Perhaps you’ve noticed the probiotics section at Whole Foods taking up more shelf space over the years.
Or you’ve had a friend suggest taking probiotics over other medication to ease symptoms of a health condition.
Regardless of the exact reason for why your interest in probiotics has peaked, there’s no denying that it’s there–and you want to know more.
Probiotics are live bacteria (considered to be the “good” bacteria) and yeasts that can be found in a range of foods or taken in supplement form.
Though there are countless benefits to consuming and taking probiotics, I’m going to share three with you in this post.
Happy reading!
#1: Probiotics Alleviate Symptoms of Depression.
Little known fact: your brain isn’t the only place where neurons are located–about 100 million of them can be found in your intestines.
It’s true! Often referred to as “the second brain,” your intestines have their own nervous system.
By this logic, it makes sense that the bacteria in your intestines have a direct connection to your brain, and therefore, your emotions.
Though the science behind it is relatively new, researchers are exploring how a class of probiotics called psychobiotics could be used to modify gut bacteria to alleviate anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
More specifically, researchers have found that psychobiotics are capable of producing and delivering neuroactive substances (such as serotonin), which act on the brain-gut axis.
If you’re interested in exploring how your brain and emotional health could be improved naturally, it may be worth exploring psychobiotics.
#2: Probiotics Improve Your Immune Response.
With cold and flu season approaching, it’s especially important to stock up on immune-boosting supplements.
In 2015, researchers conducted a study with 100 individuals ages 60-74 to see the effect of several strains of probiotics on their immune systems.
The outcome found that probiotic supplementation during the winter period may be a safe and effective way to jumpstart a healthy immune response in the elderly–a population that often falls prey to viral respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
That said, you don’t have to be a member of the elderly population to reap the immunity-boosting benefits of probiotics.
People of all ages who wish to keep their immune response strong and ward off colds, flus, and other infections can benefit from taking probiotics.
#3: Probiotics Boost Your Digestive Health.
Probiotics can work wonders for those suffering from digestive issues. For example…
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: If you suffer from the irritating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome–such as abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence, probiotics could be beneficial to you. The research speaks for itself.
Lactose Intolerance: People who are lactose intolerant lack the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. The condition can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and probiotics can ease such symptoms.
Side Effects of Antibiotics: Although antibiotics can be helpful in treating infections, the side effects can include disruptions to the digestive system. Taking probiotics along with antibiotics can prevent or ease these side effects.
In addition to these three benefits, probiotics can balance candida, improve the quality of your skin, heal a leaky gut, and provide a range of other improvements to your body and health.
Interested in learning about additional supplements that can help in improving digestive health? Look no further.
Check out this article and learn about four supplements (including probiotics) that can ease digestive issues.
