Probiotics are living microorganisms, taken as oral supplements or topically, that are used for their purported health benefits. Some commonly used probiotic products include yogurts and other fermented foods, or pills containing selected microbes.
Like all living things, probiotics eventually die or expire at some point. If your probiotic needs to be refrigerated, the manufacturer will generally state that somewhere on the bottle or package so you will know how not to kill probiotics.
The Reasons Why We Need Probiotics
Probiotics, or good bacteria, are primarily responsible for maintaining a healthy balance in the body. Maintaining your body’s neutrality is the key. When you are sick, bad bacteria enter your body and multiply. This knocks your body out of balance. Good bacteria work to fight off the bad bacteria and restore the balance within your body, making you feel better.
Probiotics affect nerves that control gut movement, among other things. Some common conditions they treat are:
- Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
- Diarrhea caused by antibiotics
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Additionally, research shows that they can help with problems in other parts of the body. Some people say they have helped with:
- Preventing allergies and colds
- Oral Health
- Skin conditions, like eczema
- Urinary and vaginal health
Ways That Might Kill Off Probiotics
Here are various things that could be harming your gut bacteria:
- Antibiotics. These were developed to help treat diseases and infections caused by bad bacteria. However, antibiotics are being over-prescribed and used as a preventative treatment instead of being used only when necessary. This has serious effects on our health and our microbiome.
- Refined Sugar. A diet low in fiber and high in sugar has less diversity and is likely to contain more bad microorganisms.
- Artificial Sweetener. Non-caloric sweeteners may disrupt the gut microbiome and boost the growth of certain bacteria that trigger fat storage.
- Birth Control Pills. These can disrupt the good bacteria in your gut which makes a perfect environment that allows for an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast.
- Stress. Our health is dependent on so much more than just diet and exercise. Chronic high levels of stress can take a toll on our health. High levels of stress have been shown to signal the release of cortisol along with decreased oxygen to the gut which may result in changes in gut bacteria.
- Lack of Sleep. Just like stress, not enough sleep can negatively affect our health.
Here’s How To Keep Them Alive For Longer
Keep in mind that probiotics are made up of living organisms, and as such, they will survive longer when kept in a cool, dry environment. Look for probiotics that are packaged in amber or dark color glass. This helps to protect them from moisture and light damage. The best practice is to only keep a few days of servings in a portable pill caddy at a time. Refill from the bottle stored in a dry, cool, and environment.
Some probiotics need to be refrigerated, but if possible, choose a probiotic that is shelf stable which means they can be safely stored at room temperature, and do not require refrigeration. This makes your life a little easier, and also makes it more convenient for you to take your probiotics when you travel.
