Probiotics 101: What They Do and Why You Probably Need Them Probiotics 101: What They Do and Why You Probably Need Them

Probiotics 101: What They Do and Why You Probably Need Them

If you’ve ever caught yourself Googling "What are probiotics?" or pondering the real benefits of probiotics, you’re not alone. In a world buzzing with wellness advice, probiotics have quietly earned their place at the top. These live microorganisms, affectionately known as “good bacteria,” aren’t just a gut health fad. They help support everything from digestion and immunity to your mood, metabolism, and even your skin.

But not all probiotics are created equal. Some barely survive your stomach acid. Others don’t include the strains your body actually needs. That’s why understanding what to look for in a supplement matters more than you think (and why Dr. Tennant’s® GI Probiotic Formula shines).

What Are Probiotics? 

Let’s start simple. Probiotics are living bacteria that, when taken in adequate amounts, offer health benefits. Most people associate them with yogurt or supplements, but these tiny microbes naturally live in your digestive system, helping break down food, produce vitamins, and keep harmful bacteria in check.

Common sources include:

  • Yogurt with “live and active cultures”

  • Fermented milk, like kefir

  • Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and tempeh

  • Pickles (without vinegar)

  • Some soft cheeses and kombucha

The Top Benefits of Probiotics

1. Gut Health & Digestion
Probiotics are best known for easing bloating, reducing gas, and helping with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). They also help replenish gut flora after antibiotic use, preventing diarrhea and restoring balance.

2. Immune Support
Over 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. Certain probiotic strains enhance antibody production and improve defense against colds, UTIs, and other infections.

3. Metabolic Support & Weight Management
Probiotics play a role in regulating metabolism, cholesterol levels, and even glucose balance. Some strains support a healthy weight by promoting fat breakdown and reducing inflammation.

4. The Gut-Brain Connection
This is big. Your gut and brain constantly talk via the vagus nerve. Probiotics known as psychobiotics support serotonin production, easing anxiety, depression, and improving sleep.

5. Skin, Allergies, and Inflammation
A healthy gut microbiome reflects on your skin. Certain strains reduce inflammation, support eczema relief, and minimize allergic responses.

Do You Really Need Probiotics?

You might think probiotics are only for people with gut issues, but they’re beneficial for almost everyone. You likely need them if:

  • You've taken antibiotics in the past 6–12 months.

  • You feel sluggish or experience digestive discomfort.

  • You have a low-fiber, high-sugar, or highly-processed diet.

  • You travel often or live in a high-stress environment.

  • You have skin flare-ups, brain fog, or frequent infections.

Your microbiome is as unique as your fingerprint.
Probiotics help keep it balanced.

Prebiotics: The Unsung Heroes of Gut Health

Let’s give prebiotics their proper spotlight. These non-digestible plant fibers serve as food for probiotics, helping the beneficial bacteria in your gut grow stronger, multiply, and function more effectively. Just like us, these bacteria need the right nourishment to thrive, and that nourishment comes from prebiotics.

Prebiotic-rich foods include:

  • Chicory root (the prebiotic powerhouse!)

  • Garlic, onions, leeks

  • Asparagus, artichokes

  • Green bananas and apples

  • Oats, barley, flaxseeds

But food isn’t the only way to deliver powerful prebiotics to your system.

Dr. Tennant’s® GI 60 Probiotic Formula includes targeted prebiotics, creating what is known as a synbiotic effect. This means probiotics and prebiotics work together to support microbial balance more effectively than either would alone. Here’s what makes this formula stand out:

  • Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) from chicory root are clinically supported prebiotic fibers that help nourish beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
  • Marine polysaccharides from marine algae provide innovative fiber support designed to help maintain a balanced gut environment and assist probiotic survival during digestion.

Together, these prebiotics help nourish the four clinically studied probiotic strains in Dr. Tennant’s® GI 60 Probiotic Formula. The result is a targeted, streamlined approach to gut health that supports digestion, immune resilience, gut barrier integrity, and the gut–brain connection.

Food First: Naturally Occurring Probiotics in Your Diet

While supplements help, don’t overlook everyday foods. Incorporating fermented foods into your meals is a simple way to build your microbiome:

Try this:

  • Add a spoonful of sauerkraut to your eggs or avocado toast.

  • Blend kefir into smoothies for a tangy twist.

  • Stir miso into warm (not boiling) water with chopped green onions.

  • Enjoy kimchi with grain bowls or rice wraps.

