Scientifically Backed Benefits of Probiotics
More and more studies on the digestive system show the significance of probiotics in improving overall health. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which are vital for improving your gut health. You can consume probiotics through fermented supplements and foods.
Besides promoting a good balance of bacteria in the gut, there are several probiotics benefits.
Some of these benefits are:
1. Probiotics Treat Digestive Disorders
One popular benefit of consuming probiotics is to improve the digestive system. According to research, some strains of probiotics can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas and indigestion. It even prevents all these problems in the first place.
Your gastrointestinal tract has a microflora lining, which helps in better digestion. With an imbalance of bad and good bacteria in your gut, you can suffer from various digestive issues like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome. But with regular intake of probiotics, you may easily restore the bacterial balance in the gut while improving the functioning of the GI Tract.
There is also proof of probiotic supplementation helping to decrease the symptoms of infectious diarrhoea, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and more.
2. Improve Gut Integrity
The “leaky gut syndrome” occurs when cells in the gut wall lining become permeable and loose. This condition is also called increased intestinal permeability and it often results due to gut inflammation.
Generally, inflammation in the gut is due to gastrointestinal infections or food allergies. However, probiotics are beneficial in modulating the immunity of the gastrointestinal tract by decreasing the formation of cytokines and pro-inflammatory molecules. Hence, there is a reduction in gut inflammation.
3. Boost the Immune System
One of the major probiotics benefits is boosting the immune system. Particularly, the strain of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species are great for boosting immunity.
It is because around 70% of the cells of the immune system are in the gut’s lymphatic tissue. That’s why having a diet rich in probiotics can keep these vital cells in their best condition.
According to research, using probiotics with prebiotics is more effective to boost immunity. Another study also shows that Bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria also provide additional therapy for enhancing the immune system. It is because together probiotics and prebiotics trigger a strong anti-inflammatory response. This response further helps in preventing various immunity-related disorders.
4. Reduce Belly Fat and Lose Weight
Probiotics are also helpful in weight loss due to various mechanisms. For instance, some probiotics help prevent the absorption of certain dietary fats present in the intestine. The fat is further excreted through faeces instead of being stored in the body.
Besides, probiotics make you feel fuller for longer while burning more calories and storing less fat. That’s how probiotics also help in weight loss. It is mainly due to enhanced hormones like GLP-1.
5. Prevent and Treat Diarrhoea
Probiotics are well-known for their capability of preventing diarrhoea and decreasing its severity. Usually, diarrhoea occurs due to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the system. But with probiotic consumption, it is easier to maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Hence, it alleviates diarrhoea and its impact on the body.
Conclusion
There are several benefits of probiotics as per the scientific research done over decades. Even new studies are proving more health benefits of probiotics. From boosting immunity to preventing antibiotic resistance, these friendly microorganisms are beneficial for you.
Also, read this: 10 Tips to Boost your Immune System
