Kate is a strong believer in probiotics for optimal gut health, so much so that she’s recently launched a line of her own nutritional supplements under the InBloom brand. “Probiotics help boost our immunity, which is something almost everyone is trying to do these days,” she told W Magazine. Lots of research has also shown the potential of probiotics in weight management and weight loss, especially certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (though it’s still not exactly clear to what extent, according to a 2021 review in the journal Nutrients).
A healthy gut is meant to be teeming with bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, but a balance of these microorganisms is needed in your digestive tract for your body to function smoothly, says the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Sometimes your gut can get really out of whack, and you probably already know the signs: excessive burping, gas, heartburn, bloat, constipation, or frequent trips to the bathroom, according to Healthline.
Probiotics can help restore balance in your gut. They’re found naturally in foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi (via WebMD), and while real foods are the best source, many people still take supplements for an added boost and convenience.
