested in which probiotic you could benefit from, call our office today or book a visit with Dr. Erin or Dr. James we look forward to hearing from you!