The human digestive tract contains both good and bad bacteria. These two types of bacteria are usually in balance, but sometimes the number or type of these bacteria changes dramatically, resulting in many health problems. Probiotics are supplements that contain live organisms that help restore this balance by reintroducing healthy gut flora. Probiotic supplements are beneficial in a variety of ways, including:
1. Reducing Diarrhea
Probiotics supplements reduce diarrhea by restoring good flora. When the number of good bacteria declines, it can result in an imbalance that causes diarrhea. The overuse of antibiotics is a common cause of developing diarrhea because it kills both good and bad bacteria resulting in an imbalance. Probiotic supplementation can help to restore balance and reduce or even eliminate diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
2. Reducing Constipation
When a person doesn't have enough healthy gut bacteria, food moves through the digestive tract too quickly, resulting in constipation. Probiotic supplements also aid in treating and preventing constipation by increasing the number of bowel movements and improving stool consistency.
3. Minimize the Symptoms Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Some studies have shown that probiotic capsules may reduce or eliminate IBS symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Some studies have also shown that probiotics help reduce IBD and Crohn's disease symptoms by restoring balance in the intestinal flora.
4. Decreased Lactose Intolerance
Probiotics supplements also aid in reducing lactose intolerance symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain. Probiotic capsules contain beneficial bacteria that digest dairy products that cause these painful symptoms. One study found that probiotic supplementation helped to reduce lactose intolerance symptoms in adults by 50%.
5. Probiotics and Respiratory illnesses
Some studies have shown that probiotic supplements may help prevent and treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. \Probiotics contain beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which boost immunity. Additionally, some healthy strains of bacteria produce antimicrobial substances that help fight the harmful bacteria responsible for respiratory infections. Some studies have also shown that supplementation with probiotics during pregnancy may help to reduce the baby's risk of developing allergies in infancy.
6. Increase nutrient absorption
Probiotics have also been shown to increase nutrient absorption, which has many positive implications. These include increased energy levels and improved moods. The beneficial gut flora breaks down food into usable nutrients, making them available when you need them most.
7. Improving mental health and mood
Probiotics have also been proven to help improve memory, concentration, and emotional well-being. The gut contains the majority of serotonin receptors in the body, which control our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Probiotic supplementation has been found to increase the number of good bacteria that break down food into nutrients. Also, probiotics decrease the harmful bacteria that cause damage to the intestinal lining, resulting in improved moods and mental health. Healthy gut flora helps produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA that improve moods.
8. Minimizing cancer risks
Probiotics have also been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers such as bladder, breast, colon, and prostate. Probiotics help fight infections that may lead to these types of cancers. Probiotics supplements aid in reducing or protecting against allergies.
9. Increase fertility
Probiotics have also been shown to increase fertility rates in women by increasing blood flow, which is vital for implantation and fertilization when trying to conceive. More good bacteria means more nutrient absorption resulting in increased energy levels and improved moods, which is beneficial when trying to conceive.
10. Improving Immune System Function
These benefits have increased the demand for probiotic supplements, resulting in a dramatic rise in their overall popularity over the past several years. Some of these products are available as food items. Most are found in pharmacies and health stores.