3 Reasons You Should Add Probiotics To Your Daily Regimen

Probiotics are now quite a hot topic among nutritionists as well as wellness enthusiasts looking to improve their health. But what exactly are probiotics, and how can probiotics benefit your health? In this post, we will cover 3 ways you can improve your health with probiotics.

Simply put, the term probiotics refers to microorganisms that are good for the health in contrast to others that may harm you. Oftentimes, they are also referred to as good bacteria or live cultures. Probiotics serve an essential function in the body by protecting it against harmful microorganisms that may develop.

Types of Probiotics

When we talk about probiotics, it is important to note that there may be various species of bacteria that as probiotics and protect us from diseases. One of the most common probiotics is the Lactobacillus helveticus which supports digestion, immunity, healthy blood sugar levels while also preventing yeast infections such as those that may attack the vagina.

Another species of bacteria or type of probiotic is one called Bifidobacterium infantis. This probiotic is especially beneficial for people suffering from IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome as it can effectively reduce symptoms. Not to mention, it can also address mental disorders and skin-related conditions.

Benefits of Taking Probiotics

You can consume the live microorganisms known as probiotics through supplements or fermented foods. While they can especially balance the gut bacteria, they are also linked to various other benefits. Various studies show that consuming good bacteria can help with blood pressure, skin conditions, and digestive conditions like constipation.

1. Improves Gut Health

Various organisms live throughout our digestive health, from the stomach to the intestines. These include species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. These make up the gut microbiome that plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of the body. Probiotics can naturally promote the growth of good bacteria to protect you from harmful and disease-causing bacteria.

Improving Gut Function: As probiotics increase the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system, it balances the bacteria. This balanced gut microbiome supports normal gut function as a result.
Reducing Symptoms of Digestive Disorders: certain digestive conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, develop when gut bacteria experience an imbalance. Taking probiotics can help reduce symptoms of IBS, including gas, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Treating Diarrhea: Many people experience sudden diarrhea for various reasons. However, the most common one remains a change in the bacteria present in your gut. For instance, loss of good bacteria can cause loose stools and frequent bowel movements. Probiotics can help restore a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the frequency of diarrhea.
Maintaining Gut Barrier: Gut barrier is a thin wall of cells that protect the digestive tract. While it is generally very strong, it may suffer from damage or inflammation. As a result, it allows disease-causing particles to slip into the bloodstream. Probiotic supplements can improve the stability of the gut barrier, protecting you from illnesses.

2. Improves Mental Health

While a lot of people remain unaware, the gut and the brain have a deep connection as they constantly communicate with one another. Hence, gut health can also improve brain function and mental health at the same time.

To help you understand better, think about the times you have felt stressed or anxious and felt your gut dropping at the same time. It is evident that your gut health can impact your mental health just like your mental state affects your stomach and its processes. This suggests that taking probiotics for improved gastrointestinal health can also help improve your memory and focusing abilities while improving your mood at the same time.

Reducing Stress and Improving Mood: The gut bacteria or microbiome are also responsible for producing neural messengers called neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers can affect your mood, sleep, as well as heart and bladder function. Stress and anxiety can disturb gut bacteria, affecting the number of neurotransmitters produced and their function. However, you can use probiotics for repopulating good bacteria and reducing stress levels for a better mood.
Reducing Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders: Changes in gut bacteria or microbiome are also deeply related to psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true because 95% of the feel-good neurotransmitter called serotonin is produced by gut bacteria. Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can effectively reduce symptoms of common mental health conditions.

3. Boosts Immunity

Around 70% of the body’s immune cells are also present in the gut. Taking probiotics to ensure gut health can also have many positive effects on your body’s immune system and its functions. According to studies, some specific probiotic supplements can help to improve and enhance your immune response to foreign substances and illnesses. For instance, Bifidobacteria can increase the production of T cells for the prevention of autoimmune and chronic illnesses.

Protection against Common Clinical Conditions: As probiotics enhance our immune system, they also protect us against common conditions such as viral infections like hay fever, colds, and influenza. According to research, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli reduce the severity of symptoms of seasonal colds as well as the period of time.
Speeds up Recovery from Illnesses: Oftentimes, our microbiome or gut bacteria are unbalanced in times of sickness. This is especially true in illnesses like food poisoning or stomach infections, as well as conditions that require you to take antibiotics. Taking probiotics in such times can increase the population of good bacteria to balance the microbiome.
Protection against Antibiotic Resistance: People are often prescribed antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. While these are important to fight infections effectively, they also interfere with the natural gut environment. This can eventually lead to antibiotic resistance, reducing your body’s ability to fight against other bacterial infections. In such cases, probiotics like Lactobacillus can protect against methicillin-resistant bacteria.

Bottom Line

Probiotics are living microorganisms, commonly known as good bacteria, that have numerous benefits on gut health, mental health, and the immune system. You can consume probiotics through the use of fermented foods or probiotic supplements.