Probiotics, the bacteria that are good for your health, are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. These helpful microbes can aid in digestion, boost immunity, and benefit overall health in numerous ways. In this article, we will explore five surprising benefits of probiotics that you may not have known about.
1. Probiotics Can Help You Lose Weight
If you are trying to shed some extra pounds, you may want to consider incorporating probiotics into your diet. According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, women who took probiotics for 12 weeks experienced significant weight loss, compared to those who took a placebo. The researchers suggest that the probiotics may have altered the participants’ gut microbiota, resulting in improved metabolism and reduced inflammation.
2. Probiotics Can Improve Your Mood
Believe it or not, the state of your gut can affect your mental health. Probiotics can help regulate the gut-brain axis, which is the communication network between the gut and brain. This can positively impact mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people who took a probiotic supplement for eight weeks had decreased symptoms of depression and better mental outlook compared to those who took a placebo.
3. Probiotics Can Enhance Exercise Performance
If you are an athlete or just enjoy working out, probiotics may improve your exercise performance. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that athletes who took a probiotic supplement for four weeks had increased levels of a protein called interleukin-10. This protein is known to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery time after exercise. Additionally, researchers found that the probiotics improved gastrointestinal health, which can help prevent exercise-induced GI distress.
4. Probiotics Can Boost Your Immune System
Probiotics can help improve your immune system by increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut. This, in turn, helps to reduce harmful bacteria that can cause infections and diseases. Additionally, probiotics can help stimulate the production of antibodies and other immune system cells, which can help fight off infections. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that probiotics can help reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory infections.
5. Probiotics Can Improve Your Skin Health
If you struggle with skin issues such as acne, eczema, or rosacea, probiotics may be just what you need. A study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology found that women who took a probiotic supplement for 12 weeks had significant improvement in their acne and rosacea symptoms. Additionally, probiotics can help improve skin hydration and elasticity, which can help prevent premature aging.
Conclusion
Probiotics can offer numerous benefits for your health that may surprise you. From aiding in weight loss and improving mood to enhancing exercise performance and boosting immunity, it’s clear why these helpful bacteria are becoming increasingly popular. Consider incorporating probiotics into your diet to experience the benefits for yourself.
