5 Surprising Benefits of Probiotics You May Not Know About
If you’re someone who’s conscious about their health, you may have already heard about probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain the natural balance of the gut microbiome. Often found in fermented foods and supplements, they help promote digestive health by fighting off bad bacteria that can cause illness. However, their benefits go beyond just that. In this post, we’ll discuss five surprising benefits of probiotics that you may not know about.
1. Probiotics May Help Reduce the Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Studies have found that the gut and brain are closely linked, and that there’s a communication network between them (known as the gut-brain axis). This means that the state of your gut can affect your mental health, and vice versa. Interestingly, there’s growing evidence that probiotics can help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
One study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility found that participants who took a probiotic supplement for eight weeks had decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who took a placebo. Another study found that a combination of probiotics and prebiotics (which are food for probiotics) improved symptoms of depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Probiotics May Help Improve Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, so it’s important to take steps to promote heart health. One of those steps may include taking probiotics; several studies have found that certain strains of probiotics can help improve several markers of heart health.
One study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a strain of Lactobacillus probiotic helped lower LDL cholesterol levels (the “bad” cholesterol) in participants. Another study found that a different strain of probiotics helped lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
3. Probiotics May Help Boost the Immune System
Probiotics are most commonly known for their ability to promote digestive health. This is because they help improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, which can help prevent digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation. However, a healthy gut microbiome also plays a big role in overall immune function.
Research has shown that probiotics can help boost immune function by increasing the production of natural antibodies and white blood cells. This means that taking probiotics regularly may help reduce the frequency and severity of illnesses like the common cold and flu.
4. Probiotics May Help Improve Skin Health
Your gut health can also affect the health of your skin. This is because the gut and skin are connected through the gut-skin axis. If your gut is unhealthy, it can lead to inflammation and other problems that can manifest on your skin.
Several studies have found that taking probiotics can help improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production. In one study, participants who took a probiotic supplement for 12 weeks had significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity.
5. Probiotics May Help Support Weight Loss
If you’re looking to lose weight, you may want to consider adding probiotics to your diet. Studies have found that certain strains of probiotics can help promote healthy weight loss and weight management.
One study published in the journal Obesity found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus for 12 weeks lost significantly more weight than those who took a placebo. Another study found that a combination of probiotics and prebiotics helped reduce body fat in overweight and obese adults.
Conclusion
While the digestive benefits of probiotics are well-known, their potential benefits for other areas of health are still being studied. From promoting heart health to supporting weight loss, the research is promising. So, if you’re looking to improve your overall health, consider adding probiotic-rich foods or supplements to your diet.
