Question 1

What are the signs of an unhealthy gut?

Accepted Answer

An unhealthy gut may be associated with symptoms such as bloating, excess gas, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, food sensitivities and irregular bowel habits. While these symptoms can have many causes, they may indicate an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Supporting a diverse and healthy microbiome through diet and lifestyle is an important part of overall digestive health.

Question 2

What is the gut microbiome and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. These microbes help break down food, produce beneficial compounds, support immune function and interact with the gut-brain axis. A healthy microbiome plays an important role in maintaining overall digestive and general wellbeing.

Question 3

How do I know if my gut microbiome is out of balance?

Accepted Answer

There is no single symptom that confirms microbiome imbalance. However, bloating, digestive discomfort, irregular bowel habits and changes following antibiotic use may be associated with disruptions in the gut microbiome. A balanced diet rich in fibre and fermented foods can help support microbial diversity.

Question 4

Can gut health affect bloating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bloating may be influenced by diet, digestion, gut motility and the activity of microorganisms within the digestive tract. Some foods are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gases that may contribute to bloating in susceptible individuals.

Question 5

Can gut health affect immunity?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 70% of immune cells are located within or around the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiome interacts closely with the immune system and plays a role in maintaining normal immune function and barrier integrity.

Question 6

Can gut health affect mood, stress and wellbeing?

Accepted Answer

The gut and brain communicate through a complex network known as the gut-brain axis. Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome may influence communication pathways involved in mood, stress responses and overall wellbeing.

Question 7

What foods support a healthy gut microbiome?

Accepted Answer

A diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds provides fibres and plant compounds that help nourish beneficial gut microbes. Fermented foods may also contribute to microbial diversity.

Question 8

How long does it take to improve gut health?

Accepted Answer

Gut health is influenced by many factors including diet, lifestyle and medication use. Positive dietary and lifestyle changes may begin influencing the microbiome within days, although meaningful changes often develop over weeks and months.

Question 9

What exactly is a probiotic?

Accepted Answer

A probiotic is a live microorganism that, when administered in adequate amounts, confers a health benefit on the host. Different probiotic strains have different characteristics and applications.

Question 10

Do probiotics actually work?

Accepted Answer

Probiotics are among the most researched nutritional interventions globally. However, benefits are strain-specific, meaning not all probiotics are the same and different strains may support different health outcomes.

Question 11

Are all probiotics the same?

Accepted Answer

No. Different probiotic strains have unique properties and may interact differently with the body. Selecting a product should involve considering the specific strains used, their dosage and the quality of the formulation.

Question 12

Why do probiotic strains matter?

Accepted Answer

Health benefits associated with probiotics are often strain-specific. This means that two products containing different strains may not have the same effects. Understanding which strains are included is an important part of selecting a probiotic.

Question 13

What does CFU mean?

Accepted Answer

CFU stands for Colony Forming Units and is a measure of the number of live microorganisms in a probiotic product. CFU levels should be considered alongside strain selection and product quality.

Question 14

How many CFUs should a probiotic contain?

Accepted Answer

There is no universal "best" CFU count. The appropriate amount depends on the probiotic strains used and the intended application. More CFUs do not automatically mean a better probiotic.

Question 15

What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

Accepted Answer

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, while prebiotics are fibres and compounds that help nourish beneficial microbes already present in the gut. They often work together to support microbiome health.

Question 16

What is the difference between probiotics and digestive enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Probiotics are live microorganisms that interact with the gut microbiome, whereas digestive enzymes help break down food components such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates during digestion.

Question 17

Can probiotics help support digestive comfort?

Accepted Answer

Certain probiotic strains have been studied for their role in supporting digestive comfort and maintaining normal gastrointestinal function. Benefits depend on the strains used and individual circumstances.

Question 18

Can probiotics help support regular bowel movements?

Accepted Answer

Some probiotic strains have been investigated for their role in supporting digestive regularity and maintaining normal bowel function. Effects vary between individuals and between strains.

