Can Probiotics Help Reduce Inflammation? Find out Here!
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in the body to help protect it from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. However, chronic inflammation can be harmful to the body and has been linked to many chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
One way to reduce inflammation is by consuming probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to the health of the host. They can be found in foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as in supplement form.
How Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics work by balancing the bacteria in the gut. The gut is home to billions of bacteria, both good and bad. When the bad bacteria outnumber the good, it can lead to inflammation and other health problems.
Probiotics help by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut, which can help to crowd out the bad bacteria. They also produce substances that can help to reduce inflammation, such as short-chain fatty acids.
What Does the Research Say?
The research on probiotics and inflammation is still in its early stages, but there is some evidence to suggest that probiotics can be beneficial.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming probiotics can reduce levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. Another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming probiotics can reduce inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, not all studies have found a positive effect of probiotics on inflammation. A review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that while some studies showed a benefit of probiotics, others did not.
What Are the Best Probiotics for Reducing Inflammation?
There are many different strains of probiotics, and not all of them have been studied for their effects on inflammation. However, some strains that have shown promise include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This strain has been shown to reduce inflammation in animal studies.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum: This strain has been shown to reduce inflammation in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: This strain has been shown to reduce inflammation in people with atopic dermatitis.
Conclusion
While more research is needed, there is some evidence to suggest that probiotics can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. If you are interested in trying probiotics, be sure to choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand.
