When you hear the word “probiotic,” you might immediately think of digestive health. While it’s true that probiotics can help support a healthy gut, their benefits go far beyond the digestive system. In fact, there are many surprising benefits of probiotics that you might not know about. Here are ten of them:
1. Boosts Immune System
Probiotics have been shown to help support a healthy immune system. The gut is home to around 70% of the body’s immune system, so keeping the gut healthy with probiotics can help support overall immune function. Research has also shown that probiotics can help reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections.
2. May Help Improve Mental Health
There is mounting evidence that suggests the gut and brain are connected. Probiotics can help support a healthy gut, which in turn may help improve mental health. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that taking a probiotic supplement for eight weeks led to a significant reduction in depression symptoms.
3. Can Help Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to many chronic diseases. Probiotics have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that probiotics were effective in reducing inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
4. May Help Improve Heart Health
Some strains of probiotics have been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels, which can help improve heart health. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that taking a probiotic supplement for nine weeks resulted in a significant reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
5. Can Help Support Weight Loss
Studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays a role in weight management. Probiotics can help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which in turn may lead to weight loss. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that taking a probiotic supplement for 12 weeks led to significant weight loss in overweight women.
6. May Help Improve Skin Health
Some strains of probiotics have been shown to help improve skin health. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that taking a probiotic supplement for 12 weeks led to significant improvements in skin hydration and overall skin health.
7. Can Help Improve Oral Health
Probiotics have been shown to help promote oral health by reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that taking a probiotic supplement for eight weeks led to a significant reduction in periodontal disease.
8. May Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Probiotics may help reduce allergy symptoms by modulating the immune system. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that taking a probiotic supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduced the incidence of eczema in infants.
9. Can Help Improve Digestive Health
Of course, we can’t forget about the most well-known benefit of probiotics – their ability to support digestive health. Probiotics can help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can help reduce digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
10. May Help Reduce the Risk of Certain Cancers
While more research is needed in this area, some studies have suggested that probiotics may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as colon cancer. A review of the current research published in the journal Annals of Oncology found that probiotics may play a role in reducing the risk of colon cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Clearly, probiotics offer a wide range of health benefits beyond just supporting digestive health. If you’re not already incorporating probiotics into your daily routine, now is a great time to start.
