Did you know that your body contains more bacteria than body cells? Well, the truth is that the ratio of body cells to that of bacteria in your body is 1:10. Most of these bacteria reside in your gut and are quite harmless.
In fact, research shows that having the right gut bacteria can result in a wide range of health benefits including enhancing immune function, improved digestion, healthier skin, and even weight loss. Probiotics are a common type of bacteria that reside in the gut region and offer various health benefits.
You can boost the number of probiotics in your body by taking supplements or consuming probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and tempeh.
How Do Probiotics Work?
To help you comprehend how these useful microorganisms work, you need to know a few details about your stomach’s landscape. The Harvard Health Publication reports that your lower gastrointestinal tract is home to millions of microbes that help in digesting food and fighting harmful bacteria.
Your bacteria are much more like your fingerprints; they are unique to you. Despite the different species, medical scientists say that these bacteria co-exist helping to maintain your digestive system in great condition.
However, some of the gastrointestinal microbes can be crashed by illness, stress or even the strong antibiotics that you may take to relieve other illnesses.
That is the primary reason why some medical experts believe that consuming probiotics- either in supplement or food form- can help maintain or improve your health. Probiotics are good bacteria that help fight against the harmful bacteria in your digestive system.
Types of Probiotics
Many different types of bacteria are classified as probiotics. Each one of them offers specific health benefits, but most of them come from two main groups. Make sure that you consult your doctor to determine which one is good for you.
- Lactobacillus: This is perhaps the most common type of probiotics. It is the one that you will find in fermented foods and some supplements. Different strains of Lactobacillus can help with diarrhea and may also help individuals who can’t digest sugar and lactose in milk.
- Bifidobacterium: You can find this type of probiotics in a wide range of dairy products. Bifidobacterium helps to ease severe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Impact of Probiotics on Weight Loss
People who are struggling with obesity usually have different gut bacteria compared to those who are lean. Research conducted in animals has shown that fecal transplants from normal weight animals can cause obese animals to lose a substantial amount of weight.
Medical scientists believe that some probiotic strains aid this weight loss. There is also some evidence which suggests that probiotics can assist with obesity prevention and general weight loss in human beings.
Other Health Benefits of Probiotics
Apart from improving the overall health of your digestive system and helping with weight loss, probiotics can also help reduce systemic inflammation which is a major cause of many health complications.
Scientific research has also proved that these bacteria can alleviate signs of depression and anxiety in individuals with clinical depression. There is also evidence that links probiotics to improved skin health, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol.
Dosing and Side Effects
First, it is good to note that probiotics are generally safe since they have no known side effects. However, people who are being treated for cancer or have an immune deficiency shouldn’t take probiotic supplements.
Dietary supplements tend to be more effective when it comes to increasing your probiotics intake. Over-the-counter supplements contain freeze-dried bacteria that come to life once it enters into a human digestive system.
You can find most of these supplements in supermarkets and drug stores as tablets or capsules. If you decide to go for an over-the-counter probiotic supplement, make sure that you get one that is helpful for your condition.
Always remember the fact that not all probiotics are the same. To find the right supplement for you, look at the number of strains in the formulation, the potency, and whether a delivery system exists.
Without a proper delivery system, the bacteria may easily be destroyed in your stomach as a result of the harsh acidic environment.
Summary
While probiotics can help with various digestive illness and other health complications, lack of proper regulation means that you need to be extra careful while choosing your supplements. Understand the fact that different products offer different solutions.
Therefore, before you start using any probiotic supplements, be sure to consult a professional doctor who will guide you on what to use and avoid.
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Hi, my name is Sopo Yung. I share natural health remedies and strategies to guide you to a healthier natural lifestyle –My passion and mission are to help you enjoy a fulfilled healthy life.
