The human body is home to trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiome. Although some of these organisms are harmful, others play a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions, including digestion, immune function, and even mental health. One way to ensure that your microbiome stays healthy and balanced is by consuming probiotics, live microorganisms that provide various health benefits when ingested.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics refer to live microorganisms that provide various health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. While probiotics are found in several fermented foods, including yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, taking probiotic supplements may be a more reliable way to boost your intake.
There are several types of probiotics, including:
- Lactobacillus: This probiotic is the most commonly found in the human gut and helps produce lactic acid that prevents harmful bacteria growth.
- Bifidobacterium: This probiotic is essential for maintaining a healthy gut flora and can be found in several dairy products.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: This probiotic is a yeast strain that can help alleviate diarrhea caused by bacteria and other organisms.
How Do Probiotics Improve Digestive Health?
Probiotics can improve digestive health in several ways. They help maintain the delicate balance of microorganisms in the gut and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Understanding how probiotics work can help you appreciate their role in promoting digestive health.
Prevent and Treat Diarrhea
Probiotics can help alleviate diarrhea caused by antibiotic therapy, viral infections, and other disorders. Antibiotics can kill both helpful and harmful bacteria, disrupt a thriving microbiome, and cause digestion problems.1 Taking probiotics during antibiotic therapy can help maintain the balance of the gut microbiome and prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics can also help treat diarrhea caused by other causes.
Improve Digestion of Lactose
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Taking probiotics can help improve lactose digestion and alleviate digestive symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.2
Relieve Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Symptoms
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to any condition that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Common types of IBD include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The symptoms of IBD include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and weight loss. Probiotics can help alleviate IBD symptoms, including abdominal pain and diarrhea.3
Boost Immune Function
Probiotics can also boost the immune system and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. By promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, probiotics can help maintain a healthy digestive environment and prevent infections in the gastrointestinal tract.4
Alleviate Constipation
Constipation is a digestive disorder caused by a lack of bowel movements. This condition can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea. Studies have shown that taking probiotics can help increase bowel movements and alleviate constipation symptoms.5
Conclusion
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide various health benefits when ingested. They are essential for maintaining digestive health and can help alleviate digestive symptoms caused by various disorders. By understanding how probiotics work, you can appreciate their role in promoting digestive health and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
References
1. Hill, C., Guarner, F., Reid, G., Gibson, G. R., Merenstein, D. J., Pot, B., … & Salminen, S. (2014). Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 11(8), 506-514.
2. Dehkordi, F. S., Yazdi,
