The rise of probiotics in recent years has been monumental. From pills to yoghurts, they are everywhere. This is because probiotics have been linked to promoting good gut health. In this blog post, we will explore how probiotics can improve your digestion, and why they are considered a gut health savior.
What are Probiotics?
Before we delve into the benefits of probiotics, we must first understand what they are. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, including both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics are essentially the good bacteria that help to keep the bad bacteria at bay, thus promoting good health.
Benefits of Probiotics
So, let’s get to it. How can probiotics improve your digestion? Here are some of the benefits of incorporating probiotics into your diet:
1. Improved Digestion
Probiotics can help to break down food in the gut, making it easier for the food to be digested. They do this by producing enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This is particularly helpful for people who have trouble digesting certain foods. Some studies have even shown that probiotics can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive disorder that affects many people worldwide.
2. Boost Immune System
Did you know that about 70% of your immune system is located in your gut? Probiotics can help to strengthen your immune system by promoting the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut. By doing this, they can help to reduce the risk of infections and illnesses, such as the common cold and flu.
3. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation in the gut can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, poor diet and certain medications. This inflammation can lead to a wide range of health problems. Probiotics have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria and reducing the number of bad bacteria.
4. Improved Mental Health
Believe it or not, there is a strong link between the health of our gut and our mental health. A healthy gut with a good balance of bacteria has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression. Probiotics can help to improve your mental health by promoting good gut health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
How to get Probiotics into your Diet
Now that you understand the benefits of probiotics, you may be wondering how to incorporate them into your daily diet. Here are some common sources of probiotics:
1. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is one of the most popular sources of probiotics. However, not all yoghurts contain live cultures, so it is important to read the label before purchasing. Look for yoghurts that have “live and active cultures” listed on the label.
2. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is similar to yoghurt. It contains a variety of strains of friendly bacteria and yeasts. It has a slightly sour taste, and can be consumed on its own or added to smoothies or porridge.
3. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles are all sources of probiotics. They are made by adding salt and water to chopped vegetables and leaving them to ferment for several days. During the fermentation process, the friendly bacteria in the vegetables multiply, creating a probiotic-rich environment.
4. Supplements
Probiotic supplements come in the form of capsules, tablets and powders. They can be purchased over the counter at most health food stores. It is important to choose a high-quality supplement that contains a variety of bacterial strains.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the benefits of probiotics are vast and wide-reaching. By incorporating probiotics into your daily diet, you can help to promote good gut health, boost your immune system and improve your mental health. There are lots of different sources of probiotics available, so experiment and find what works best for you. Your gut will thank you for it
