How Probiotics Affect Microbiota: Gut & Skin Improvements

Key Points

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• The journey of probiotics through the gut suggests survival and influence on microbiota.
• Research links gut microbiota and brain health, affecting mood and cognitive functions.
• Probiotics offer potential benefits for metabolic conditions and gut barrier function.
• Probiotics don't drastically change gut microbiota but act on specific pathways for benefits.
• Probiotics may play a role in preventing antibiotic-resistant superbugs in our gut.
• Certain probiotic strains might help fend off resistant microbes like Acinetobacter baumannii.
• Probiotics can enhance traditional medications' effectiveness for diabetes and infections.
• Probiotics serve as architects of gut integrity, building up mucosal defenses.
• The presence of certain gut bacteria can influence responses to cancer immunotherapies.
• Probiotics' interaction with gut flora impacts skin health, helping conditions like acne.

Introduction: How Probiotics Affect Microbiota

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Probiotics, the friendly bacteria we often consume, have a long history of combating various ailments.

Early evidence from the 1800s linked them to improved health in diarrhea-stricken children by restoring good bacteria levels

Today's science reveals that probiotics may not change our gut's bacterial makeup but rather boost it by sharing beneficial genes and substances

They also strengthen our gut barrier and support our body's immune responses

Intriguingly, probiotics could enhance the effectiveness of traditional medications for issues like diabetes, infections, and even mental health, although their interaction with these drugs varies

As research continues, determining the exact benefits of specific probiotic strains remains complex due to the vast variety available

Understanding the full potential of probiotics in medical treatment is crucial, as they hold promise for both gut and skin health.

Harnessing Good Bacteria: The Journey of Probiotics in Modern Health

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For centuries, humans have been fascinated with manipulating the gut's microbiota, the community of microorganisms residing in our digestive tracts

Ancient Chinese practices utilized human feces to address infections and food poisoning, a crude early form of today's sophisticated probiotic therapies

The concept of probiotics, however, has evolved significantly over the past 50 years.

Initially defined by Lilly and Stillwell in 1965 as substances secreted by bacteria to promote the growth of other bacteria, the term has since expanded

By 1989, probiotics included live microbial supplements, with Fuller et al (1989) and Huis in't Veld et al (1994) focusing on their nutritional benefits A Trusted Source Fuller, R. (1989). Probiotics in man and animals. J. Appl. Bacteriol. 66, 365–378. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1989.tb05105.x PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Huis in't Veld, J. H., Havenaar, R., and Marteau, P. (1994). Establishing a scientific basis for probiotic RandD. Trends Biotechnol. 12, 6–8. doi: 10.1016/0167-7799(94)90004-3 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Today's definition, shaped by Guarner and Schaafsma (1998) and Hill et al (2014), recognizes probiotics as living organisms which, when ingested in adequate amounts, confer health benefits beyond mere nutrition A Trusted Source Guarner, F., and Schaafsma, G. J. (1998). Probiotics. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 39, 237–238. doi: 10.1016/S0168-1605(97)00136-0 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Hill, C., Guarner, F., Reid, G., Gibson, G. R., Merenstein, D. J., Pot, B., et al. (2014). Expert consensus document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 11, 506–514. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

The positive impact of probiotics, such as those from the Saccharomyces or Lactobacillus families, has been supported by research, including meta-analyses by Goldenberg et al (2017) A Trusted Source Goldenberg, J. Z., Yap, C., Lytvyn, L., Lo, C. K., Beardsley, J., Mertz, D., et al. (2017). Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 12:CD006095. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006095.pub4 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

These studies highlight probiotics' effectiveness against infectious and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including C. difficile infections.

The range of probiotics has broadened to include a vast array of microorganisms, with quantities from 10⁸ to over 10¹⁰ organisms.

The diversity of these strains, as discussed by West et al (2014), de Simone (2019), and Ohkusa et al (2019) A Trusted Source de Simone, C. (2019). The unregulated probiotic market. Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 17, 809–817. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2018.01.018 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Ohkusa, T., Koido, S., Nishikawa, Y., and Sato, N. (2019). Gut microbiota and chronic constipation: a review and update. Front. Med. 6:19. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00019 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar,

poses a challenge for comparison and proper clinical application, especially in the absence of independent studies exploring their unique effects.

