Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that digest food, produce vitamins and train your immune system. Antibiotics, infections and poor diet can knock this ecosystem off balance — which is where probiotics come in.
What probiotics actually do
Strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and spore-formers such as Bacillus clausii help restore microbial balance, strengthen the intestinal barrier and crowd out harmful organisms. Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast, is especially well studied for diarrhoea.
When they help most
Alongside antibiotics (to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea), during and after stomach infections, in irritable bowel syndrome, and for travellers prone to upset stomachs. In children, paediatricians commonly prescribe probiotic sachets with zinc during diarrhoea episodes.
Getting the benefit
Strain and dose matter — billions of CFU, taken consistently, a couple of hours away from antibiotic doses. Curd and fermented foods help maintenance, but therapeutic doses usually need a proper preparation.
Feeding the good bacteria
Probiotics work best with prebiotics — the fibre in fruits, vegetables, dals and whole grains that good bacteria feed on. Think of it as seeding a garden and watering it.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping or changing any medication or supplement.