12 advantages of probiotics

These are the primary advantages of probiotics:

1. Boosting immunological function

Probiotics encourage a rise in immunoglobulin and lymphocyte levels, which inhibits the emergence of inflammatory and infectious disorders. This helps to modify the immune response at the level of the intestinal mucosa and throughout the body.

In addition, probiotics might be beneficial in conditions like using baby formula, taking antibiotics, becoming older, having gastrointestinal disorders, and stress that can affect intestinal balance and lower immunity.

2. Prevent and cure diarrheal illness

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Some kinds of acute and infectious diarrhea brought on by viruses or bacteria, such rotavirus or Salmonella sp., may be prevented and treated with probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis. It is crucial to emphasize that, while treating acute diarrhea, prebiotic treatment must be used in conjunction with oral rehydration salts.

Since antibiotics may affect the intestinal flora and promote a rise in harmful bacteria, diarrhea sometimes may also be a side effect of antibiotic therapy. Consequently, using probiotics may be helpful in both treating and preventing this kind of diarrhea.

3. Treat gastrointestinal illnesses

Probiotics have the ability to combat the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which has been related to stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, and gastritis. Therefore, probiotic use may be advised in the treatment and prevention of various illnesses, easing symptoms and stopping the spread of the illness.

4. Avoid colon cancer.

By modifying the gut flora and causing a drop in the levels of carcinogens, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may delay the onset of colon cancer.

Prebiotic foods, such as oats, rye, barley, chicory root, honey, garlic, and bananas, are vital to include in your daily diet if you want the anti-cancer effects of probiotics to be as effective as possible. Prebiotic foods function as "food" for the beneficial bacteria present in the gut.

5. Provide bowel relief

The intestinal microbiota can be affected by a variety of probiotic microorganisms, such as L. reuteri, L.  casei Shirota, among others, which act by stimulating bowel movements, improving stool consistency, reducing abdominal pain, and preventing the development of diverticulitis and hemorrhoids.

6. Identify and address allergies

As they serve to lessen the inflammatory response generated in the body, probiotic bacteria in the gut flora may help prevent and cure several allergies, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergies to dust mites, for example. However, the kind of microbe taken and how it is combined with different prebiotics contained in meals may affect how effective probiotics are against allergies.

Prebiotics should always be taken under the advice of a gynecologist or obstetrician because they help prevent the development of various allergic diseases in the baby, such as cow's milk allergy, eczema, and atopic dermatitis. Prebiotics can also have a significant impact on breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women.

7. Address intestinal conditions

Probiotics like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may be used to treat gastrointestinal conditions including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome because they assist to lessen symptoms and regulate intestinal inflammation.


8. Guard your cardiovascular system

Consuming probiotic-containing products on a regular basis can improve heart health because they help to lower dietary fat absorption, lower LDL cholesterol levels (also known as "bad cholesterol"), and raise HDL levels (also known as "good cholesterol"), which helps to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.


9. Guard against urethral tract infections

Probiotics may be administered orally or vaginally to help restore vaginal flora and lower the risk of disorders of the urinary system, including infections brought on by the bacterium Escherichia coli, for instance.

Probiotics may also guard against vaginitis brought on by bacteria or yeast, using antibiotics, or a woman's hormonal fluctuations.


10. Guard against respiratory illnesses

Probiotics are helpful in avoiding several respiratory disorders, such as sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, particularly in infants and adults with weakened immune systems. They do this by increasing the activity of alveolar macrophages, which attack on infectious pathogens found in the respiratory tract.


11. Increase tolerance to lactose

The enzyme beta-galactosidase, which affects lactose digestion, is released by probiotic microbes when they are detected in the colon. As a result, those who are intolerant to this carbohydrate do not experience symptoms like flatulence, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea after ingesting milk.


12. Boost mental well-being

According to several research, yogurt and probiotic supplements containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli may help treat various diseases including autism and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as mood, anxiety, and sadness.

taking probioticsThere are two major methods to consume probiotics: one is by increasing the intake of foods that naturally contain probiotics, such yogurt or kefir, and the other is by using probiotic pills.

