The Surprising Benefits of Probiotics for Strength Training
When you think about supplements for strength training, probiotics probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But growing evidence from clinical trials suggests these live bacteria offer significant benefits for anyone looking to boost performance and build muscle. Here’s what you need to know about probiotics and their unexpected role in enhancing your fitness journey.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria that, when consumed in the right amounts, provide various health benefits. While they’ve long been known to support gut health and digestion, research has shown their impact goes far beyond the digestive system. Probiotics play a critical role in reducing inflammation, supporting immunity, and even influencing muscle health and recovery.
Probiotics and Muscle Health: What the Research Says
Probiotics have been studied extensively for their ability to reduce muscle wastage in older adults. However, recent studies are revealing their potential to enhance athletic performance and strength training outcomes.
One meta-analysis, which is a study that combines the results of multiple studies to find overall trends, found that probiotic supplementation significantly increased muscle mass and strength compared to a placebo. These effects were even more pronounced after 12 weeks of consistent use, suggesting that probiotics’ benefits grow over time.
Another study focused on athletes supplementing with probiotics alongside casein protein. The group taking both experienced a significant boost in vertical jump power compared to those who took casein alone. Researchers attributed this improvement to enhanced muscle recovery, driven by the gut microbiome’s improved ability to break down and absorb protein.
Additionally, follow-up studies have demonstrated that probiotics reduce muscle soreness and damage. This not only accelerates recovery but also promotes better adaptation to exercise, leading to faster gains in muscle size and performance.
Not All Probiotics Are Created Equal
While the research is exciting, it’s important to note that the benefits of probiotics are strain-specific. This means that not all probiotics offer the same advantages, and the right combination of strains is essential for achieving your fitness goals.
Why Personalised Probiotics Are the Smarter Choice
At Goodbac, we understand that no two bodies are the same—and neither are their goals. That’s why we create personalised probiotic blends tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re aiming to enhance muscle recovery, boost strength, or optimize overall performance, our evidence-based approach ensures you get the right strains for maximum impact.
The process is simple: take a quick 3-minute quiz to help us understand your health and fitness objectives. From there, we craft a fresh, personalized probiotic blend and deliver it directly to your door. It’s an easy, science-driven way to unlock your full potential in and out of the gym.
Unlock Your Strength with Probiotics
Probiotics might not be the most obvious supplement for strength training, but the science is clear: they can play a crucial role in building muscle, enhancing recovery, and improving performance. By choosing a personalised approach with Goodbac, you’re not just supporting your gut health—you’re setting yourself up for success in every aspect of your fitness journey.
Ready to see what personalized probiotics can do for you? Take our 3-minute quiz today and start unlocking your potential.
References:
Paoli A, Cerullo G, Bianco A, Neri M, Gennaro F, Charrier D, Moro T. Not Only Protein: Dietary Supplements to Optimize the Skeletal Muscle Growth Response to Resistance Training: The Current State of Knowledge. J Hum Kinet. 2024 Apr 15;91(Spec Issue):225-244.
Prokopidis K, Giannos P, Kirwan R, Ispoglou T, Galli F, Witard OC, Triantafyllidis KK, Kechagias KS, Morwani-Mangnani J, Ticinesi A, Isanejad M. Impact of probiotics on muscle mass, muscle strength and lean mass: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2023 Feb;14(1):30-44.