What are the benefits of probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that may benefit human health. They are present in the human digestive system and in some foods and supplements below we will review the benefits of probiotics.
Probiotics are useful bacteria. They are found throughout the body, although people largely associate them with the stomach and intestines. As evidence of a link between the gut microbiome and overall health, interest in probiotics is growing.
People often consume probiotics in the hope of balancing the intestinal flora, also known as the gut microbiome.
There are many strains of probiotic bacteria, but the main strains are from the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium groups.
Include food sources of probiotics certain foods such as some yogurt and kimchi. Probiotic supplements are also available.
May benefit probiotics the body in several ways, such as:
Health benefits of probiotics
Promote gut microbiome health
Rebalancing to the microbiome after illness or treatment
Immune system support
Probiotics may benefit people with different health conditions. However, determining who exactly will benefit from what kind of bacteria will require further research.
Here are some ways probiotics may help maintain health.
Probiotics and diarrhea
Certain strains of probiotics have shown positive results in the treatment of diarrhea and gastroenteritis – inflammation of the intestinal lining, which can cause diarrhea.
A 2011 research concluded that probiotics may help combat various forms of diarrhea, including intermittent infectious diarrhea, acute watery diarrhea, and diarrhea due to rotavirus.
However, the effects are likely to depend on the type and dosage of the probiotics.
Probiotics and mental health
Studies have indicated a link between gut microbes and the central nervous system, including the brain. This connection is known as the gut axis.
Some scientists believe that bacteria in the intestine can affect the nervous system and the way people think and feel.
The results suggest that probiotics could one day support the treatment of mental and psychological health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and possibly some neurological conditions as well.
Probiotics and high cholesterol
A 2017 review concluded that eating foods that contain Lactobacillus probiotics can reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol.
In 2018, the authors of “dimensional analysis” also considered the effect of probiotics on total cholesterol.
After studying the data of nearly 2, 000 people, the researchers concluded that probiotic supplements can significantly reduce total cholesterol levels in the blood.
However, the effectiveness may depend on the type and dosage of the supplement. Further studies are needed to confirm the results and clarify which probiotics will be useful.
Probiotics and high blood pressure
One review found that milk fermented with Lactobacillus strains may help lower blood pressure.
The audit showed also that the intake of probiotics can lead to increased levels of vitamin D – which helps prevent high blood pressure.
If further research confirms that probiotics can help manage blood pressure, these bacteria may one day play a role in the treatment and Prevention of heart disease.
Probiotics and irritable or inflammatory colon
There is evidence that probiotics may help treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A 2019 Research concluded that a multi-strain probiotic may improve IBS symptoms.
The researchers called for further investigations about whether strains of the bacterium Akkermansia and Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium can play a role in future treatments.