There are many ways to maintain a healthy gut. Probiotic-rich foods are one of them. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics describes probiotics as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” This means that probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that boost your overall health.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the most common bacteria used as probiotics belong to groups called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which live in your gut, helping with digestion and immune function. They're found in yoghurt and other fermented foods and are also sold as probiotic supplements. While you must now be aware of what probiotics are, let’s take a deeper look at how they benefit your body.
Improved Digestion
Probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, work by breaking down food by assisting the production of digestive enzymes. By contributing to a healthy gut lining, they also prevent leaks and ensure your body can efficiently absorb vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds from your diet. Doing so maintains the natural environment of the digestive system and keeps digestive disorders and symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain at bay.
Helps Manage Gastrointestinal Conditions
Research suggests probiotics can help with various gut problems, like inflammation and lactose intolerance. They may also reduce the risk of gastrointestinal conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as per a study published in the journal Nutrients.
Strengthened Immune System
According to the NCCIH, probiotics can influence your body’s immune response. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, probiotics are believed to help create a healthy gut barrier that, in turn, prevents harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream.
However, some studies suggest children and people with compromised immunity should avoid using probiotics, as it may increase their risk of infection. The health body highlights, “Cases of severe or fatal infections have been reported in premature infants who were given probiotics, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned health care providers about this risk.”
Also Read: Fermented Foods May Improve Digestive Health But It Isn't For Everyone; Who Should Avoid It
Brain Health
Emphasising the relationship between the gut and the brain, Harvard Health Publishing notes that probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function and lower stress and anxiety.
In fact, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that after 12 weeks of having probiotic drinks, Alzheimer's patients showed improvement in memory and scored higher on a mental test compared to a milk drink. It was also found that the probiotic drink also improved markers of inflammation and insulin resistance in the blood.
Benefits For The Skin
According to research, probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium might be helpful for your skin. Researchers believe that they work by calming your gut and repairing any noticeable damage, which, in turn, can influence skin health. Probiotics may help with various skin issues by reducing inflammation, evening out pigmentation, and boosting collagen production. They might even help with wound healing and signs of ageing.