Probiotics are good bacteria that can improve your health, and help with conditions like digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yeast infections, and more. They can also aid in weight loss and boost the immune system.
They are a great addition to your diet because they are naturally found in foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso. If you’re not able to consume these foods, you can always take a probiotic supplement.
A probiotic is a supplement that contains live and active cultures that are naturally found in the human body. These probiotics can include strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and other bacteria.
These live microorganisms are responsible for keeping the gut healthy and functioning properly, promoting digestion, immunity, and even skin health. In fact, your microbiome is considered the most important part of your overall health.
It’s a dynamic ecosystem that changes as you age, your stress levels, your medications, and the foods you eat. The balance of bacteria in your microbiome can change, leading to problems such as digestive issues and inflammatory diseases.
Research is ongoing on the effects of probiotics and best probiotics, or fermented food products that feed beneficial bacteria, on the immune system. Scientists are observing that reducing inflammation in the gut leads to more efficient immune function.
Some of these bacteria can increase the number of white blood cells that fight off infection, which may reduce your risk for a common cold or other illness. Some also reduce bloating and gas and can help you stay fuller longer.
They can also boost your mood and decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems, according to several studies. They are also believed to support a healthy ‘gut-brain’ connection, a direct link between the digestive tract and your brain.
The bacteria in your digestive system are a big factor in how you feel, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). In fact, researchers have found that “gut health is an indicator of overall psychological well-being” — something that can be difficult to achieve if your gut flora is imbalanced or not working properly.
This is why it’s important to maintain a healthy balance of probiotics in your gut, and why taking a daily probiotic can be helpful in maintaining good health.
Many of the most common illnesses are linked to an unbalanced gut microbiome and a poorly functioning immune system. It’s been suggested that restoring the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut can help you fight off disease-causing microorganisms and boost your immune system, which may prevent diseases like diabetes, allergies, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Taking a probiotic can also help improve your skin, as they can help resolve acne and eczema. The bacteria in the probiotics can kill off the fungus and yeast that cause these infections, so you won’t have to deal with a break out or eczema flare-up.
These benefits can also extend to pregnant women and new mothers. Using a combination of different probiotic strains before and after birth can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the newborn’s gut, which can lead to life-threatening diseases.