Probiotics are referred to as “healthy bacteria” that help in supporting healthy digestion and offer a number of other health benefits. They are basically live microorganisms that you can consume through yogurt and other fermented foods, as well as supplements. According to experts, there is a link between the balance or imbalance of bacteria in the digestive system and overall health and disease. Probiotics are known to promote the healthy balance of gut bacteria and offer benefits for immune function, digestive health, weight loss, and much more.
Probiotics and Their Health Benefits
The best probiotics in the market offer a wide range of health benefits, including:
Keeps the Heart Healthy
Probiotics may help with heart health as they are known to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure. Certain bacteria that produce lactic acid can break down bile in the gut, and this, in turn, can reduce cholesterol. Bile is a naturally-occurring fluid that is mostly made of cholesterol that aids in digestion. Probiotics break down bile and prevent the gut from reabsorbing it.
Boosts the Immune System
Probiotics can help in boosting your immune system and protecting your body against infections. The probiotic called Lactobacillus crispatus has been shown to reduce the risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections) in women. There also has been research that suggests that taking probiotics can lower the risk and duration of respiratory infections.
Prevents and Treats Diarrhea
As mentioned earlier, probiotics are known to help the digestive system in many ways. One of those ways is preventing diarrhea and reducing its severity. Taking antibiotics comes with many side effects, and diarrhea is one of them, as these medications can have an effect on the balance of good and bad bacteria. Probiotics can also help with diarrhea that is not associated with the intake of antibiotics.
Other benefits
Other benefits of probiotics include improving some mental health issues like anxiety, depression, etc., reducing the severity of eczema and certain allergies, etc. They are also known to aid in healthy weight loss. The best probiotics can provide you with a wide range of health benefits, making them a great addition to your daily diet.
However, before taking any probiotic supplement, you should consult your physician to ensure that they are safe for you. Your doctor is the right person to give you advice and recommendations on which supplement to take based on your needs. Once you have found the right probiotic supplement, you can rest easy knowing that you will be gaining all of the benefits it has to offer.