We have been told about the importance of protecting gut health as a measure to take care of overall health. Do you know what probiotics are and what are they for? These live bacterial cultures have become one of the best allies to protect intestinal health. Any gut doctor can advise you on their importance.
They are critical to the synthesis of some essential nutrients and to maintain optimal digestive health. Likewise, they create a protective barrier against infections and act beneficially on some inflammatory processes. Although they exist naturally in the body, they can be consumed through some fermented or dairy foods as well as food supplements. You should look for the best probiotic supplements that will keep your gut in perfect shape.
What Are Probiotics
Probiotics are “good” bacteria and yeasts. They survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract to implant in the colon and small intestine. Although many associate bacteria with the disease, their role is very different.
Probiotics can stop the excessive growth of infectious microorganisms. Therefore, they are key to preventing the development of various pathogens. Those most used for human benefit are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
To sum it up, these non-harmful bacteria and yeasts occupy sites where pathogenic microorganisms could implant. By not leaving room for them and favoring some processes such as digestion, they are beneficial.
The gastrointestinal tract is packed with about 400 bacterial species. Among its primary functions is to protect the body against the proliferation of pathogens responsible for many conditions.
They are also responsible for controlling the differentiation of epithelial cells. They are also involved in metabolic processes and the production of vitamins. Therefore, it is essential to have a balanced intestinal flora rich in healthy bacteria.
Probiotics are the best alternative to improve gut health. Here are the benefits of probiotics.
Relieves Stomach Pain
There is nothing worse than having diarrhea. If you’re suffering from diarrhea caused by an infection, probiotics can help you heal faster and lessen the severity of your symptoms. It will get rid of all the elements that bring about stomach pain. Using it will not affect some of the good bacteria in your gut.
Rebalance Your Gut
Are you taking antibiotics? Probiotics can help rebalance your gut. Taking antibiotics kills the harmful bacteria that are causing your infection. However, it can also kill the good bacteria in your gut, leading to diarrhea in some people. Probiotics can play a pivotal role in replenishing some of the good bacteria destroyed by the drugs.
Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition affecting the stomach. It causes severe pain and problems, including constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of the two. It is a syndrome that affects around 10% to 15% of the population. Research shows that bacteria can play an essential role in this syndrome. Probiotics have shown promise in improving IBS symptoms, especially in people who experience diarrhea more often.
Keeps Your Stomach Healthy When Traveling
Are you going on a trip? Consider bringing probiotics. We all want to focus on the fun things to do, local food, and sightseeing while on vacation. That said, there’s nothing worse than having your trip ruined by an unexpected episode of tourista. Fortunately, probiotics containing specific strains of bacteria and yeast have shown promise in this regard. If you plan on taking a probiotic while traveling, remember to choose one that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Ask your pharmacist to help you select a product if in doubt.
Good for Intestinal Flora
Different types of probiotics have other health effects. Many of the effects of probiotics take place via multiple actions of these on the gut flora:
- They play a pivotal role in ensuring you have an adequate microbial flora.
- Probiotics act against dangerous microorganisms using different actions.
- They preserve the natural barriers of the digestive tract.
- They help produce substances that prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.
- Probiotics reduce the pH of the intestines as well as the competition for nutrients with these microorganisms.
- They promote the regeneration of the intestinal flora after its alteration (for example, by taking antibiotics).
Sources of Probiotics
Now that we know what probiotics are for, it is good to know their sources. Here are some of its sources.
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Natural Probiotics
Fermented foods contain probiotics. The most popular include:
- Kefir.
- Natural yogurt.
- Kombucha.
- Sourdough bread.
- Pickled gherkins.
- Natto.
- Tempeh.
- Sauerkraut or sauerkraut.
- Kimchi.
- Miso.
Biotherapeutic Probiotics
Not all people get enough probiotics through diet. Considering their importance for health, the option of including them in supplements is an excellent idea. Supplements are available in capsules, powders, and other similar products. These contain large concentrations of microorganisms, beneficial, and protective of health.
Some presentations are enriched with prebiotics, which are foods that promote the growth of these good bacteria. Therefore, in many cases, these products are more effective than the probiotics that come from the traditional diet. In other words, a prebiotic food is one that favors the growth of beneficial microorganisms. And a probiotic is one that directly contains those healthy beings.
Will Ensuring that You Have a Healthy Gut Keep You Healthy?
Bowel balance is good for your general health. We are learning a lot of things about probiotics every day, and the proof for their benefits keeps growing. If you want to add probiotics to your life, talk to a qualified pharmacist or healthcare professional. They will help choose the product that’s best for you.
Want to know more?
The gut is regularly referred to as the second brain because the gut microbiome can have a big impact on your body, including the state of your hair. That said, the gut microbiome can be affected by your lifestyle choices and anything that throws it off balance can compromise your health, as well as affect the health of your locks. So, here’s how a healthy gut can help prevent hair loss.
