Is Probiotics Or Prebiotics Effective For Gastrointestinal Problems?

Posted on Sat, 3 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 3 Mar 2018 Answered on

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Do you think taking probiotics is helpful? Should you also take a prebiotic? There is so much info out there it is hard to know what is best. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Probiotics are very good and safe to keep the gut healthy.

Detailed Answer:

Hello and thanks for your query.

Definitely yes both probiotic and prebiotic would be good for you.

Why?
The mucosal surface of our gastrointestinal tract is colonized by thousands of micro-organisms of different species.

-Most pathogens are microorganisms; nevertheless, some pathogens can normally live in harmony with the host, except when the system is disturbed. They are responsible for proper digestion of food.

Probiotics provide spores of good bacterias which help in digestion and keeping the gut healthy.
Therefore, with increasing age, its a good idea to take probiotic regularly.

VSL#3 is a good one and can be taken once daily.
Take natural probiotic rich food like yogurt, curd, kimchi, and fermented food also in the diet.

Feel free to ask further.

Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (23 minutes later)

Thank you! Does sauerkraut contain probiotics?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Yes, it contains a good strain of bacterium named lactobacillus.
You can take this product. It would be good for you.

Regards!
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee