The use of health supplements has increased in today’s times. One can find different kinds of supplements, and one of them is probiotics. While probiotics are readily available online and in local pharmacies, it is best to ask your doctor if you really need them. Lately, there has been a rise in the use of probiotics, and the reason behind it is their numerous health benefits.
In this blog post, we will share the benefits of probiotics and how they can help you maintain optimal health and well-being. Ready to know more? Then let’s begin!
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microbes essential to maintaining overall health and well-being. These include good bacteria and yeast and can be obtained through fermented food and supplements.
Although our bodies, including the stomach and intestines, have a fair balance of good and bad bacteria, there are times when this balance goes off the beat. In such situations, taking probiotics can help restore the healthy balance of friendly microorganisms in the gut and improve overall health.
Benefits of Probiotics for Men and Women
Many think probiotics are only beneficial for the gut. However, the fact is that the benefits of probiotics can extend far beyond your gut. Let us have a look at the different ways in which probiotic use can improve your health:
Maintain a Balance of Gut-Friendly Bacteria
Your digestive system (stomach and intestines) is home to different bacteria and other microorganisms. Some of them are beneficial for health; others are not. Normally, your body maintains a balance of good and bad bacteria. However, when there is an imbalance, for instance, when you are sick or taking antibiotics, you may experience digestive issues and other associated problems. Taking probiotics can bring back the lost balance of good bacteria in your gut and reduce the effects of imbalance.
Diarrhoea Treatment and Prevention
Probiotics are frequently used for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. As antibiotics can reduce good bacteria in your gut and result in loose motions, taking probiotics like Enterogermina capsules along with antibiotics can either prevent or reduce the severity of diarrhoea. In addition to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, probiotics can also help with diarrhoea caused by other reasons.
Improve Your Mental Health
Taking probiotics can also improve your mental health and help manage anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism. There are quite a few human studies supporting the fact that probiotics can reduce the symptoms of mood and mental disorders.
May Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, commonly known as bad cholesterol, can negatively impact heart health. When taken in appropriate doses, probiotics may help lower the level of LDL cholesterol in the body and improve heart health. In addition, probiotics containing strains of Lactobacillus may also help in lowering high blood pressure.
May Help with Skin Conditions
Certain probiotics are believed to be beneficial for reducing the severity of skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. They probably work by reducing the body’s inflammatory response that is triggered in these conditions. However, studies are limited, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of probiotics for managing these skin conditions.
May Promote Weight Loss
There is little research that indicates that probiotics may be helpful in promoting weight loss and bringing a reduction in belly fat. They are likely to do this by not allowing fat absorption through the intestines and encouraging its excretion out of the body through faeces.
May Ease Respiratory Infections
Probiotics may also help in easing respiratory infections. People with asthma may benefit from the use of probiotics too. A few old studies are pointing in this direction; however, more research is needed to confirm the same.
Help with Digestive Disorders
The use of probiotics in treating digestive disorders is also studied by researchers. Initial research suggests these might be helpful in relieving the symptoms of disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
May Help with Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections
One of the benefits of probiotics for women is their potential use in the treatment and prevention of vaginal infections and urinary tract infections. Both conditions can be quite troublesome for women, and so it is possible to find probiotic brands claiming their effectiveness in managing these conditions. However, there is not enough evidence to support these claims.
Are There Any Side Effects of Probiotics?
Although probiotics are considered safe for most people, some may experience the following side effects initially, which usually get better after a few days:
- Stomach upset
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
However, people with serious health conditions and compromised immune systems must not use probiotics without a doctor’s consent, as they may develop resistance to antibiotics and infections.
How to Get Your Daily Dose of Probiotics?
Looking at the advantages of probiotics, you might want to add them to your diet. There are two ways to get your daily dose of probiotics. One is through the consumption of probiotic foods, and the other is by taking a probiotic supplement.
Examples of probiotic foods include:
- Yoghurt
- Buttermilk
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Paneer
- Kanji
Probiotic supplements are also a popular choice to maintain a healthy gut flora. The recommended daily intake ranges from 1-20 billion CFUs and is taken once or twice every day. It is better to ask your doctor which probiotic you must use and in what dose to ensure safety.
Bottom Line
Probiotics have become a popular name in the world of dietary supplements. And why not? The potential benefits of probiotics look quite promising for ensuring health and well-being. Most healthy individuals can take probiotics, but people with weak immune systems and serious health conditions must exercise caution.
If you plan to include a probiotic in your diet, speak with your doctor and ask for a suggestion. You will get proper advice on which probiotic will be best for you, as not all strains of probiotics work well for every health condition.
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