The People’s Pharmacy radio show and podcast appreciates support from its sponsors. One of our sponsors is KayaBiotics, a German company that makes high-quality probiotics from all-organic ingredients. Germany exercises rigorous oversight of supplement manufacturing, and we are pleased that our listeners can purchase such products. The pandemic interrupted supply chains and manufacturing for numerous companies around the world. Consequently, we are pleased to tell you about KayaBiotics and its return to availability.

Most people think of probiotics as having benefits for the digestive tract. Indeed, there are many studies indicating that people can use probiotics for relief from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems (Minerva Gastroenterologica e Dietologica, Dec. 2015). Numerous studies indicate that probiotics, alone or in combination with prebiotics, can reduce the risk of postoperative infections after people undergo abdominal surgery (Annals of Surgery, online Aug. 28, 2019).

Although causation is hard to establish, many digestive disorders are associated with disruption of the microbiota in the gut (Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Sep. 28, 2019). Probiotics can help heal those imbalances.

The usefulness of probiotics is not limited to digestive difficulties, however. Research indicates that people taking probiotics lose less time to flu-like illnesses. Moreover, there is growing evidence that COVID-19 infections are linked to changes in the gut microbial balance (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Jan. 2021). Researchers are beginning to study whether probiotics could help reduce the consequent inflammation and speed recovery (Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, March 11, 2021). In addition, investigators have seen probiotics improve immune response against COVID-19 infections (Archives of Virology, March 20, 2021). 

Other studies suggest that probiotics may help people overcome metabolic syndrome (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, online Oct. 30, 2019). Probiotic foods such as yogurt may even lower the risk of developing lung cancer.

Some researchers suggest that people with depression benefit from probiotics along with their antidepressant medication (Brain, Behavior and Immunity, Oct. 2018). Even more speculative, there are scientists who believe that gut microbial imbalance can contribute to dementia (Brain Sciences, Nov. 3, 2020). We don’t yet know, however, whether probiotics can help in warding off cognitive decline.

With so much promise for probiotics, we thought you might want to learn more about KayaBiotics. We interviewed the founder and CEO, Christian Ziegert, to get his perspective on organic ingredients, German manufacturing and why probiotics are so exciting. We invite you to listen. 

If you decide you would like to try KayaBiotics, please visit the website KayaBiotics.com and use the discount code “PEOPLE” for $10 off your first purchase.