5 Benefits Of Taking Probiotics
For the past few years, people have been more focused on their gut health because of the possible health benefits of having a diverse microbiota. Although further studies are necessary, many experts suggest that the good bacteria found in your gut can do more than just help with the breaking down of food. In fact, both scientists and average individuals attest to how a healthy gut can also improve brain health, boost immunity, and lower cholesterol levels.
For this reason, many have begun incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into their diets. These two help with the nurturing of good bacteria in your gut. But, have you ever wondered what their difference are?
In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about probiotics: how it’s different from prebiotics, the risks, food sources that are rich in probiotics, and, most importantly, the actual benefits of taking probiotics.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of probiotics? Read on.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide a number of health benefits when ingested. They’re made up of good bacteria that help keep your digestion and other bodily processes in check. Typically, probiotics are found in fermented foods and food supplements.
Believe it or not, the human body contains trillions of bacteria. Some of these microbes can cause diseases, while others are good bacteria responsible for keeping you healthy. Ideally, you would want to get rid of the harmful ones and keep the good ones in your gut. This is the reason why probiotics can be a great addition to your diet.
Prebiotics VS Probiotics
In your research concerning your gut health, you may have encountered another term besides probiotics that’s supposed to aid in maintaining the good bacteria found in your digestive tract: prebiotics. Unlike probiotics that are found in food, prebiotics are fibers that act as fertilizers or food for gut bacteria.
Naturally, a person’s digestive tract can’t break down fibers from plant sources. But, the good bacteria in the gut can, which results in balancing your gut microbiome in the long run. This is the reason why the food you eat is essential in whether or not you foster a good environment for the good bacteria in your gut.
Benefits Of Taking Probiotics
Helps Balance Gut Microbiome
As mentioned earlier, your gut houses trillions of bacteria that are either good or bad for your body. Good bacteria promote better health, while harmful ones can cause discomfort and even diseases. The dynamics of your gut bacteria is simple—there needs to be a diversity with the types of microorganisms that live inside your digestive tract. That being said, too much of the harmful types will cause harmful effects. For this reason, taking probiotics can help balance and diversify the number of good bacteria in your digestive system.
Reduces Symptoms Of Some Digestive Disorders
Recent studies suggest that taking probiotics can have great benefits for people suffering from digestive conditions, like antibiotic-induced diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Diarrhea is a very common side effect to taking antibiotics. This is because antibiotics can also kill good bacteria while they fight off those bad ones. Taking probiotics helps keep your good bacteria count in check while you take these strong drugs.
Probiotics can also improve symptoms of IBS. People with irritable bowels normally experience feeling gassy and bloated. Fortunately, probiotics is well-known to relieve these symptoms. If you have IBS and would like to develop a probiotic strategy, you can find more info here to help you.
Helps Boost Your Immune System
In most cases, your body’s natural way of fighting off diseases is a reflection of the foods you eat. The more you consume junk and sugary treats, the more likely you are to develop certain diseases. Conversely, eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, reduces your risk of acquiring diseases later in life.
In the case of consuming probiotics, it helps increase your immunity against dangerous bacteria. It’s important to note that the majority of your immune cells also live in your gut. If your gut isn’t healthy or doesn’t have a diverse environment, you run the risk of having low immunity.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world. This is why many are trying their best to find supplements to help keep their heart health in shape. Studies suggest that probiotics may be one of those supplements that can lower cholesterol levels.
Just like bacteria, there are good and bad cholesterol, too. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known to be the good cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known to be the harmful type.
Recent studies suggest that probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and its subtypes L. plantarum and L. reuteri, have been found to reduce total cholesterol levels, as well as LDL cholesterol levels.
Improves Some Mental Health Conditions
Yes, probiotics can also benefit your brain and mental health. To some, gut health and brain health seem like a long shot, but they do have a connection. In fact, the digestive tract has millions of nerves that network to the brain and spinal cord. This connection is called the gut-brain axis (GBA). This is probably one of the reasons why depressive symptoms include an upset stomach.
Taking probiotics help in maintaining the balance of bacteria responsible in helping produce neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that stimulate different parts of the body. One of those neurotransmitters is serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced in the digestive tract that helps reduce depression and anxiety.
Probiotic Food Sources
As you incorporate probiotics into your diet, consider increasing your consumption of fermented foods like:
Yogurt
Sauerkraut
Miso
Kefir
Tempeh
Kimchi
Takeaway
Probiotics provide promising health benefits, especially to those who want to keep their health in tiptop shape. But, remember that probiotics you gain from food sources and supplements are only supplementary aids for a better health. The benefits mentioned here can also be achieved through proper diet and exercise. Before incorporating probiotics into your diet, consider consulting with your doctor first.
