Bacteria have a negative reputation because it’s known to make you sick. But those are the bad kind of bacteria. The good kind promotes good health and the proper functioning of the body. Together with specific types of yeast, they are called probiotics.
Probiotics naturally occur in certain types of food. They also come in the form of supplements. They help keep the balance in your digestive system. So, what does probiotics do?
The following are some of the benefits that probiotics give you
1. Relieves Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Any discomfort you may feel in your gut could well mean that it’s loaded with bad bacteria. Prebiotics is a combination of good bacteria and yeast that positively impacts the digestive system by fighting bad bacteria.
According to Drruscio.com, probiotics may also help control intestinal lining concerns if you’re suffering from the leaky gut syndrome. It is linked to obesity, acne, diabetes, arthritis, and more. At the same time, your microbiome – your body’s community of organisms – also experiences relief from gas and bloating.
2. Treats And Prevents Diarrhea
If you’re taking antibiotics, diarrhea is a natural side effect of the body. But while antibiotics can kill bad bacteria, it eliminates good bacteria as well. To reduce antibiotic-associated bacteria, taking probiotics can lower the symptom by 42%. It also replenishes the good bacteria inside your gut. Probiotics are not made the same, and for diarrhea, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, and Saccharomyces yeast can be beneficial. Lactobacillus GG strain can also reduce infectious diarrhea in infants and children, but not in adults.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Probiotics can help regulate glucose levels. A study in 2015 concluded that the intake of probiotic supplements loaded with live microorganisms positively affects glycemic control. Probiotics may lower oxidative stress and contain Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, that slowdown hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in animal subjects.
If you have type 2 diabetes, probiotics can help you manage your condition. It would also serve you well to eat low glycemic fruits such as berries that packs a lot of antioxidants. Blueberries, pomegranates, acai berries, strawberries, and plums are just some of the yummy fruits you can have to help manage your sugar levels.
4. Supports Mental Health
Scientists believe in the gut-brain axis, the connection of the central nervous system and the microbiota, the microorganisms found in a particular environment, namely your gut. The said connection may play a role in various mental and neurological conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and autism. There is a possibility that your microbiome is even releasing molecules that can find themselves in your brain.
A 2019 study concluded the therapeutic role of probiotics in delaying the progression of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Although the link needs more research, the effect shows much promise.
5. Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Probiotics can support heart health. There’s a bacterium in our gut that produces lactic acid and breaks down bile. Bile is made up of cholesterol, and when it breaks down, it’s not reabsorbed by the body. If it stays whole, it can enter the bloodstream. Some studies found that total cholesterol was lowered at 4% and LDL at 5% after the subject ate yogurt from 2 to 8 weeks. A separate study found that HDL or good cholesterol increased. Other nine studies found probiotic intake modestly lowered blood pressure.
6. Vaginal Health
The vagina is a whole ecosystem with protective Lactobacilli strains that make the area more acidic so that harmful microorganisms can’t enter. That protection could weaken because of antibiotics, birth control pills and cause havoc on your vaginal health. When the strain weakens, symptoms such as itching, discomfort, discharge, and fishy odor can develop. Ultimately, imbalances can also occur like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infection (UTI).
Scientific studies showed evidence that imbalances are treatable with probiotics in capsules, suppositories, and yogurt. One back in a 1996 study, subjects who ate yogurt with Lactobacillus acidophilus has larger amounts of good bacteria in their vaginas. Capsules were able to treat and prevent BV and suppositories were able to cure the same disease and maintain good bacterial balance.
7. Supports Liver Function
If you want to lower your liver enzyme levels, probiotics can lower the risk of liver damage. A damaged liver can release harmful enzymes into the bloodstream, and only if you have specific symptoms of the damaged liver can you get an AST blood test for liver damage. The symptoms are as follows:
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent itching
- Jaundice
- Swelling and/or abdominal pain
- Dark urine and/or light stool
It also protects the liver from the effects of acetaminophen, a painkiller and fever reducer. A study proved that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, or LGG, lowered the risk of liver damage through oxidative stress caused by the drug. It can also protect from non-fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease.
8. Aids In Muscle Recovery
Exercise is beneficial to your health. It’s natural to have muscular soreness, especially if you’ve just begun subjecting your body to physical activity after a long time of sedentary lifestyle. But probiotics such as fermented milk, or kefir, can help reduce the pain you feel by using the glucose you already have. Kefir may not be your typical pre-or post-workout supplement, but you can try it for a week and see the difference yourself.
9. Helps Boost Your Immune System
Probiotics may also help boost your immune system by inhibiting the growth of harmful gut bacteria. Having a sufficient amount of probiotics inside your body may also promote the production of natural antibodies.
Also, these good bacteria can enhance immune cells such as T-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and many more. For example, taking a bacillus subtilis supplement may reduce the likelihood and severity of respiratory infections and may also boost your overall immune system too.
In Conclusion
Regular intake of probiotic foods can help improve your gut health. In some cases, your doctor will also advise supplements if needed. Your gut health is linked to your overall health. Studies have shown that any disruption in the digestive system and other areas can cause imbalances that may lead its diseases. Replenish your probiotics supply each day to ensure ample good bacteria in the body.
