There are millions of bacteria residing inside our gut. Although bacteria have a terrible name for causing germs and diseases, not all bacteria are harmful. Some are good bacteria that ensure your body’s proper functioning and fight off infections and other harmful bacteria. For example, probiotics are “friendly” or “good bacteria” that help promote healthy gut balance and immune function. They have also been linked to various health benefits such as gut health, digestive health, weight loss, etc.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are good bacteria. They are live bacteria and yeasts that have immense benefits for a person’s health. They can be found inside the gut and are one of the key factors in keeping your it healthy. Probiotics help keep your body healthy, increase your body’s immunity and fight off harmful bacteria in your body that cause diseases and illnesses. While probiotics are naturally found in the human body, they are also present in certain foods you must take to maintain a healthy gut.
Why do you Need Probiotics?
The primary role of prebiotics is to maintain a healthy gut. However, our gut flora sometimes topples out of balance due to several factors like poor diet, unhygienic habits, infections, constant traveling and strain on your gut, or illnesses like diarrhea. In such scenarios, the balance of good and harmful bacteria decreases, and the bad bacteria take over your gut, causing diseases, inflammation, and illnesses.
It is when you need digestive probiotics to help restore the balance in your gut. When you consume foods rich in probiotics, the healthy bacteria in your gut increase in number and become capable of fighting off the bad bacteria.
Apart from this, bacteria also help in the following functions:
– Digestion of food
– Keeping bad bacteria in check
– Breaking down and absorbing medications
– Creating vitamins
– Supporting the cells lining your gut that prevent bad bacteria from entering your blood
While there are various kinds of bacteria that can be considered probiotics, there are two types that are commonly used as probiotics and can be found in stores:
– Lactobacillus
– Bifidobacterium
Probiotics are also made of good yeast, the most common of which is Saccharomyces Boulardii.
What are the Benefits of Probiotics?
Different bacteria strains have different effects on the body. The same is the case with probiotics or good bacteria. So, while one type of probiotic or bacteria strain might fight oral health problems, another might be useful for immune health.
However, several essential benefits of probiotics should not be missed:
– Helps balancing the good bacteria in the gut
When the gut goes out of balance, the ratio of bad bacteria to good bacteria has increased, leading to several illnesses in the body. Probiotics may help restore the natural balance of the gut for the smooth and healthy functioning of the body.
– May support to get rid of diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by taking antibiotics or infections. Probiotics may help fight different forms of diarrhea and shorten their course, especially in children. However, the effectiveness of the treatment will vary depending on the type and dosage of probiotics taken.
– May improve mental health conditions
Gut health is said to be directly linked to mental health. Certain studies have noted that probiotics may support mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, memory lapses, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and autism.
– Cholesterol management and supports heart health
Probiotics is said to reduce the bad cholesterol in your body and boost the good cholesterol by breaking down the bile in your gut. Moreover, it is also said to lower blood pressure. These measures help in keeping the heart healthy.
-For inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
Probiotics may ease symptoms of IBS such as bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation and sometimes also keep Crohn’s disease from worsening or relapsing.
– Boost the immune system
When the ratio of good to harmful bacteria in the body increases, it automatically increases your immunity and makes your body well-equipped to fight several diseases and illnesses.
Apart from these key benefits, probiotics have may also be beneficial for:
– Ulcerative colitis
– H. pylori (the reason ulcers are formed)
– Urinary tract infections
– Vaginal infections
– Digestive tract infections
– Eczema in kids
– Relapse of bladder cancer
– Lactose intolerance
– Stomach and respiratory infections
– Allergies
– Asthma
– Chronic fatigue syndrome
– Gum disease
– Constipation
– Sepsis
How are Probiotics Different from Prebiotics?
Even though probiotics and prebiotics sound similar, there’s a marked difference between the two. Probiotics are good bacteria inside our gut, whereas prebiotics are foods for these good bacteria. However, they are both equally crucial for our overall health. For more Information https://technewshunt.com/
Which Foods have Probiotics and Prebiotics?
Probiotics are present in certain fermented foods and provide various health benefits.
Prebiotics come from indigestible fiber eaten by the good bacteria inside the gut.
Consuming a balance of both probiotics and prebiotics may help maintain healthy gut flora and its natural balance.
Are there Any Side Effects of Probiotics?
Probiotics are by and large considered to be safe for consumption as they are also naturally available in your body. However, there are certain risks and precautions one must be aware of before consuming probiotics.
Probiotics may be risky for people with compromised immune systems. They may cause symptoms like allergies, mild stomach problems, infections, antibiotic resistance, or the release of toxic substances in the body.
It is sensible to consult your doctor before taking probiotic supplements or adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet, especially if you are expecting or have any medical condition.
Conclusion
In summation, probiotics are the good bacteria in your body that keep your gut flora healthy. There are several health benefits of taking probiotics. However, in people with certain medical conditions and compromised immune health, probiotics can have a negative impact. Therefore, it is prudent to consult your doctor to understand which probiotics are best suited for you.Probiotics now a days are easily available at good online pharmacies like Safe health 247