10 Surprising Benefits of Probiotics You Haven’t Heard Before
Probiotics are often called the “good” bacteria and are found in certain foods or supplements. You may have heard about the various advantages of probiotics, from boosting digestion to enhancing immunity. However, there are some lesser-known benefits that may surprise you. Here are 10 surprising benefits of probiotics that you probably didn’t know before.
1. Probiotics May Help Fight Against Depression and Anxiety
A study by McMaster University shows that some strains of probiotics can help fight against depression and anxiety by altering the gut microbiome, which is connected to the brain through the gut-brain-connection.
2. Probiotics May Improve Skin Health
Probiotics can be good for your skin health, too. Some skin conditions, such as eczema, have been shown to improve when individuals take probiotics. It is said that probiotics can also help reduce inflammation and keep your skin moist.
3. Probiotics Can Boost Immunity
Probiotics have the potential to strengthen your immune system by fighting off harmful bacteria, infections, and viruses. Not only that, but probiotics can also help promote the production of antibodies, which can help you fend off infections more effectively.
4. Probiotics May Help Lower Blood Pressure
A study involving 9,800 adults indicates that probiotics might help lower blood pressure. The researchers found that people who consumed probiotics had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
5. Probiotics Could Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials recommend that probiotics might help lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
6. Probiotics Can Help Prevent Diarrhea
Probiotics can help prevent certain types of diarrhea, particularly those caused by infections or antibiotics. Probiotics work by restoring the balance of bacteria in the gut and preventing harmful bacteria from proliferating.
7. Probiotics Can Enhance Heart Health
Probiotics may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and by lowering inflammation. Harmful bacteria in the gut can lead to inflammation in the body that is linked to cardiovascular disease, so by reducing inflammation, probiotics may help promote heart health.
8. Probiotics May Help with Weight Loss
Probiotics might help with weight loss by enhancing metabolism, reducing appetite, and promoting a feeling of fullness. In a study, overweight individuals who consumed probiotics for 12 weeks lost a significant amount of weight and experienced other health benefits.
9. Probiotics Can Improve Oral Health
Probiotics can help improve oral health by reducing bad breath, gum inflammation, and tooth decay. Probiotic bacteria can prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the teeth and gums, decreasing the likelihood of infections and cavities.
10. Probiotics Can Reduce the Risk of Allergies
Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of allergies, particularly in children. The probiotic strains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were found to help prevent eczema, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies in some studies. They work by enhancing the immune system and decreasing inflammation in the body.
In conclusion, probiotics have a wide range of potential health benefits, not just for digestion, but for our overall health as well. By incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into our daily diet, we can reap the benefits of these beneficial bacteria and enhance our health and well-being in a number of ways.
