The human digestive system is a lot more complicated than you might realise. Within a healthy human gut, there can exist thousands of species of bacteria, and that diversity is part of what makes it a successful system [1]. When our bacterial diversity flounders and the balance is lost, unhealthy strains multiply while beneficial ones die [2]. This can lead to everything from a sore stomach to systemic inflammation, IBS, or increased gut permeability [2].
We’ve been told to take probiotics to help support and increase our bacterial diversity, but not all probiotics are the same [2]. Each brand and type includes only specific strains, and different probiotic strains support different parts of our digestive systems and bodies [3].
What Are The Benefits of Probiotics?
Probiotics are live micro-organisms, mainly bacteria and some yeasts, that live inside our bodies and provide us with considerable benefits [3]. Probiotics help maintain a balanced microbiome, improving digestive function and supporting the integrity of the intestinal walls [6]. This helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and reduces symptoms like diarrhoea and constipation [6].
Probiotics also help to break down food components, improving nutrient absorption and reducing issues like lactose intolerance [6]. In the immune system, probiotics help stimulate the production of immunoglobulins and cytokines, helping the body defend against pathogens and reducing inflammation [6].
Certain strains have been shown to influence the gut-brain axis, helping to alleviate psychological stress and improve mood [4]. These strains can be found in Cerebiome®, a psychobiotic formulated to include two special strains in a high enough dose to help in this way [1].
What Do Different Probiotics Do?
There are several probiotic strains commonly included in probiotic supplements [3]. Some, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, are well-studied and known for supporting gut health, immune function, and balancing gut microflora [3]. Others, like Bifidobacterium longum, are known for their positive effects on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms [6].
Most do their work directly in the gut, affecting other parts of the body indirectly [6]. Some strains of probiotics are known to have more wide-reaching effects [6]. Two of these, Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 – which make up Cerebiome® – are particularly helpful for supporting both gut health and mood, and are found in Ceregut® Probiotic [1].
What Is Cerebiome®?
Cerebiome® is part of a class of probiotics known as psychobiotics [6]. Psychobiotics positively affect both physical and mental health [6]. Cerebiome® has been documented to alleviate psychological stress and stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting in healthy adults [1].
It also helps improve sleep quality and skin appearance, reinforcing the emerging concept of the gut-brain-skin axis [4,8]. It acts by supporting intestinal comfort, promoting a balanced gut microbiome, protecting the intestinal barrier [1], and regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and the stress response [7]. Read more about Cerebiome® here.
How To Choose the Right Probiotic For You
For many people, a broad-spectrum probiotic containing strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families works well [3]. Try something like Terranova Probiotic Complex with Prebiotics, which includes the Magnifood complex, further supporting overall gut health.
For those wanting to support their intestinal flora, something like Bettergut® Direct Butyrate Generator might be a good choice. Bettergut® includes ButyraGen, a tributyrin-containing supplement formulated to produce butyrate directly in the gut. You can read more about butyrate and ButyraGen here, but in short:
“ButyraGen helps by strengthening intestinal barrier function, modulating immune and inflammatory responses, as well as supporting other organs through the gut-brain axis” [9].
Why Does Choosing the Right Probiotic Matter?
For many, taking a probiotic is seen as a “nice-to-have” — a short-term solution for occasional digestive discomfort. However, probiotics are an investment, and it’s important to ensure that the supplement you choose delivers real, measurable benefits for your health.
For others, especially those struggling with more serious symptoms, a more targeted probiotic will be more effective [7]. Next time you’re browsing the shelves, trying to choose the right probiotic supplement, remember to take a close look at the strains in each formula.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking prescription or chronic medication.
