Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide a range of health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. While it might seem counter-intuitive to consume bacteria, probiotics are actually a helpful aid to digestion and gut health. The human gut is home to millions of different bacteria, both beneficial and harmful, which play a crucial role in overall health.
Here are 10 surprising benefits of probiotics for digestion and gut health:
1. Relieving Diarrhea and Constipation
Studies suggest probiotics may be effective in treating diarrhea caused by infections, antibiotics, or chemotherapy. Similarly, they can improve constipation symptoms by increasing bowel movement frequency and consistency. Probiotics help regulate the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, which is essential for proper digestion.
2. Boosting Immune System
70% of the body’s immune system is in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome strengthens the immune system by upregulating certain immune cells and producing antibodies. Probiotics also prevent harmful bacteria from settling in the gut and affecting immunity.
3. Alleviating IBS Symptoms
Probiotics are effective in reducing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and abdominal pain. Probiotic supplements, especially Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains, should be taken in sufficient amounts for optimal results.
4. Treating Vaccination Side Effects
Probiotics can help alleviate side effects of vaccinations, such as fever, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotics help modulate the immune response to vaccines and prevent them from triggering chronic inflammation.
5. Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Research indicates that probiotics can reduce total and LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels in the blood. Probiotic supplements, particularly Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri, inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut by breaking them down into smaller molecules.
6. Reducing Allergies
The prevalence of allergies is increasing globally, and probiotics have shown to reduce the risk of allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Probiotics affect the immune system and the gut microbiome, which collectively reduce susceptibility to allergies.
7. Managing Obesity
Probiotics assist in managing obesity by reducing inflammation, regulating appetite, and increasing insulin sensitivity. Probiotics reduce gut inflammation, which is linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. Studies involving overweight and obese individuals revealed that certain probiotics strains led to significant reductions in BMI.
8. Promoting Heart Health
Probiotics lower blood pressure and improve lipid metabolism, essential factors in promoting heart health, according to several studies. In addition, they increase the antioxidant capacity in the blood, which helps protect against cardiovascular diseases.
9. Enhancing Mental Health
Our gut and brain communicate constantly through the gut-brain axis, making it crucial to maintain a healthy gut to ensure good emotional and mental wellbeing. Probiotics have shown to improve depression and anxiety symptoms, with some evidence suggesting they can boost cognitive function too.
10. Supporting Oral Health
Oral probiotics can enhance dental health by preventing cavities, gingivitis, and other oral infections. Probiotics protect against harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum inflammation by creating an environment that is hostile to them.
Probiotics come in various forms, such as capsules, gummies, powders, and food products. Always choose a good-quality probiotic with a high-strain variety and ensure it has guaranteed potency at the time of consumption. A healthy diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods complement probiotic supplementation and promote overall gut health.
In conclusion, probiotics play an instrumental role in maintaining healthy digestion and gut health. With the wide range of benefits they offer, taking probiotics as part of a regular and balanced diet can help mitigate many health issues and promote overall wellness.