1. Organic probiotic food

Several foods contain a lot of natural probiotics:

The best and simplest source of probiotics on the market is natural yogurt, while there are flavored varieties as well that maintain the good bacteria;

Kefir is a yogurt-like product that is fermented with yeast and bacteria; nevertheless, it contains more probiotics than yogurt. additional info about kefir;

Fermented milk: these unique items, of which Yakult is the most well-known, often have Lactobacillus added by the business;

A fermented beverage mostly prepared from black tea called kombucha;

Asian goods, legumes, and produce, including Miso, Natto, Kimchi, and Tempeh, which are sold at specialty shops;

Fresh cabbage or kale leaves are fermented to make sauerkraut;

Pickles are prepared by soaking cucumbers in salted water and allowing the mixture to ferment;

Natural yeast is a culture made up of yeasts and bacteria that are found in nature and may be used to prepare a variety of foods, including breads, pies, and cakes.

Some cheeses may also include live cultures of microorganisms with probiotic benefits in addition to these meals, therefore it's crucial to check the nutritional label to make sure bacteria are present.

It is advised to ingest at least 1 dietary source of probiotics per day to maintain healthy flora, particularly during and after the use of antibiotics, which also end up killing good intestinal flora.


2. Supplements and pills with probiotics


Probiotics may also be taken as dietary supplements in the form of capsules, liquids, or sachets. These must be diluted with water or natural juices before consumption. Examples include PB8, Simfort, Simcaps, Real Kefir, and Floratil, which are available at pharmacies and retailers that sell nutritional supplements.

Between 1 and 10 distinct kinds of probiotics are included in a variety of supplements. Typically, the most significant ones are:

Bifidobacterium animalis: aids in digestion, fights microorganisms brought on by tainted food, and strengthens the immune system;

The presence of Bifidobacterium bifidum in the small and large intestine aids in the digestion of dairy products.

Bifidobacteria breve: are found in the vaginal tract and intestines and aid in the defense against bacterial and fungal diseases;

Bifidobacteria longum: It is one of the most prevalent probiotic species in the gut and aids in the body's detoxification;

Perhaps the most significant strain, Lactobacillus acidophilus, aids in digestion, fights infections, and aids in the absorption of essential nutrients. Additionally prevalent in the vagina, L. acidophilus aids in the prevention of infections;

Lactobacillus reuteri: crucial for preventing H. pylori infection, they are mostly found in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine;

In the bowel, Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a bacteria that may swiftly treat diarrhea, particularly while visiting other nations. It may also aid in the treatment of eczema, acne, and Candida infections.

Lactobacillus fermentum: enhances the environment for the development of gut flora by helping to neutralize substances and toxins generated during digestion;

Traveler's diarrhea or diarrhea brought on by antibiotics may both be treated with Saccharomyces boulardii.

The probiotic supplement will be better since it will hasten the formation of a healthy gut flora if the probiotics are more diverse and there are more bacteria in each tablet.

How to take it: It is advised that the supplement have between 2 and 10 billion active bacteria. It is crucial to read the nutritional label of the product, which should include the number of microorganisms per dosage and which bacteria, since it is crucial to choose the proper one. best in light of the circumstances that need attention.

It is advised to take the supplement for 4 weeks, and if there is no improvement after that time, it is best to try a different one. In order for bacteria to survive stomach acid and reach the intestine, where they may grow more readily, probiotics should be given before or soon after a meal.

Keep in mind that maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber is essential while ingesting probiotics, whether they be in the form of dietary supplements or foods high in these bacteria. Fiber is the major food source for probiotics, promoting their survival in the gut.


Can kids consume probiotics?

Probiotics may help children with a variety of diseases, including diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, and more specific disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, according to multiple research studies.

Probiotics should not be given to youngsters on a regular basis, however, particularly as it is unknown what potential long-term negative effects there may be. As a result, it is advised that the kid should take the probiotic under the supervision of a physician and only when necessary. The pediatrician should also advise on the best probiotic kind and dosage.

Even yet, a child's diet might naturally include probiotics without having any negative effects, for instance by consuming yogurt with active bifidus.

Prebiotic vs. probiotic differences

Prebiotics are fibers that function as food for probiotics and promote their survival and growth in the gut. Probiotics are good bacteria that live in the intestine.

Oats, onions, garlic, green bananas, and green banana biomass are a few examples of naturally occurring prebiotics.