Health benefits of probiotics
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Oct 21, 2020 • 2 min Read
Probiotic drinks, such as the ever-popular Yakult, are a staple in Filipino households. Often called “good bacteria,” probiotics are live microorganisms that promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including weight loss, digestive health, immune function, and more.
You can get probiotics from a variety of foods or supplements. Live probiotic cultures are often found in fermented dairy products such as yogurts and milk drinks. Fermented foods like pickled vegetables, kimchi, soy products, etc. may also contain some lactic acid bacteria.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of probiotics, from Healthline:
1. Probiotics Can Help Prevent and Treat Diarrhea
Probiotics can reduce the risk and severity of diarrhea from a number of different causes. Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking antibiotics. It occurs because antibiotics can negatively affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Several studies suggest probiotic use is associated with a reduced risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics can also help with other forms of diarrhea not associated with antibiotics.
2. Probiotic Supplements Improve Some Mental Health Conditions
An increasing number of studies link gut health to mood and mental health. Research shows taking probiotics may help improve symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, and memory, among others.
3. Certain Probiotic Strains Can Help Keep Your Heart Healthy
Probiotics may help keep your heart healthy by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and blood pressure.
4. Probiotics May Reduce the Severity of Certain Allergies and Eczema
Certain probiotic strains may reduce the severity of eczema in children and infants. Some probiotics may also reduce inflammatory responses in people with milk or dairy allergies.
5. Probiotics Can Help Reduce Symptoms of Certain Digestive Disorders
Probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and necrotizing enterocolitis (a fatal bowel condition that occurs in premature infants).
6. Probiotics May Help Boost Your Immune System
Probiotics may help give your immune system a boost and inhibit the growth of harmful gut bacteria. Also, some probiotics have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body. A large review found that taking probiotics reduced the likelihood and duration of respiratory infections. Another study found that taking Lactobacillus GG reduced the frequency and severity of respiratory infections by 17%. The probiotic Lactobacillus crispatus has also been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women by 50%.
7. Probiotics May Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat
Probiotics may help with weight loss through several different mechanisms. For example, some probiotics prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine, feel you fuller for longer, burn more calories, store less fat, and weight loss.
A healthy gut is a healthy body, and probiotics are a key component to achieve this. Go ready for your next meal to incorporate these friendly gut-loving bacteria.
Stay healthy and safe!
