Probiotics are friendly microorganisms found in fermented foods or supplements. Studies reveal that the imbalances of bacteria in our digestive system is what causes diseases and makes our health deteriorate.
Probiotics are known to balance the gut bacteria which is linked to lots of health benefits tied to weight loss, digestive health, and immune function. That said, everyone should take probiotics to improve their overall health and well-being. Here are the 8 benefits of probiotic health:
Balances Bacteria in the Digestive System
Since probiotics are “good bacteria” they provide lots of health benefits to humans and animals. The benefits result from their ability to restore the balance of gut bacteria. When they are imbalances in your body, it means one has too many bad bacteria. The cause of bad bacteria, poor diet, illness, antibiotics which lead to allergies, digestive issues, and other health problems. That said, the best probiotics NZ can be found in foods or supplements.
Treats and Prevents diarrhoea
Probiotics are known to prevent diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a side effect you experience when you take antibiotics. And antibiotics cause imbalances of bacteria in the gut. Recent studies show that when one takes probiotics they reduce the risk associated with antibiotics like diarrhoea.
Researchers from the National Institute of Health found that taking probiotics reduces diarrhoea by 42%. Most importantly, it can also help with other forms of diarrhoea that are not associated with antibiotics.
In another study, it was found that certain strains of probiotics also reduce the duration of infections. What’s more, it also reduces diarrhoea when travelling by 8%. The effectiveness of probiotics varies depending on their type of and dose. If you want a strain that reduces the onset of diarrhoea, you can try Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.
Improves Mental Conditions
Gut health is linked to mood and mental health according to some studies. Both animal and human studies show that probiotic improves mental health disorders. A study from the National Library of Medicine states that supplementing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains for 2 months improves depression, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and memory.
Another study found that chemical workers who consumed probiotic yoghurt per day improved their health, reduced depression, stress, and anxiety. The same benefits were also experienced with patients who had depression.
In other words, taking probiotic supplements is associated with decreased depression levels and inflammation in the body.
Lowers LDL in The Body
Probiotics can reduce your blood pressure and low LDL(bad) cholesterol. Not all probiotics can do this but those that have lactic-producing bacteria. Bile is made of cholesterol which helps in digestion. When probiotics break down bile, it is reabsorbed in the gut, where it enters the blood as cholesterol.
A study from the National Institute of Health shows that taking probiotic yoghurt for 8 weeks will reduce the cholesterol by 4% and LDL by 5%. Another study also found that if you consume probiotics, your blood pressure reduces slowly. That said, if you want to reap any benefits from probiotics you have to take more than 8 weeks.
