In the old days, whenever one heard the word “probiotics,” one immediately thought of fruity breakfast yogurts that were linked to the over-50 set. However, the good bacteria business has become hotter by the minute, so much so that it can be read on almost every label known to man, not just on yogurts, but on bodybuilding supplements and snack bars as well. .

Probiotics are defined as “friendly bacteria” that occur naturally in the digestive tract. Certain strains or types of probiotics, in fact, have been credited with many health benefits, including helping with irritable bowel syndrome, traveler’s diarrhea, and boosting the immune system. These days, however, they are more popularly used as dietary support for the immune system, which may explain why there seems to be an overflow of probiotic products on health food store shelves everywhere.

In the bodybuilding arena, probiotic supplements have been credited with helping with muscle growth, as well as aiding in the prevention of muscle breakdown and muscle damage. Taking the recommended daily dose of probiotics ensures that you do not experience any of these symptoms in order to function properly and continue with your workouts.

In terms of benefits, these supplements help bodybuilders better absorb minerals and amino acids and help keep their gut environment healthy enough to better assimilate nutrients, which is essential for athletes undergoing training and intense workouts and who need to be able to maximize their diets. For bodybuilders who often overtrain, probiotic supplements offer protection of intestinal cells against oxidative stress. It also reduces the risks of upper respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal upset, and better regulation of the muscle-wearing hormone cortisol.

In order for bodybuilders to continuously benefit from probiotics, they must be able to choose the best supplements, and in order to do so, they must first understand that probiotics are effective in any form. Currently, they are available in powder and capsule forms, and are also present in foods such as dairy drinks, cheese, and snack bars, as mentioned above, which include specific probiotic organisms. Any of these ways can be effective as long as you have the beneficial organisms in adequate amounts.

The next step is to be able to choose the right microbes for your needs. There are many different potentially beneficial probiotic organisms, including bacteria and yeast. The effects are very specific and certain strains seem to be very helpful depending on the condition. Also, the first thing you’ll want to look for when shopping for probiotic supplements is the full name of the probiotic, which will include the genus, species, and then strain.

The label must also include the number of organisms contained in a single dose and how often you should take it, as well as recommended uses, storage information, and manufacturer’s contact information. It is also important to choose a trusted brand since not all products comply with the information indicated on their labels. Because the products you see on the shelves these days are not required to meet drug standards, the FDA recommends that you choose a reputable product with claims and recommended dosages based on scientific studies.

And last but not least, probiotics are generally considered safe except for those with compromised immune systems, people with terminal cancers, and those who are prone to leaky gut. Be sure to check with a doctor first before taking any type of probiotic supplement, as prevention is always better than cure.