Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are considered good for your health, particularly your digestive system.
Here are 10 surprising health benefits of probiotics that you need to know:
1. Improve Digestive Health and Functioning
Probiotics can help improve your digestive health and functioning. They help in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. Probiotics also prevent harmful bacteria from growing in your digestive system. They are particularly helpful in treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
2. Boost Immune System
Probiotics can boost your immune system. They stimulate the production of antibodies and increase the activity of white blood cells. This helps your body fight off infections caused by harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi.
3. Prevent and Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Probiotics can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). They promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the urinary tract, thereby preventing harmful bacteria from growing. Probiotics are particularly helpful in preventing recurrent UTIs in women.
4. Reduce Risk of Allergies and Eczema
Probiotics can help reduce the risk of allergies and eczema in children. They stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can trigger allergies and eczema. Probiotics are particularly helpful in preventing eczema and allergies in children whose mothers took probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
5. Lower Cholesterol Levels
Probiotics can help lower cholesterol levels. They break down bile in the gut, which is necessary for the absorption of fats. When bile is broken down, the liver produces more bile salts, which lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
6. Improve Mental Health and Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Probiotics can help improve mental health and reduce anxiety and depression. They regulate the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are responsible for mood, behavior and cognitive function. Probiotics are particularly helpful in reducing anxiety and depression in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
7. Enhance Skin Health
Probiotics can enhance skin health. They prevent harmful bacteria from growing on the skin and reduce inflammation, which can trigger skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. Probiotics are particularly helpful in reducing the severity of acne in teenagers and adults.
8. Aid in Weight Loss and Management
Probiotics can aid in weight loss and management. They reduce inflammation, which is associated with obesity, and improve gut health, which is linked to weight loss. Probiotics are particularly helpful in reducing belly fat and preventing weight gain in people with obesity.
9. Improve Heart Health
Probiotics can improve heart health. They lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and prevent the formation of blood clots. Probiotics are particularly helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease in people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
10. Enhance Oral Health
Probiotics can enhance oral health. They prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the mouth and reduce inflammation, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. Probiotics are particularly helpful in reducing the risk of cavities and bad breath.
Probiotics are available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. To get the health benefits of probiotics, it is important to choose a high-quality product that contains a variety of probiotic strains.
If you are interested in trying probiotics, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help you determine if probiotics are right for you and recommend a product that is safe and effective.
Overall, probiotics offer many surprising health benefits. They are an effective and natural way to improve your digestive health, boost your immune system, and enhance your overall well-being.