Question 19

Why do I feel bloated after eating?

Accepted Answer

Bloating may result from food choices, eating habits, gut motility, food sensitivities or fermentation processes within the gut. The underlying causes can vary significantly between individuals.

Question 20

What causes excessive gas and flatulence?

Accepted Answer

Gas is a normal by-product of digestion and microbial fermentation. Diet, eating speed, gut microbiome composition and digestive function can all influence gas production.

Question 21

Can probiotics be taken after antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Many people choose to take probiotics following antibiotic use because antibiotics can affect both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Different probiotic strains may be used during or after antibiotic treatment.

Question 22

How do antibiotics affect the gut microbiome?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics can alter the composition of the gut microbiome by reducing both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Recovery of microbial diversity may vary depending on the individual and the antibiotic used.

Question 23

Why do some people experience bloating when they first start a probiotic?

Accepted Answer

Some individuals may notice temporary digestive changes when introducing a probiotic. These effects are often mild and may settle as the body adapts, although experiences vary.

Question 24

How long should I take a probiotic before expecting results?

Accepted Answer

The time required varies depending on the individual, the strains used and the reason for supplementation. Some people notice changes within days, while others may require several weeks.

Question 25

Which Probitec product is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Probitec makes a small range of products for different digestive needs. The best choice depends on your goals, symptoms and preferences. Compare the range on our shop page, or speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Question 26

What makes Probitec different from other probiotics?

Accepted Answer

Probitec is built around delivery, not just dose. Every strain is named with its genus, species and strain code, and our DuoCap capsule technology, with an acid-resistant inner capsule, is designed to help protect probiotic bacteria until they reach the intestine.

Question 27

Why does Probitec use acid-resistant capsules?

Accepted Answer

Probitec uses acid-resistant capsules to help protect sensitive probiotic strains from stomach acid, supporting delivery further into the ileum (intestine) where they are intended to function.

Question 28

Can I take Probitec with other supplements or medications?

Accepted Answer

Many people take probiotics alongside other supplements and medications. If you are taking prescription medicines, are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare professional before use.

Question 29

Do Probitec products need to be refrigerated?

Accepted Answer

No. Probitec products are designed for convenient storage at room temperature. Always follow the storage instructions provided on the product packaging to maintain product quality.

Question 30

Are Probitec products Kosher friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Probitec products are vegetarian and Kosher friendly.

Question 31

Are Probitec products Halaal friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Probitec products are vegetarian and Halaal friendly.

Question 32

Is Probitec suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Probitec products are formulated for adults. For children under 12, we recommend consulting a paediatrician before starting any probiotic supplement.

Question 33

Where can I buy Probitec?

Accepted Answer

You can order every Probitec product directly from our online store at probitec.co.za, with delivery across South Africa. Probitec is also available on Takealot and through selected pharmacies and healthcare professionals.

Question 34

How long does delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Probitec is delivered door-to-door nationwide by The Courier Guy, on business days. You choose from Economy (2 to 4 business days), Overnight (next business day) or Same-Day Express in serviced areas, and you see the price and estimated delivery date at checkout before you pay. Orders placed before 12:00 are dispatched the same business day. Which options are available depends on your delivery address.

Question 35

Do you offer subscriptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Subscribe & Save takes 10% off every order, billed monthly with automatic delivery, so you never run out. It is available on the daily products: Probitec IBS - Intrinsic Bowel Support, Probitec DuoCap 30, Probitec Fibre+ and Probitec UT-Cran. Probitec Gastro and Probitec DuoCap 10 are short-course packs and are sold once-off. You can pause, skip or cancel a subscription at any time from your account.

Question 36

What is your returns policy?

Accepted Answer

Email support@probitec.co.za with your order number and reason for the return. We will confirm eligibility, provide return instructions and process approved refunds within 7 working days of receiving the returned product. For quality concerns, contact us with a description of the issue. The full process is at probitec.co.za/legal/returns.

Frequently asked questions

About Probitec

General Gut Health

Ordering & Delivery