5 Shocking Benefits of Probiotics

Updated March 1, 2023

What Are Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects on the host’s health. Found in yogurt, yogurt, miso, tempeh, and other fermented soy and dairy products and supplements, probiotics offer numerous health benefits to people of all ages. Unfortunately, consuming foods that contain probiotics does not contain enough organisms to improve and restore health. 

Research has indicated that regular consumption of probiotics can help support digestion and immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve overall gut health.

Probiotic bacteria are similar to organisms that naturally occur in the human digestive system and can help restore balance after antibiotics or other environmental conditions disrupt it. By promoting a healthy intestinal environment with plenty of good bacteria present, probiotics can assist in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome which is important for optimal health. Probiotics may also be helpful for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive issues, as they help relieve some symptoms associated with these conditions, such as bloating and constipation.

More and more studies show that the balance or imbalance of bacteria in your digestive system is linked to overall health and disease. An imbalance means too many harmful bacteria and not enough good bacteria. It can happen due to illness, medication such as antibiotics, poor diet, etc. Probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to many health benefits.  There are many benefits of probiotics.  This article will discuss probiotic benefits and how they can improve your health.  Be sure to speak with your doctor about the benefits of probiotics are your next visit.

Probiotics Benefits:

Probiotics Prevent and Reduce Diarrhea

Probiotics are widely known to prevent diarrhea or reduce its severity. Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking antibiotics. It occurs because antibiotics can negatively affect the gut’s balance of good and bad bacteria. Probiotics can also help with other forms of diarrhea not associated with antibiotics.

Probiotics Improve Mood 

An increasing number of studies link gut health to mood and mental health.

Research shows taking probiotics may help improve symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, and memory, among others. Ninety percent of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which controls our mood, appetite, and sleep, is produced in the gut.

Probiotics Keep Your Heart Healthy

Probiotics may help keep your heart healthy by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and blood pressure. Certain lactic acid-producing bacteria may reduce cholesterol by breaking down bile in the gut. Bile, a naturally occurring fluid mostly made of cholesterol, helps digestion.

By breaking down bile, probiotics can prevent it from reabsorbing in the gut, which can enter the blood as cholesterol.

Probiotics Give Your Immune System a Boost

Probiotics may help boost your immune system and inhibit the growth of harmful gut bacteria. Probiotics benefit the host organism and may support a healthy immune system. Gastrointestinal health is important because eighty percent of our immune system is found in our gut. Also, some probiotics have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body.

Probiotics Promote Weight Loss

Probiotics may help with weight loss through several different mechanisms. For example, some probiotics prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. The fat is then excreted rather than stored in the body. Probiotics may also help you feel fuller for longer, burn more calories and store less fat. This is partly caused by increasing levels of certain hormones, such as GLP-1.

In conclusion, probiotics can help improve your health.  Your gut has many other functions than digestion and elimination.  A healthy gut can improve metabolism, brain, immunity, and heart health.  It is essential to take probiotics daily to maintain and improve your overall health.