Experts Reveal Probiotic Myths and Signs Your Gut Needs Help

WHO:

Prevention - Experts include Susan Kais, M.D., Ruvini Wijetilaka, M.D., and Arkady Broder, M.D.

Prevention - Susan Kais, M.D. is a dual board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Cincinnati.

Prevention - Ruvini Wijetilaka, M.D. is a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical advisor for VSL Probiotics.

Prevention - Arkady Broder, M.D. is a board-certified gastroenterologist and chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.

WHAT:

Prevention - Probiotic supplement use increased by 287% among U.S. adults from 2009 to 2023.

Prevention - Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits, according to Susan Kais, M.D.

Prevention - Probiotics can help support a healthy, diverse microbiome, aid digestion, and boost the immune system.

Prevention - Signs that may indicate a need for probiotics include frequent bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, recent antibiotic use, frequent colds or infections, skin flare-ups, low mood, brain fog, and food intolerances.

Prevention - VSL#3 is recommended as a multi-strain probiotic medical food for managing IBS, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis.

WHERE:

Prevention - Saint Peter’s University Hospital is located in New Brunswick, NJ.

WHY:

Prevention - Probiotics may help restore gut balance disrupted by antibiotics, stress, poor diet, or illness, according to Ruvini Wijetilaka, M.D.

Prevention - A large portion of the immune system is trained and regulated in the gut, which may explain frequent illnesses.

HOW:

Prevention - Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha.

Prevention - Probiotics may help normalize bowel movements and ease discomfort from constipation and diarrhea.

Prevention - Strain specificity is crucial when choosing a probiotic supplement, as different strains serve different functions.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 09:58 UTC)

A significant increase in probiotic supplement use has been observed among U.S. adults, rising by two hundred eighty-seven percent from 2009 to 2023. Experts like Dr. Susan Kais, a dual board-certified gastroenterologist, and Dr. Ruvini Wijetilaka, a board-certified internal medicine physician, emphasize that probiotics can support a healthy microbiome, aid digestion, and boost the immune system, especially for those experiencing symptoms like bloating or frequent infections. Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi, and it's important to choose the right strains, as they serve different health functions.