Normally, when we hear about live bacteria, we may feel a little squeamish about it, especially if it is in our body. The only time this is a good thing is when it is in probiotics or yogurt, for example. These are good bacteria that we need. These live microorganisms are in fermented foods or supplements that we sometimes consume. The proper balance of these bacteria is essential for optimal health, especially in our digestive tract.
This balance offers health benefits, including weight loss and proper immune function. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of taking probiotics.
1. Proper Balance Of Digestive System
You may have heard about good and bad cholesterol. Well, there is such a thing as good bacteria as well. This can be delivered by taking probiotics. By taking probiotics, it can help a person to restore the proper balance of gut bacteria.
If there is too much of bad bacteria, then we get ill. Illness can also cause more bad bacteria, as can certain medications and a poor diet. While they are generally considered safe for most people, it is still best to see a doctor before you start taking anything.
2. It Can Help Treat Diarrhea
If you take probiotics, it can not only help prevent diarrhea, but if you do get it, it can help as part of the treatment by reducing the severity of it. Sometimes, we get diarrhea as a result of taking antibiotics.
It can also occur because of other reasons. It is thought that if someone takes probiotics, then the possibility of getting diarrhea from antibiotics is dramatically reduced. It also reduces this risk from other causes of diarrhea. If someone does get it, then the recovery is much faster.
3. Probiotics & Mental Health
Though it may sound strange to associate mental health and the gut, there is some evidence to suggest that taking probiotics can reduce anxiety, depression, stress and other mental health conditions. This does not mean one should take it to treat this. It just means that taking it can make things a little better than if it were not taken. It can also help improve a person’s memory.
4. Improve Heart Health
Probiotics may also help lower your LDL or bad cholesterol, as well as lower your blood pressure. Several studies have shown that taking a probiotic yogurt for several weeks can reduce your LDL cholesterol. Even if the reduction of bad cholesterol and blood pressure is minimal, it would still be helpful overall.
If someone is being treated for such problems, then taking probiotics can play a part in further improving their situation.
5. Boost Immune System
Taking probiotics can help to boost your immune system. It can also reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. It is also thought that it can help to boost some other immune cells.
Taking probiotics can help to lose some belly fat. It can help you burn more calories and thus, store less fat. It can also help you to feel more full and for a longer period. You can get probiotics as supplements or from certain foods. They can also be found in powdered form. Make sure to speak to your doctor and incorporate probiotics in your diet to gain the best benefits.