  • Snack on yogurt with berries, flaxseed, and a drizzle of honey.

These aren’t just “trendy” foods. They’re traditional staples that have stood the test of time.

When Supplements Make Sense

Even if you’re eating probiotic-rich foods, supplementation can help when:

  • You’re dealing with chronic stress or poor sleep.

  • You’ve taken antibiotics, steroids, or immunosuppressants.

  • Your gut is sluggish, inflamed, or irregular.

  • You want more targeted results (e.g., vaginal health, immune support, mental clarity).

What Makes Dr. Tennant’s® GI 60 Probiotic Formula Stand Out

There are plenty of probiotic supplements on the market, but very few offer the powerful combination found in this formula. Dr. Tennant’s® GI 60 Probiotic Formula includes:

  • 60 billion CFUs from four clinically studied strains selected for digestive balance, immune resilience, gut barrier integrity, and gut–brain support.

  • Targeted prebiotics, including fructooligosaccharides from chicory root and marine polysaccharides, to nourish beneficial bacteria.

  • MAKTREK® Bi-Pass Technology designed to help protect probiotics through stomach acid so more reach the intestines alive.

This is a streamlined, research-informed synbiotic formula created to support long-term gut balance and whole-body wellness.

What to Look for in a Probiotic Supplement

Before choosing a probiotic, keep this checklist in mind:

Clinically Studied Strains
More strains do not automatically mean better results. Look for strains that are individually researched and selected for specific benefits such as digestive balance, immune support, gut barrier integrity, and gut–brain wellness. Dr. Tennant’s® GI 60 Probiotic Formula focuses on four clinically studied strains chosen for meaningful daily support.

Appropriate CFU Count
CFUs, or colony-forming units, reflect the number of live bacteria in each serving. A range of 10 to 60 billion CFUs is commonly used in daily formulas. What matters most is not just the number, but whether those probiotics survive digestion.

Delivery Technology That Protects Probiotics
Stomach acid is highly acidic and can reduce probiotic viability before they reach the intestines. GI 60 includes MAKTREK® Bi-Pass Technology, designed to help protect probiotics through digestion so more reach the gut alive and active.

Choosing a probiotic is not just about quantity. It is about strain selection, survivability, and how well the formula supports real-world gut balance.

Safety, Side Effects & How to Choose Wisely

Probiotics are generally well tolerated by most people. Some individuals may notice mild bloating or digestive changes when first starting, which typically improve as the gut adjusts. If you are immunocompromised or under medical care, consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement.

When selecting a probiotic, look for:

  • Clinically studied, targeted strains selected for specific benefits
  • Transparent sourcing and quality manufacturing standards
  • Clear labeling of CFU count through expiration
  • Protective delivery systems, such as acid-resistant or bi-pass technology, designed to help probiotics survive digestion

Choosing wisely helps ensure you are supporting your gut with a formula designed for both quality and real-world effectiveness.

How to Use Probiotics and Prebiotics for Best Results

Daily tips:

  • Take your probiotic consistently each day. Timing matters less than routine.
  • Follow label directions and use as part of your daily wellness plan.
  • Store as directed. Most shelf-stable formulas do not require refrigeration.
  • Support probiotic activity with fiber-rich foods to encourage natural prebiotic synergy.

Making probiotics part of your daily routine helps support long-term gut balance.

Conclusion

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support digestive balance, immune function, and the gut–brain connection. Their benefits extend beyond digestion to whole-body wellness.

Choosing clinically studied strains, pairing probiotics with targeted prebiotics, and using delivery technology designed to protect them through digestion are key factors in effectiveness. Supporting your gut is not about hype. It is about consistency, quality, and informed formulation.

🌱 Ready to support your gut and feel the difference?


Order Dr. Tennant’s® Probiotic Formula today. It’s a smart, science-backed blend of 11 powerful strains, prebiotics, and acid-resistant Capsugel® DRcaps®. Your gut deserves it, and so do you.

It’s your body. It’s your life. Ingredients matter.


Featured Product in This Article:

Dr. Tennant’s® GI 60 Probiotic Formula provides a biological synergy with “good bacteria” (probiotics), “food for the probiotics” (prebiotics) and a protective, delayed-release delivery technology to maximize probiotic effectiveness and support a healthier GI system.

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DISCLAIMER: This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, immunocompromised, or have an existing health condition. Individual needs and responses may vary. Use this information as a guide and modify based on your healthcare provider’s recommendations.