The next generation of probiotics promises more targeted properties and clinical applications, as noted by Satokari (2019) A Trusted Source Satokari, R. (2019). Modulation of gut microbiota for health by current and next-generation probiotics. Nutrients 11:1921. doi: 10.3390/nu11081921 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

Educational Books on Probiotics and Microbiota: Dive deeper into the world of probiotics with our selection of educational books, offering comprehensive insights into their health benefits.

Moreover, the relationship between humans and bacteria is complex and mutually beneficial, exemplified by the Japanese population's unique ability to digest algae polysaccharides, thanks to the gut bacterium B. plebeius.

This ability stems from a remarkable adaptation involving lateral gene transfer from marine bacteria, as discovered by Hehemann et al (2010) and described by Sonnenburg (2010) A Trusted Source Hehemann, J. H., Correc, G., Barbeyron, T., Helbert, W., Czjzek, M., and Michel, G. (2010). Transfer of carbohydrate-active enzymes from marine bacteria to Japanese gut microbiota. Nature 464, 908–912. doi: 10.1038/nature08937 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Sonnenburg, J. L. (2010). Microbiology: genetic pot luck. Nature 464, 837–838. doi: 10.1038/464837a PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

In summary, while the field of probiotics is advancing, it faces challenges such as the sheer number of new strains and the need for more rigorous, independent clinical trials.

Despite these obstacles, the potential of probiotics to improve health remains a promising area of scientific inquiry.

Probiotics: Shaping Our Gut Microbiota for Better Health

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Our body's internal ecosystem, known as the microbiota, is a complex and dynamic network, crucial for our health

It varies within different areas of our gut, with the parietal microbiota clinging to the intestinal walls and the luminal microbiota mingling with the food we digest A Trusted Source Lee, S. M., Donaldson, G. P., Mikulski, Z., Boyajian, S., Ley, K., and Mazmanian, S. K. (2013). Bacterial colonization factors control specificity and stability of the gut microbiota. Nature 501, 426–429. doi: 10.1038/nature12447 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Caballero, S., Carter, R., Ke, X., Susac, B., Leiner, I. M., Kim, G. J., et al. (2015). Distinct but spatially overlapping intestinal niches for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus faecium and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. PLoS Pathog. 11:e1005132. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005132 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

Factors like diet and environment constantly introduce new microbial guests into this ecosystem A Trusted Source Derrien, M., and van Hylckama Vlieg, J. E. (2015). Fate, activity, and impact of ingested bacteria within the human gut microbiota. Trends Microbiol. 23, 354–366. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2015.03.002 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Zhang, C., Derrien, M., Levenez, F., Brazeilles, R., Ballal, S. A., Kim, J., et al. (2016). Ecological robustness of the gut microbiota in response to ingestion of transient food-borne microbes. ISME J. 10, 2235–2245. doi: 10.1038/ismej.2016.13 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Probiotics, those beneficial bacteria we add to our diet, have a fascinating journey through this landscape.

Studies show that after ingesting probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, they appear in the majority of participants' stools, indicating they survive the trek through the gut A Trusted Source Avershina, E., Lundgard, K., Sekelja, M., Dotterud, C., Storro, O., Oien, T., et al. (2016). Transition from infant- to adult-like gut microbiota. Environ. Microbiol. 18, 2226–2236. doi: 10.1111/1462-2920.13248 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Laursen, M. F., Laursen, R. P., Larnkjaer, A., Michaelsen, K. F., Bahl, M. I., and Licht, T. R. (2017). Administration of two probiotic strains during early childhood does not affect the endogenous gut microbiota composition despite probiotic proliferation. BMC Microbiol. 17:175. doi: 10.1186/s12866-017-1090-7 CrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

Interestingly, these strains were also found naturally in some individuals who didn't take probiotics.

