Probiotics 101: Will a Probiotic Heal My Gut?

When it comes to gut health, probiotics are often hailed as a magic fix. You see them in everything from supplements to sparkling drinks to yogurt containers boasting “live cultures.” But are they really the gut-healing superheroes they claim to be?

The truth is: probiotics can be incredibly helpful—but only when used appropriately. Let’s explore what they are, how they work, and when they might not be the right solution.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria and yeasts, that offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These “good bugs” help support a balanced gut microbiome, aid in digestion, and contribute to overall immune function.

You can think of probiotics as reinforcements for your gut. But just like any team, it’s not enough to have a crowd you need the right players.

Not All Probiotics Are the Same: A Look at Strains

One of the most common misconceptions about probiotics is that any strain will do. In reality, different strains have different functions in the body. Here are a few examples:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus – Supports digestion, particularly lactose breakdown; often found in dairy-based probiotics.

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG – Known for immune support and reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

• Bifidobacterium longum – Helps break down carbohydrates and supports a healthy gut lining.

• Saccharomyces boulardii – A beneficial yeast that can help combat Candida overgrowth and traveler’s diarrhea.

• Bacillus coagulans – A spore-forming probiotic that survives harsh stomach acid and can be particularly helpful in gut recovery.

Each strain has a unique purpose, and this is why strain diversity when it comes to probiotic supplements is important. Just taking one or two strains over and over again means you’re only support those specific strains of bacteria, when in reality your gut needs diversity!

Why Probiotic Diversity Matters

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes and thousands of different species that all play a unique role in your gut.  The goal of a healthy microbiome isn’t just to have “more” bacteria, it’s to have the right balance and diversity.

Taking a variety of probiotic strains helps mimic the natural complexity of a healthy gut microbiome which can help;

• Strengthen the gut lining

• Support immune function

• Improve digestion and nutrient absorption

• Reduce bloating and inflammation

• Crowd out unwanted bacteria or yeasts

When used correctly, probiotics can be a powerful tool to help rebalance the microbiome—but only when the foundation is ready.

When NOT To Take Probiotics 

Now here’s the part most people don’t hear about: if your gut is already out of balance (a state known as dysbiosis), probiotics might make things worse before they can make things better.

In cases of dysbiosis, which often involves an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast, adding more microbes (even good ones) can feel like throwing gas on the fire. This can lead to symptoms like; 

• Increased bloating

• Gas and discomfort

• Skin flare-ups

• Brain fog or fatigue

• Worsening digestive symptoms

Why? Because probiotics can interact with the imbalanced ecosystem in unpredictable ways. If there's overgrowth, inflammation, or a leaky gut, your system might not be equipped to handle even the “good guys.”

So, Should You Take Probiotics?

It depends

In my practice, probiotics are never the first step. Before recommending them, I always look at whats really going on inside the gut through functional stool testing to determine any imbalances or insufficiencies . Sometimes we need to do some cleanup and rebalancing before we bring in probiotics, because taking them in too soon can add fuel to the fire in some cases. Only once the gut terrain is ready do we introduce the appropriate strains, at the right time, in the right form.

Probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution. While they can absolutely support gut health, more is not always better and timing matters. The key to using probiotics effectively is knowing what your gut actually needs.

If you’re dealing with chronic bloating, irregular bowel habits, or just feel like something’s off in your gut, a more personalized approach will go much further than a generic probiotic from the store shelf.

I help women get to the root of their symptoms and build a customized plan to heal their gut. If you're ready to stop guessing and truly start healing your symptoms, the Total Gut Repair program can help or book a free discovery call to learn more