11 Surprising Health Benefits of Probiotics

Stephy Gandhi

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11 Surprising Health Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotic is credited to the Russian Scientist “Elie Metchnikoff.” In simple words, probiotics and probiotic foods are good microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) consumed to get health benefits by improving gut flora. WHO defines “probiotics as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” This article expounds on the excellent health benefits of probiotics to the body.

Probiotics are not drugs but super-potent probiotics we get through prescription. As such probiotics do not help treat any health-related conditions, but it helps restore the balance between good and bad bacteria to improve the gut flora. Probiotics complement a healthy life with exercise, hygienic and nutritious food, clean water, adequate sleep.

Health Benefits Of Probiotics

1. Probiotics Help With Diarrhoea

Probiotics Help With Diarrhoea
Source: Healthline

Diarrhea is the side effect of antibiotics treatment. Probiotics help to treat traveler’s diarrhea, other forms of diarrhea not associated with antibiotics. Probiotics do this by improving the gut microbiome and restoring the gut flora. They are often prescribed in case of unresolved diarrhea. Strains of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Casei are generally used to reduce the risk of diarrhea.

2. Probiotics Freshen Your Breath

Probiotics Freshen Your Breath
Source: Smile Direct Club

Probiotics freshen your breath by improving overall oral hygiene. Bad breath or halitosis occurs due to a bad microbiome in the mouth. Studies show that certain probiotics like streptococcus salivary K12 help prevent bad breath that might cause bacteria.

3. Probiotics Boost Immune Power

Probiotics Boost Immune Power
Source: Nutralngredients.com

A strong immunity of the body fights harmful infections and disease-causing agents. And probiotics help the body achieve that immunity. Probiotics help by increasing natural antibodies’ production and increase immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells. They help fight against certain infections.

4. Probiotics Treat Digestive Disorders

Probiotics Treat Digestive Disorders
Source: Nordic Naturals

Probiotics are the popular choice of people suffering from digestive problems. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains help treat mild ulcerative colitis symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease. These strains are as effective as drugs. Thus, they help in restoring gut health to a large extent.

5. Probiotics Increase Nutrient Absorption

Probiotics Increase Nutrient Absorption
Source: Medical News Today

No matter how nutritious food you eat, you will not benefit if your digestive system does not contain good bacteria. When the food is ingested, the food particles are broken down by enzymes and bacteria into tiny molecules. But an inadequate amount of good bacteria causes malabsorption of nutrients. Thus, doctors recommend having probiotics daily in your diet to get better from the food.

6. Probiotics Support Weight Management

Probiotics Support Weight Management
Source: Bicycling

Having excess weight gain is a common problem faced by people. But probiotics can help tackle your issue. Having a healthy gut flora improves metabolism and, thus, balances the body’s weight. For example, some probiotics prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine, which excretes through feces and manages the weight.

7. Probiotics Make Skin Healthy And Glowing

Probiotics Make Skin Healthy And Glowing
Source: SelfHacked

Skin is the largest organ of our body, and it protects our body from external threats. Most skin problems occur due to hormonal and nutritional imbalances as of deprived gut flora. Probiotics help improve the absorption of nutrients; thus, making the skin healthy and glow.

8. Probiotics Relieve Constipation

Probiotics Relieve Constipation
Source: Healthline

Doctors recommend probiotics to relieve constipation. Constipation is the primary cause of all diseases. Due to dehydration and lack of dietary fiber in the daily diet or some ongoing medications, abdominal bloating and pain result. One can overcome constipation by including fibrous vegetables in the routine diet. Including dietary fiber will solve your constipation problem.

9. Probiotics Prevent Yeast Infection

Probiotics Prevent Yeast Infection
Source: Healthline

Candida Albicans is the most common yeast infection. It causes the itching and reddening of the skin. When it comes to a vaginal infection, it causes cottage cheese-like discharge in addition to itching and burning symptoms. Conventional treatment for yeast infection is antifungal medications. Sometimes, yeast infections become resistant to antifungal therapy. Thus, combination treatment is prescribed whenever required.

10. Probiotics Improve Mental Health

Probiotics Improve Mental Health
Source: Healthline

Probiotics seem to help depression and anxiety symptoms in a person. Mental health problems are linked to gut health. In clinical trials, it was proved that Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus supplements help treat anxiety, autism, depression, etc., and improve a person’s mental conditions.

11. Probiotics Keep Heart Healthy

Probiotics Keep Heart Healthy
Source: BBC Good Food

Probiotics have positive effects on the heart. Probiotics help by breaking down bile in the gut. It contains cholesterol, which helps in digestion, thus, preventing reabsorption of cholesterol in the gut and entering the bloodstream. Therefore, probiotics help by lowering down bad cholesterol and blood pressure.

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