In one study, the presence of the probiotic L. rhamnosus in the gut seemed to encourage the growth of Enterococcus bacteria, highlighting how probiotics can influence the gut's microbial community A Trusted Source Tannock, G. W., Munro, K., Harmsen, H. J., Welling, G. W., Smart, J., and Gopal, P. K. (2000). Analysis of the fecal microflora of human subjects consuming a probiotic product containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus DR20. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 66, 2578–2588. doi: 10.1128/aem.66.6.2578-2588.2000 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Moreover, probiotics can boost the body's metabolic pathways, like those that break down carbohydrates, and may even increase bacteria that help produce butyrate, a substance that influences our overall metabolism A Trusted Source Zmora, N., Zilberman-Schapira, G., Suez, J., Mor, U., Dori-Bachash, M., Bashiardes, S., et al. (2018). Personalized gut mucosal colonization resistance to empiric probiotics is associated with unique host and microbiome features. Cell 174, 1388–1405.e1321. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.08.041 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

The interaction with our gut's parietal microbiota could be particularly impactful.

For instance, people taking Lactobacillus GG showed a higher presence of this probiotic in the distal colon, suggesting potential benefits for metabolic conditions like insulin resistance A Trusted Source Alander, M., Korpela, R., Saxelin, M., Vilpponen-Salmela, T., Mattila-Sandholm, T., and von Wright, A. (1997). Recovery of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG from human colonic biopsies. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 24, 361–364. doi: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.1997.00140.x PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

Interestingly, the person in the study who didn't show colonization by Lactobacillus GG was battling ulcerative colitis, a condition linked to gut barrier function and microbiota balance.

In essence, probiotics offer a promising avenue for supporting and modulating our gut microbiota, which could have far-reaching effects on our health

However, as we learn more about these microscopic helpers, it's clear that each strain has unique interactions with our bodies, pointing to the need for personalized probiotic treatments.

Probiotics: Tiny Guardians of Our Health

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Probiotics—beneficial bacteria—are more than just gut-friendly; they're gatekeepers of our health

These microscopic allies do more than just settle in; they shake hands with our immune cells, sometimes tweaking our body's gene expressions and metabolic activities A Trusted Source Turnbaugh, P. J., Hamady, M., Yatsunenko, T., Cantarel, B. L., Duncan, A., Ley, R. E., et al. (2009). A core gut microbiome in obese and lean twins. Nature 457, 480–484. doi: 10.1038/nature07540 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Different probiotic strains can trigger unique responses: L. acidophilus may fine-tune our immune system and maintain nutrient balance, L. casei could balance our immune responses and blood pressure, and L. rhamnosus might help in wound healing and fighting infections A Trusted Source van Baarlen, P., Troost, F., van der Meer, C., Hooiveld, G., Boekschoten, M., Brummer, R. J., et al. (2011). Human mucosal in vivo transcriptome responses to three lactobacilli indicate how probiotics may modulate human cellular pathways. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 108 (Suppl. 1), 4562–4569. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1000079107 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

A standout probiotic, Akkermansia muciniphila, goes the extra mile.

It uses a special protein to chat with our gut's TLR-2 receptors, strengthening the gut barrier, calming inflammation, and enhancing our well-being A Trusted Source Plovier, H., Everard, A., Druart, C., Depommier, C., Van Hul, M., Geurts, L., et al. (2017). A purified membrane protein from Akkermansia muciniphila or the pasteurized bacterium improves metabolism in obese and diabetic mice. Nat. Med. 23, 107–113. doi: 10.1038/nm.4236 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

It’s like having a superhero team in our digestive tract, each member with a special power contributing to our body's defense against diseases like diabetes and heart conditions

With probiotics, it's not just about adding new characters to the story of our microbiota; it's about enriching the plot and ensuring a happy ending for our health.

Probiotics: Nurturing a Healthier You Through Gut Harmony

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Within us lies a complex world of microbes, the microbiota, existing in harmony with our bodies.

