Probiotics are live bacteria that you consume for health benefits, especially for your digestive system. Often, these are misunderstood by all of us as germs that cause diseases. Our human body is infused with full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are termed as “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep our gut healthy.
These are “microbiome,” which means trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, that inhabit each part of our body and skin. The microbiome can have profound implications for a variety of health conditions—which is where Probiotics come in.
Why do we need Probiotics?
Our lower intestinal tract contains microbes which will take care of the digestive process; they also help us by not allowing the harmful bacteria inside the tract, and regulate the immune system. However, at times, due imbalance of microbes, many health problems are triggered.
Whenever the gut becomes unhealthy, with certain levels of bacteria, probiotics play a vital role in restoring the balance.
Health Benefits of Probiotics:
Studies conducted by many Doctors have shown extremely positive results by the consumption of these bacteria.
Some of the benefits of probiotics that have been seen during the research studies for the prevention or in the treatment of the following conditions:
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Body weight:
It helps in the reduction of calorie intake, increased a sense of satiety, less appetite and eventually leading to weight loss.
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Psyche:
It reduces the levels of depression and anxiety and improves our mood.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
The alleviation of symptoms such as stomach aches, diarrhea, bloating and an improved microbiome composition.
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Cardiovascular Diseases:
It has proved that it helps in reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes type II, lower blood lipids, decreased inflammatory markers.
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Immune System
It lowers the risk of infection with respiratory diseases.
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Allergies:
It increases the quality of life and prevents us from hay fever, Asthma, and food allergy.
Probiotics and your Heart:
Probiotics are well known to help boost your heart health. It is because of the fact that probiotics lower the level of LDL or bad cholesterol and also control your blood pressure.
Probiotics and Mental Health
Probiotics are said to be beneficial in mental health conditions is because your gut health has a direct link to your mental health and your mood. Several studies have proved that if your gut bacteria are balanced, then it can improve many types of mental health disorders. Even Probiotic supplements can help in mental health conditions.
Probiotics And Skin
Probiotics have been linked to anti-aging effects, including skin improvements. You’ve probably heard of spa treatments like putting yogurt directly on the skin. But a study showed that taking probiotics orally can help protect the skin from the sun and help promote the quality of your skin and hair.
Probiotic-Rich Foods:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Pickles
- Buttermilk
- Cheese
- Garlic
- Tomato
- Leeks
- Chicory
- Bananas
- Berries
- Oatmeal
- Legumes
- Lentils
- Barley
- Onions