Health Benefits of Probiotics and How Supplements Can Help

Probiotics have become one of those wellness terms heard everywhere, but not everyone knows what they do. If you’re trying to build a healthier daily routine, it's worth understanding what these "good bacteria" are doing in your body, and where a supplement for it might fit in your daily routine.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are microorganisms made from bacteria and yeast that offer health benefits when consumed properly and in moderation. Also called “good bacteria,” they’re very similar to the other beneficial microorganisms already in your body. You'll find them naturally in probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, and other fermented foods, or in supplement form for a more consistent daily dose.

They work alongside prebiotics, which are the fibers that feed these bacteria and help them thrive. Together, they support and balance your gut microbiome.

What is the Relationship Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Understanding how probiotics function makes it easier to see why they're paired with prebiotics in most quality supplements. 

Once probiotics reach the gut, they join the existing community of bacteria to help fight less helpful microorganisms and support the gut lining. However, probiotics need fuel to survive and multiply, which is where the prebiotics come in. The job or function of prebiotics in this case is to feed those bacteria so the probiotics can do their job.

This is exactly why Suntory's BRAND'S® Pre + Probiotics range is formulated with both together, rather than probiotics alone. Pairing researched probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus Paracasei LCW23, with prebiotics and dietary fibre, so the probiotics have what they need to remain active as part of a daily routine.

The Health Benefits of Probiotics

1. Digestive Support: This is the benefit of probiotics most people know of. Probiotics is often associated with maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, supporting regular digestion.

2. Immune Function: Research shows that, since a large portion of the immune system is closely linked to the gut, supporting gut health may also play a role in supporting general immune function. This becomes increasingly more important as people age, and lives get busier. 

3. Heart Health: Some probiotic strains may help support healthier cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation linked to heart disease risk, though research is still developing and results vary by strain and dosage. Because the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood yet, probiotics are best viewed as one small supporting habit for heart health rather than a stand-alone solution.

4. Skin Health: Emerging research in the last few years has explored the role gut health may play in skin appearance, including inflammation and overall complexion. This area of research is newer than digestion or immune function, so the evidence is still developing, but it's part of why gut health has become part of broader skincare conversations.

5. Weight Management: Some studies suggest probiotics may support weight management as part of a broader healthy lifestyle, potentially by influencing appetite-related hormones or reducing inflammation. While probiotics aren't a stand-alone weight-loss solution, they may be a helpful addition alongside a balanced diet and regular movement.

Getting Probiotics Through Food vs. Supplements

The two main ways you can get more probiotics into your body are through food and through supplements. 

Fermented foods are the most natural source of probiotics, and many of them have been part of traditional diets for centuries. They come as side dishes to main meals, or the meals themselves. Eating a variety of these foods is a reasonable way to support gut health, and it's a good habit to keep up with regardless of circumstance and health goals. 

However, most times your daily food intake doesn’t have enough probiotics. The number and type of live bacteria in fermented foods can vary significantly depending on the brand, preparation method, and even storage conditions, affecting the amount of probiotics in a certain ingredient or meal. Some foods also lose their live cultures entirely once pasteurized or cooked, compromising the amount of good bacteria in them.

That gap is where a supplement can come in. A supplement offers a more consistent, measured amount of specific probiotic strains, and often prebiotics too. BRAND'S® Pre + Probiotics 30s is designed to combine both prebiotics and probiotics into one simple daily routine, so you're not left guessing whether you're getting enough from diet alone. 

For many people, the most practical approach is a mix of both: enjoying probiotic foods as part of a balanced diet, while using a supplement as a consistent daily baseline. 

Building a Routine That Works for You

Whether it comes from food, a supplement, or a combination of both, gut health is built through daily consistency, not a single change. If you're new to probiotics, starting with a simple, combined pre and probiotic routine is often the easiest way to build the habit, then adjusting based on how your body responds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health benefits of probiotics?

Probiotics are most associated with supporting digestion and gut balance, but research also links them to immune function, heart health markers like cholesterol, and, in some studies, weight management as part of a broader healthy lifestyle.

Are prebiotics necessary?

Prebiotics aren't strictly essential on their own, but they play a valuable supporting role in gut health. The main function of prebiotics is to act as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, helping those microorganisms thrive rather than simply being present without the fuel to function well. 

What foods are high in probiotics?

Foods naturally high in probiotics include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and other fermented foods. The amount and type of live bacteria can vary between products, which is why some people also use a supplement for consistency.

Do prebiotics and probiotics help with weight loss?

Main function of prebiotics is to act as non-digestible components of food that nourish and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. But, some research suggests prebiotics and probiotics may support weight management too, but results across studies are mixed. They're best viewed as a supporting habit rather than a weight-loss solution. For those specifically looking for prebiotics and probiotics weight loss specific supplement, BRAND'S® INNERSHINE® Pre+Probiotics S is formulated with Blood Orange Extract alongside prebiotics and fibre, designed to help maintain a healthy body weight while also supporting gut health.

Do prebiotics actually work?

Prebiotics work by feeding the beneficial bacteria already in your gut, helping them grow and function. This supporting role is well-documented in gut health research, even though prebiotics themselves aren't digested.

How do prebiotics work in the body?

Prebiotics function as food for beneficial gut bacteria. As bacteria break them down, they produce compounds linked to gut lining health, which is part of why prebiotics are considered a foundational piece of gut wellness.

Can I get enough probiotics from food alone?

It's possible, but the amount of live bacteria in fermented foods can vary widely, which makes it harder to get a consistent daily dose. Taking a supplement daily and making it part of a set routine can help with this.