This peaceful coexistence is safeguarded by our gut barrier—a multitasking marvel featuring a mucus layer, tight junctions, and immune warriors like lymphocytes A Trusted Source Konig, J., Wells, J., Cani, P. D., Garcia-Rodenas, C. L., MacDonald, T., Mercenier, A., et al. (2016). Human intestinal barrier function in health and disease. Clin. Transl. Gastroenterol. 7:e196. doi: 10.1038/ctg.2016.54 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

A Trusted Source Wells, J. M., Brummer, R. J., Derrien, M., MacDonald, T. T., Troost, F., Cani, P. D., et al. (2017). Homeostasis of the gut barrier and potential biomarkers. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 312, G171–G193. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00048.2015 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

It's here that probiotics play a critical role, not just in immune defense, but also in regulating our body's metabolism A Trusted Source Everard, A., Geurts, L., Caesar, R., Van Hul, M., Matamoros, S., Duparc, T., et al. (2014). Intestinal epithelial MyD88 is a sensor switching host metabolism towards obesity according to nutritional status. Nat. Commun. 5:5648. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6648 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Duparc, T., Plovier, H., Marrachelli, V. G., Van Hul, M., Essaghir, A., Stahlman, M., et al. (2017). Hepatocyte MyD88 affects bile acids, gut microbiota and metabolome contributing to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Gut 66, 620–632. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-310904 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Let's unravel the tale of these microscopic guardians.

Our gut wall is a busy interface, where the presence of certain bacteria can tip the scales of health

For instance, metabolic endotoxemia, a state where harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) seep into our blood, is now linked to obesity-related issues,

thanks to pioneering work by Cani et al (2007) and confirmed by ample human research A Trusted Source Gummesson, A., Carlsson, L. M., Storlien, L. H., Backhed, F., Lundin, P., Lofgren, L., et al. (2011). Intestinal permeability is associated with visceral adiposity in healthy women. Obesity 19, 2280–2282. doi: 10.1038/oby.2011.251PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Cani, P. D., Amar, J., Iglesias, M. A., Poggi, M., Knauf, C., Bastelica, D., et al. (2007). Metabolic endotoxemia initiates obesity and insulin resistance. Diabetes 56, 1761–1772. doi: 10.2337/db06-1491 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

But how do probiotics fit into this picture?

Probiotics, like the well-known Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, or the rising stars Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, are more than just gut soothers

They're architects of gut integrity, building up our mucosal defenses and ensuring a tight seal against unwanted intruders A Trusted Source Hiippala, K., Jouhten, H., Ronkainen, A., Hartikainen, A., Kainulainen, V., Jalanka, J., et al. (2018). The potential of gut commensals in reinforcing intestinal barrier function and alleviating inflammation. Nutrients 10:E988. doi: 10.3390/nu10080988 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

They quell inflammation and even help with glucose regulation, a testament to their versatility A Trusted Source Bron, P. A., Kleerebezem, M., Brummer, R. J., Cani, P. D., Mercenier, A., MacDonald, T. T., et al. (2017). Can probiotics modulate human disease by impacting intestinal barrier function? Br. J. Nutr. 117, 93–107. doi: 10.1017/S0007114516004037 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

Take A. muciniphila, for example

This bacterium acts as a custodian of our gut barrier, reinforcing it by enhancing mucus layer and tightening the junctions between cells A Trusted Source Plovier, H., Everard, A., Druart, C., Depommier, C., Van Hul, M., Geurts, L., et al. (2017). A purified membrane protein from Akkermansia muciniphila or the pasteurized bacterium improves metabolism in obese and diabetic mice. Nat. Med. 23, 107–113. doi: 10.1038/nm.4236 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

Fascinatingly, a study involving overweight humans showed that A. muciniphila supplementation led to healthier inflammatory profiles and improved markers of metabolic health A Trusted Source Depommier, C., Everard, A., Druart, C., Plovier, H., Van Hul, M., Vieira-Silva, S., et al. (2019). Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers: a proof-of-concept exploratory study. Nat. Med. 25, 1096–1103. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0495-2 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

On a similar note, F.prausnitzii, though less in the limelight, brings its anti-inflammatory prowess to the gut's aid, especially in those with obesity or type 2 diabetes A Trusted Source Sokol, H., Pigneur, B., Watterlot, L., Lakhdari, O., Bermudez-Humaran, L. G., Gratadoux, J. J., et al. (2008). Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is an anti-inflammatory commensal bacterium identified by gut microbiota analysis of Crohn disease patients. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105, 16731–16736. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0804812105 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

But how exactly do these probiotics work their magic?

They produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate, which are much like molecular messengers, interacting with our cells to influence a range of functions, including insulin sensitivity and gut health A Trusted Source Kimura, I., Inoue, D., Hirano, K., and Tsujimoto, G. (2014). The SCFA receptor GPR43 and energy metabolism. Front. Endocrinol. 5:85. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00085 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

These fatty acids also prompt the release of gut peptides, crucial for maintaining our gut barrier and managing glucose levels A Trusted Source Nohr, M. K., Pedersen, M. H., Gille, A., Egerod, K. L., Engelstoft, M. S., Husted, A. S., et al. (2013). GPR41/FFAR3 and GPR43/FFAR2 as cosensors for short-chain fatty acids in enteroendocrine cells vs. FFAR3 in enteric neurons and FFAR2 in enteric leukocytes. Endocrinology 154, 3552–3564. doi: 10.1210/en.2013-1142 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Rastelli, M., Cani, P. D., and Knauf, C. (2019). The gut microbiome influences host endocrine functions. Endocr. Rev. 40, 1271–1284. doi: 10.1210/er.2018-00280 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Despite the shared genus, not all probiotic strains are created equal.

Their impact on our gut barrier, inflammation, and metabolic health can vary greatly A Trusted Source Borgeraas, H., Johnson, L. K., Skattebu, J., Hertel, J. K., and Hjelmesaeth, J. (2018). Effects of probiotics on body weight, body mass index, fat mass and fat percentage in subjects with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obes. Rev. 19, 219–232. doi: 10.1111/obr.12626 CrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

This means that each probiotic strain is unique, with specific benefits that can't be applied broadly across the board.

In the end, it's clear that probiotics aren't just dietary supplements; they're allies in our quest for better health, each with their own set of superpowers to offer.

As research evolves, it's important to match the right strain with the right condition to unlock the full potential of these microbial helpers.

The Mind-Gut Connection: Probiotics as Potential Mood Enhancers

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Emerging research reveals a fascinating link between our gut microbiota—the vast community of microorganisms in our digestive system—and our brain's health

This connection not only influences cognitive functions and emotions but also plays a significant role in conditions like depression and autism A Trusted Source Sarkar, A., Harty, S., Lehto, S. M., Moeller, A. H., Dinan, T. G., Dunbar, R. I. M., et al. (2018). The microbiome in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Trends Cogn. Sci. 22, 611–636. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2018.04.006 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Patients with depression often exhibit a less diverse gut microbiota, marked by increased inflammation and changes in key mood-related metabolites.

Remarkably, transferring the microbiota from depressed humans to rats replicated depressive behaviors in the animals A Trusted Source Kelly, J. R., Clarke, G., Cryan, J. F., and Dinan, T. G. (2016). Brain-gut-microbiota axis: challenges for translation in psychiatry. Ann. Epidemiol. 26, 366–372. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2016.02.008 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

This suggests that our gut bacteria communicate with the brain using various pathways, such as the immune system and the vagus nerve, which may carry inflammatory factors or metabolites that can impact our mood.

The idea of improving mental health with probiotics isn't new.

As early as 1910, doctors noted mood improvements with lactic acid bacteria intake.

Modern studies have continued exploring this avenue, showing that certain probiotics can reverse behavioral changes in stressed or depressed animal models.

In humans, probiotic intake has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and even changes in brain activity related to processing emotions A Trusted Source Miquel, S., Martin, R., Lashermes, A., Gillet, M., Meleine, M., Gelot, A., et al. (2016). Anti-nociceptive effect of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in non-inflammatory IBS-like models. Sci. Rep. 6:19399. doi: 10.1038/srep19399 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Interestingly, these probiotics don't drastically change the overall makeup of the gut microbiota

Instead, they seem to act on specific pathways to exert their benefits

For example, L. rhamnosus has been shown to reduce stress-related behaviors and hormone levels in a vagus nerve-dependent manner A Trusted Source Bravo, J. A., Forsythe, P., Chew, M. V., Escaravage, E., Savignac, H. M., Dinan, T. G., et al. (2011). Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 108, 16050–16055. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1102999108 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar, while F. prausnitzii may directly enhance gut health and alleviate symptoms of intestinal disorders.

