We’ve all heard about the health benefits of probiotics. They are contained in foods such as kefir, yoghurt, sauerkraut, leaven bread, pickles. But what are their benefits? Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that protect the gastrointestinal tract, help liver and detox. Kidney in the cleansing and intestine in the disposal of waste products. Probiotics have important roles such as the production of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and some digestive enzymes.
They affect nerve cells in the digestive system. When probiotic bacteria are not enough, the immune system is exposed to more attacks of harmful bacteria and toxins. In many ways, probiotics are useful in various conditions and diseases. They are useful for gastrointestinal health. There are many studies that show that they improve the condition of diarrhea and reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea to 42%.
Probiotic types and health benefits
Probiotics raise B levels of vitamins, especially B12. They improve the absorption of nutrients. A study showed that in patients taking probiotics, vitamin B12 levels were 50% higher compared to the control group at three-month dosing.
Probiotics help in respiratory infections
In a flu illness, people taking a probiotic had shorter and mild colds and recovered for a quicker time. Bacteria have an impact on mental health.
They have the ability to influence our feelings and desires through the wandering nerve that connects the intestine with the brain. Studies have shown that probiotics help to improve mood and deal with depression and anxiety. Probiotics are useful in overweight. It turns out that people with obesity have a different intestinal flora than those with normal weight.
This is because when more calorie foods are taken with more fat and low fiber, more harmful bacteria develop in the intestine at the expense of probiotic bacteria. Natural probiotics help reduce intestinal permeability, thus reducing inflammation contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Probiotics improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular consumption of probiotic foods such as yogurt has better connectivity in the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for planning, organizing, managing emotions and control.
Probiotics are useful for women’s health. The female vagina has different types of probiotic bacteria, most commonly occurring with lactobacillus. In cases of normal flora, more fungal infections and bacterial vaginosis develop.
Probiotics improve intestinal permeability
Lactobacillus strains may prevent the development of bacterial vaginosis and fungi. Probiotics improve intestinal permeability and resulting inflammation in the body. To have enough good probiotic bacteria, it’s important to consume foods that contain them.
These are usually foods with a tingling, sour, and bitter taste. Like sour cabbage, fermented vegetables, yoghurt, kefir, fermented beverages, apple vinegar and more. Probiotic food supplements can be used to improve health and increase beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which is the prevention of adverse bacteria, viruses and yeasts.
The use of probiotics is useful for preventing and treating skin problems such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, allergies, hypersensitive skin, etc. It is important to know that there are different strains of bacteria with different types of benefits. Some are useful for immunity, others for digestion, others for fat burning and hormonal balance.
There are many types of probiotics of different companies, but not all of them are of sufficient quality and adapted to withstand stomach acid and reach harmlessly to the intestines.
Most probiotics are destroyed by heat, so the manufacturer has ensured good storage and cooling. When choosing a probiotic, it is important to contain a large number of bacteria and a variety of at least 10 different strains. It should also contain soil microorganisms and yeasts.