What does a probiotic do for you? Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements. In addition, they are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they maintain a healthy gut. You can get probiotics from food supplements and some foods like yogurt. Studies have shown that the balance or unevenness of microorganisms in your digestive system is related to overall health. Probiotics encourage a healthy equilibrium of gut microorganisms and have been connected to a lot of benefits to the body.
Balance the Good Bacteria
Taking probiotics can help your digestive system balance. When you take antibiotics, probiotics will restore the good bacteria that you lose in your body. When taken in adequate quantity, these live microorganisms can help repair gut health.
Prevents and Treats Diarrhea
One of the best probiotic therapeutic benefits is the treatment of diarrhea. A microorganism such as a lactobacillus has been proven over the years to cure diarrhea in children and adults. Since diarrhea is sometimes a side effect of taking antibiotics, then some people would suffer from it. Recent studies show that probiotics may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) via restoration of the gut microflora. Also, probiotics can also help treat diarrhea that is not related to antibiotic use.
Aids in Weight Loss
Probiotics can help break down fiber that the body cannot absorb turning it into a beneficial fatty acid. Certain studies show that normal-weight people have different stomach bacteria than overweight or obese human beings. Therefore, probiotics probably play an important part in weight regulation. The other way that probiotics can aid weight loss is by preventing the intake of dietary fat in the intestines. Excreting the fat into the body wastes rather than storing it in the body is a good way to lose weight.
Boosts your Immune System
A study conducted in 2011 shows that probiotics may limit epithelial damage induced by enteroinvasive pathogens, and promote restoration. In addition, some probiotics have been shown to help with the creation of antibodies. There are also studies that mention probiotics decreases the possibility of respiratory diseases. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus Crispatus can also lessen the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) most especially in women.
Decreases the Risk of Skin Allergies
Though more research is needed, there are certain cases that link probiotics to reduced severity of eczema. One research shows that infants fed with probiotic-supplemented milk have improved their eczema condition than those who did not. Also, a study conducted shows that women who took probiotics during their pregnancy have a lower risk of having children with skin allergies and eczema. Therefore, these live microorganisms may lessen inflammatory diseases.
The benefits of taking probiotics vary from one person to one another. Thus, this is one reason why you should include probiotic supplements and foods in your diet. Many studies show that probiotics may balance the good bacteria, prevent and treat diarrhea, help in losing weight, enhance your immunity, and reduce skin allergies. You may contact your doctor to learn more about probiotics.