Probiotic Supplements: Enhance your gut and mental health with our range of probiotic supplements, designed to balance your microbiota and support overall well-being.

While the exact mechanisms remain to be fully understood, probiotics emerge as a promising, non-invasive way to potentially influence our mental well-being through the gut-brain axis.

Probiotics: A Potential Shield Against Antibiotic Resistance

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The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a critical health challenge

Strains like vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) and carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria (CPE) are especially troubling, with high mortality rates linked to infections they cause A Trusted Source Caballero, S., Carter, R., Ke, X., Susac, B., Leiner, I. M., Kim, G. J., et al. (2015). Distinct but spatially overlapping intestinal niches for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus faecium and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. PLoS Pathog. 11:e1005132. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005132 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

Probiotics could be key in our defense strategy, potentially preventing these superbugs from taking hold in our gut microbiota.

Here's the concern: when drug-resistant bacteria pass through our system, they can leave behind resistance genes

If these genes are picked up by normal gut bacteria, they can linger, ready to complicate future infections by limiting treatment options A Trusted Source Kaushik, M., Kumar, S., Kapoor, R. K., and Gulati, P. (2019). Integrons and antibiotic resistance genes in water-borne pathogens: threat detection and risk assessment. J. Med. Microbiol. 68, 679–692. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.000972 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

The good news?

Clinical cases have demonstrated that fecal transplants can remove these resistant bacteria from our microbiota A Trusted Source Millan, B., Park, H., Hotte, N., Mathieu, O., Burguiere, P., Tompkins, T. A., et al. (2016). Fecal microbial transplants reduce antibiotic-resistant genes in patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. Clin. Infect. Dis. 62, 1479–1486. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciw185 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

Even the composition of our gut flora can influence susceptibility to these formidable pathogens

Probiotic strains like L. plantarum or L. fermentum might help fend off resistant microbes like Acinetobacter baumannii A Trusted Source Soltan Dallal, M. M., Davoodabadi, A., Abdi, M., Hajiabdolbaghi, M., Sharifi Yazdi, M. K., Douraghi, M., et al. (2017). Inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lb. fermentum isolated from the faeces of healthy infants against nonfermentative bacteria causing nosocomial infections. New Microbes New Infect. 15, 9–13. doi: 10.1016/j.nmni.2016.09.003 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

And in the lab, certain probiotics have shown the ability to suppress both the growth and the spread of resistance genes in dangerous bacteria A Trusted Source Kunishima, H., Ishibashi, N., Wada, K., Oka, K., Takahashi, M., Yamasaki, Y., et al. (2019). The effect of gut microbiota and probiotic organisms on the properties of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing and carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae including growth, beta-lactamase activity and gene transmissibility. J. Infect. Chemother. 25:894–900. doi: 10.1016/j.jiac.2019.04.021 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

VRE, however, may be more vulnerable to being ousted from the gut microbiota compared to other resistant strains

Patients with certain conditions, like hematological malignancies, have a lower incidence of VRE when specific beneficial bacteria are present A Trusted Source Ubeda, C., Bucci, V., Caballero, S., Djukovic, A., Toussaint, N. C., Equinda, M., et al. (2013). Intestinal microbiota containing Barnesiella species cures vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonization. Infect. Immun. 81, 965–973. doi: 10.1128/IAI.01197-12 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Encouragingly, treatments with specific probiotics have reduced VRE in animal studies and even in a clinical case involving fecal transplant for C.difficile colitis A Trusted Source Crouzet, L., Derrien, M., Cherbuy, C., Plancade, S., Foulon, M., Chalin, B., et al. (2018). Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-3689 reduces vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus persistence and promotes Bacteroidetes resilience in the gut following antibiotic challenge. Sci. Rep. 8:5098. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-23437-9 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Although we're still piecing together this complex puzzle, probiotics are emerging as a potential ally in the fight against antibiotic resistance, offering hope for maintaining effective treatment options and patient safety.

