Benefits of Probiotics for your Overall Health

Probiotics are good bacteria in your body, mainly in the intestines and stomach. According to studies, there is a link between this gut microbiome and overall health. Therefore, people like to include probiotic foods in their diet to improve their health and well-being.

There are several probiotic strains but the major ones are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Probiotics in India are generally available as fermented foods like kimchi, yoghurts, and probiotic supplements, such as Yakult.

Health Benefits of Probiotics

Here’s how probiotics help in maintaining Good Health:

1. Treat Diarrhoea

Some specific probiotic strains show a positive impact in treating gastroenteritis and diarrhoea, which causes inflammation of the gut lining. However, consult a doctor before having a probiotic supplement for diarrhoea. Or take yoghurt, kimchi, or other probiotic foods to improve gut health.

2. Improves Mental Health

As per certain studies, there is a connection between the central nervous system, including the brain and gut microbiota. Some researchers also state that good bacteria in the gut can improve brain functions and how one feels. It means that having probiotics can improve mental health and reduce problems like depression, anxiety, and other neurological conditions.

3. Control Cholesterol Level

Having foods containing probiotic Lactobacillus strain can decrease the low-density lipoprotein, also called bad cholesterol, in your system. But its effectiveness relies on the dose of probiotics you consume.

4. Reduce High Blood Pressure

Studies also state that some milk fermented strains of Lactobacillus can help reduce high blood pressure. Hence, these bacteria are good for preventing and curing heart conditions.

Infection

One of the common benefits of probiotics is to maintain the balance of a good microbiome in the system. Hence, it protects your body against various infections like cold, flu, etc.

Probiotic Foods

Some vital food sources that are known to contain probiotics are:

• Yoghurt
• Buttermilk
• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Soft cheese
• Nutrition bars
• Juice
• Unpasteurized sauerkraut
• Cereal
• Soy-based products like tempeh, miso, and soy beverages

Supplements

Probiotics are also available as supplements. But there is no solid evidence supporting a particular brand or type of probiotics to improve a specific condition. However, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulated probiotics for medical purposes. But probiotics are not considered to be a medication, as one is not sure what’s included in certain supplements.

Plus, it is not known how long a strain of probiotics remains active in the human body. So, one cannot ensure the effectiveness of any product or to which extent it may work.

Precautions and Risks

Probiotics are generally safe for consumption for almost everyone. However, there are some factors to consider before you increase the intake.

According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative, healthy people can have probiotics without any worries. But probiotics can cause certain risks in people with a weak immune system or health issues.

Some of its health risks include: 

• Antibiotic resistance
• Infection
• Release of harmful substances in the human body

So, it is best to consult a doctor before including supplements or probiotic food in your diet, especially if you have any health issues or weak immunity

Conclusion

Probiotics are good bacteria to boost the health of individuals. These are available as foods and supplements. However, make sure to talk to your doctor before including probiotic supplements or increasing probiotic consumption in your diet.

Also, Visit here: What Health Benefits does Yakult Provide to you?