The Power of Probiotics: Fighting Inflammation and Disease
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Popularized for their positive effects on gut health, studies have also shown that probiotics have anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties. In this blog, we’ll explore the power of probiotics and how they can help us fight inflammation and disease.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that live in our digestive system, as well as on our skin and in other areas of the body. They help keep our gut healthy and functioning properly by balancing the levels of “good” and “bad” bacteria. This balance is important because an imbalance can lead to various digestive disorders and other health problems.
Probiotics can be found in some foods, such as fermented vegetables (like kimchi and sauerkraut), yogurt, kefir, and kombucha. They can also be taken in supplement form, which is convenient for those who may not consume enough probiotics through their diet.
Probiotics and Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, such as autoimmune disorders and heart disease. Studies have shown that probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the body.
A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that athletes who took a probiotic supplement had lower levels of inflammation compared to those who didn’t. This suggests that probiotics could be an effective way to manage inflammation in athletes and other active individuals.
Another study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, found that a specific strain of probiotic (Bifidobacterium lactis) reduced inflammation in people with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. This suggests that probiotics could be a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Probiotics and Disease
Studies have also shown that probiotics have the potential to help prevent and treat various diseases.
A systematic review of 12 studies published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that probiotics may help reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that a specific strain of probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) helped reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in infants.
Probiotics may also have benefits for those with certain chronic diseases. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a high dose of a specific probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum) helped lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, found that probiotics improved symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Conclusion
Probiotics have been shown to have many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and fighting disease. They are readily available in supplement form and can also be found in certain foods. Incorporating probiotics into your diet is a simple and effective way to support your overall health.