Probiotics: Cultivating Radiant Skin from Within

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Our skin is a diverse ecosystem, home to a multitude of bacteria, fungi, and even mites, all playing a unique role in maintaining skin health A Trusted Source Chen, Y. E., Fischbach, M. A., and Belkaid, Y. (2018). Skin microbiota-host interactions. Nature 553, 427–436. doi: 10.1038/nature25177 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

These microscopic residents work together, often suppressing harmful genes while enhancing beneficial ones, influencing everything from how our skin develops to how it ages A Trusted Source Belkaid, Y., and Tamoutounour, S. (2016). The influence of skin microorganisms on cutaneous immunity. Nat. Rev. Immunol. 16, 353–366. doi: 10.1038/nri.2016.48 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar .

Certain skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema are linked to disruptions in this delicate balance

But there's good news—applying probiotics like L. bulgaricus and L. acidophilus can help restore harmony to the skin's surface, easing conditions like acne by reducing the presence of trouble-making bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes A Trusted Source Muizzuddin, N., Maher, W., Sullivan, M., Schnittger, S., and Mammone, T. (2012). Physiological effect of a probiotic on skin. J. Cosmet. Sci. 63, 385–395. PubMed AbstractGoogle Scholar .

Probiotics can even soothe skin inflammation L. paracasei, for instance, has been shown to cut down levels of substance P, a pro-inflammatory molecule, and Streptococcus salivarius K12 can tamp down inflammatory pathways in skin cells A Trusted Source Gueniche, A., Benyacoub, J., Philippe, D., Bastien, P., Kusy, N., Breton, L., et al. (2010). Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-2116 (ST11) inhibits substance P-induced skin inflammation and accelerates skin barrier function recovery in vitro. Eur. J. Dermatol. 20, 731–737. doi: 10.1684/ejd.2010.1108 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

And for those suffering from atopic dermatitis, topical application of Vitreoscilla filiformis can bolster the production of IL-10, a calming anti-inflammatory agent A Trusted Source Volz, T., Skabytska, Y., Guenova, E., Chen, K. M., Frick, J. S., Kirschning, C. J., et al. (2014). Nonpathogenic bacteria alleviating atopic dermatitis inflammation induce IL-10-producing dendritic cells and regulatory Tr1 cells. J. Invest. Dermatol. 134, 96–104. doi: 10.1038/jid.2013.291PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Breton, A., Novikov, A., Martin, R., Tissieres, P., and Caroff, M. (2017). Structural and biological characteristics of different forms of V. filiformis lipid A: use of MS to highlight structural discrepancies. J. Lipid Res. 58, 543–552. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M072900 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Beyond topical treatments, ingesting probiotics might also contribute to skin health via the gut-brain-skin axis—a fascinating network that links our gut flora to skin condition, potentially reducing inflammation both in the body and the brain A Trusted Source Bowe, W. P., and Logan, A. C. (2011). Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis - back to the future? Gut Pathog. 3:1. doi: 10.1186/1757-4749-3-1 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

Lactobacillus reuteri, for example, has been shown to lessen skin inflammation from the inside out A Trusted Source Arck, P., Handjiski, B., Hagen, E., Pincus, M., Bruenahl, C., Bienenstock, J., et al. (2010). Is there a ‘gut-brain-skin axis’? Exp. Dermatol. 19, 401–405. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2009.01060.x PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Gueniche, A., Philippe, D., Bastien, P., Reuteler, G., Blum, S., Castiel-Higounenc, I., et al. (2014). Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 on skin reactivity. Benef. Microbes 5, 137–145. doi: 10.3920/BM2013.0001 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Probiotics don't just offer temporary fixes; they might also help with long-term skin challenges, from healing burns and scars to combating the signs of aging A Trusted Source Krutmann, J. (2012). Pre- and probiotics for human skin. Clin. Plast. Surg. 39, 59–64. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2011.09.009 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Skin Care Products with Probiotic Ingredients: Revitalize your skin with our probiotic-infused skin care products, formulated to nourish and protect your skin microbiome.

So while we often seek external solutions for skin health, the secret to a glowing complexion might just lie in nurturing our inner microbiota.

Probiotics: Unseen Allies in Medication Efficacy and Tolerance

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Did you know the teeming world of microbes in your gut can influence how your body responds to medications?

