Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria, which help in maintaining the balance of gut microbiota¹. Probiotics have been shown to be useful in managing gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by modifying the composition and activity of the gut microbiota²³.

These beneficial bacteria can be found in fermented foods and dietary supplements. They work by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, producing bioactive metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, and reducing the colon's luminal pH, which all support gut health⁴⁵.

In general, probiotics are considered safe for most people, although evidence supporting their benefits varies depending on the specific condition and strain of probiotics used⁶. If you are considering taking probiotics for stomach health, it is advisable to look into products that contain specific strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that have been studied for gut health benefits⁷.

If you would like, I can help you find probiotic supplements available for stomach health. Would you like to see some product recommendations?

Footnotes

1. NHS website, "Probiotics", NHS, 2022. ↩

2. Elizabeth A. Parker, "Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Conditions", PMC, 2025. ↩

3. Office of Dietary Supplements, "Probiotics", NIH, 2023. ↩

4. Mahsa Shahrokhi, "Probiotics", StatPearls. ↩

5. Peera Hemarajata, "Probiotic effects on gut microbiota", Therap Adv Gastroenterol, 2013. ↩

6. NHS website, "Probiotics", NHS, 2022. ↩

7. Office of Dietary Supplements, "Probiotics", NIH, 2023. ↩