Probiotics

Probiotics are cultures of good bacteria often found in dairy products like yogurt – but are also sold as individual supplements. Probiotics can improve overall immune health through a variety of interactions with the gut and immune system. They may also improve overall gut health and digestion kinetics, however, these benefits are likely more pronounced in populations with pre-existing issues, such as disease, antibiotic use, etc. We don’t have a ton of data on probiotic use in athletes or bodybuilders, let alone how probiotic use might affect muscle or strength gains in the long term. Regardless, the immunity benefits alone make probiotics a worthy addition to a nutrition plan, whether through yogurt or supplementation. Athletes undergoing hardcore training plans often have impaired immune function which can lead to increased incidence of illness. Combating this through probiotics can quite possibly improve long term gains!
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▪️ Source: Pyne, D. B., West, N. P., Cox, A. J., & Cripps, A. W. (2015). Probiotics supplementation for athletes–clinical and physiological effects. European Journal of Sport Science, 15(1), 63-72.