Taking a probiotic supplement is one of the best things you can do for your body. The special microorganisms that we call beneficial bacteria dwell in your gut (intestinal tract) where they help maintain a healthful, balanced environment that is critical for overall health.
Although you can get probiotics from fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchee—and you should enjoy these foods–many people find that taking a high-quality probiotic supplement makes the most sense. One major reason is that you’ll know you are getting large amounts of many different beneficial bacteria. Another is that the prebiotic benefit you get from selected foods, though helpful because it feeds the bacteria you have, doesn’t provide a sufficient amount of active bacteria, nor the varieties that your body and mind need, for optimal function and well-being.
Probiotic supplements or “probiotics” contain different strains of beneficial bacteria for a variety of health benefits. So, let’s dive into the top 10 reasons you should take probiotics.
Helps Prevent and Treat Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
When you take an antibiotic for an infection, there’s always the risk of developing diarrhea. Research has shown that probiotic supplements can help treat this condition successfully. The National Institutes of Health mentions that Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei are two strains of probiotics that have proven effective to help treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Healthy Cholesterol
Probiotics have shown promising results in lowering cholesterol levels. The Harvard Medical School explains that some probiotics are believed to help break down bile in the gut, stopping it from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream as cholesterol. Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus acidophilus are two strains of probiotics associated with reducing cholesterol levels.
Banish Depression and Anxiety
Probiotics can have a positive effect on mental health. In a study covered by Psychology Today, two probiotic strains were found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in people who were diagnosed with clinical depression. These two strains are L. helveticus and B. longum.
Avoid Diabetes
Although all the evidence is not yet in, studies suggest the intestinal environment has a significant impact on factors related to diabetes, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and body weight. Probiotic supplementation is considered a potentially effective way to prevent diabetes. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that probiotic supplementation significantly lowered insulin resistance and glycemic profiles in adults.
Ward off side effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can often cause diarrhea as a side effect. Probiotics can help ward off this side effect. A study in the British Journal of Cancer reported that patients who were administered L. rhamnosus GG experienced less stomach problems, less severe diarrhea, and had a shorter stay in the hospital.
Reduce Diverticular Disease Symptoms
Probiotics have shown promise in treating the symptoms of uncomplicated diverticular disease. A one-year study published in the journal Minerva Gastroenterologica showed that L. casei was as effective as a standard treatment medication called mesalazine. The study also showed that combining the probiotic with mesalazine provided the most effective treatment overall.
Boost Immune System Function
Numerous probiotic strains have been shown to boost immune function and help prevent common infections, such as the common cold and flu. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Family Practice showed that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains were associated with a reduced risk of common cold infections and significantly reduced symptoms.
Soothe Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Probiotics have the potential to help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported in the World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that a multi-strain probiotic supplement resulted in significant improvement in symptoms for IBS patients.
Support a Lean, Healthy Body
Some strains of probiotics have been associated with dropping excess fat. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that participants using Lactobacillus gasseri experienced a loss of 8.5% belly fat mass over a three-month period.
Eradicate Ulcers
Probiotics can help get rid of ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. A study published in the journal Helicobacter suggested that probiotics were effective in reducing H. pylori infection and the occurrence of ulcers.
When shopping for a high-quality probiotic supplement, look for products from a reputable manufacturer, which contains a range of well-researched species that can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria for optimal health.