Research unveils that our gut microbiota is not just a passive bystander but actively engages in drug metabolism, sometimes with significant effects on treatment outcomes A Trusted Source Spanogiannopoulos, P., Bess, E. N., Carmody, R. N., and Turnbaugh, P. J. (2016). The microbial pharmacists within us: a metagenomic view of xenobiotic metabolism. Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 14, 273–287. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.17 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

For instance, certain gut bacteria can unintentionally turn medications back into their active, and potentially harmful, forms.

This is what happens with the cancer drug irinotecan, where gut bacteria like E. coli reactivate the drug in the digestive system, leading to severe side effects A Trusted Source Wallace, B. D., Wang, H., Lane, K. T., Scott, J. E., Orans, J., Koo, J. S., et al. (2010). Alleviating cancer drug toxicity by inhibiting a bacterial enzyme. Science 330, 831–835. doi: 10.1126/science.1191175 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar A Trusted Source Guthrie, L., Gupta, S., Daily, J., and Kelly, L. (2017). Human microbiome signatures of differential colorectal cancer drug metabolism. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 3:27. doi: 10.1038/s41522-017-0034-1PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

Moreover, the makeup of our gut flora—specifically the presence of the Ruminococcaceae family and Faecalibacterium—has been linked to better responses to cutting-edge cancer immunotherapies A Trusted Source Gopalakrishnan, V., Spencer, C. N., Nezi, L., Reuben, A., Andrews, M. C., Karpinets, T. V., et al. (2018). Gut microbiome modulates response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in melanoma patients. Science 359, 97–103. doi: 10.1126/science.aan4236 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

Unfortunately, disruptions in gut microbiota, like those caused by antibiotics, can dampen this effect

However, the bacterium A. muciniphila has been shown to boost the efficacy of these immune therapies A Trusted Source Routy, B., Le Chatelier, E., Derosa, L., Duong, C. P. M., Alou, M. T., Daillere, R., et al. (2018). Gut microbiome influences efficacy of PD-1-based immunotherapy against epithelial tumors. Science 359, 91–97. doi: 10.1126/science.aan3706 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

It doesn't stop there

The E. coli Nissle 1917 strain was found to increase the absorption of the heart drug amiodarone in rats, while L. casei strains might slow its absorption, although the evidence isn't conclusive A Trusted Source Matuskova, Z., Anzenbacher, P., Vecera, R., Siller, M., Tlaskalova-Hogenova, H., Strojil, J., et al. (2017). Effect of Lactobacillus casei on the pharmacokinetics of amiodarone in male wistar rats. Eur. J. Drug Metab. Pharmacokinet. 42, 29–36. doi: 10.1007/s13318-015-0315-0 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar

And the probiotic L. reuteri K8 has been observed to affect the metabolism of acetaminophen in mice A Trusted Source Kim, J. K., Choi, M. S., Jeong, J. J., Lim, S. M., Kim, I. S., Yoo, H. H., et al. (2018). Effect of probiotics on pharmacokinetics of orally administered acetaminophen in mice. Drug Metab. Dispos. 46, 122–130. doi: 10.1124/dmd.117.077222 PubMed AbstractCrossRef Full TextGoogle Scholar.

These findings spotlight the potential of probiotics not only to impact our well-being but also to serve as adjuncts in medical treatment, opening doors to more personalized and effective healthcare strategies.

Discussion and Conclusion

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• Probiotics interact with the gut's microbial community in beneficial ways, such as boosting metabolic pathways and enhancing mucosal defenses.
• Each probiotic strain offers unique benefits, indicating a need for personalized probiotic treatments.
• Probiotics have the potential to improve mental well-being through the gut-brain axis and may offer non-invasive ways to influence mood and cognitive functions.
• The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a health challenge, and probiotics may be a promising ally in the fight against such superbugs by suppressing the growth and spread of resistance genes.
• Probiotics contribute to skin health, potentially reducing inflammation and aiding in the treatment of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
• The complex interplay between gut microbiota and drug metabolism suggests that probiotics could enhance medication efficacy and tolerance, paving the way for more personalized healthcare strategies.

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