Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics have been shown to have numerous health benefits. They help promote a healthy gut by balancing gut bacteria and help with weight loss, proper digestion, healthy immune function, and more!  

Researchers suggest that having proper balance of bacteria in the digestive system is associated with disease and overall health.  

Probiotics are live bacteria which are often consumed through supplements or fermented foods. They have been shown to lower the amount of “bad” bacteria in the gut which can produce illnesses and inflammation.  

Here are incredible benefits of taking probiotics:

Healthy Immune Function 

Probiotics have been linked to improving your immune system and hindering the growth of bad bacteria in the gut.  

Studies show that certain probiotics can enhance the production of antibodies in the body. Additionally, they also improve immune cells, such as T lymphocytes and natural killer cells.  

One study found that children taking Lactobacillus GG, a specific form of probiotics, had reduced the number of times they got a respiratory infection and its severity by 17%.  

What’s more, a study done on women found that probiotics help limit the risk of urinary tract infections by 50%.  

Diarrhea 

Probiotics are famous for their ability to reduce and prevent diarrhea.  

Generally, when people consume antibiotics, they negatively influence the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Diarrhea is often a side effect of consuming antibiotics.  

Numerous studies suggest that consuming probiotics helps reduce the risk of diarrhea linked to antibiotics. One study found that probiotics helped reduce diarrhea associated with antibiotic use by 42%.  

Probiotics can also help with other forms of diarrhea not associated with antibiotics. 

One study found that certain probiotics can limit the length of infectious diarrhea by 25 hours.  

Researches also discovered that probiotics help reduce travelers' diarrhea by 8% and lower the risk of overall diarrhea by 26% in adults and 57% in kids.  

Heart Health 

Probiotics have been linked to keeping your heart healthy.  

Researchers suggest that probiotics help your heart by lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and blood pressure.  

One study found that eating probiotic yogurt for an average of 2-8 weeks decreased the total amount of cholesterol by 4% and LDL cholesterol by 5%.  

Specific bacteria which produce lactic acid can lessen cholesterol by breaking down bile in the gut. Bile is mostly made of cholesterol and is a natural fluid that aids in digestion. When bile is broken down, probiotics can prevent it from being reabsorbed in the gut where it may enter the bloodstream as cholesterol.  

Additionally, taking probiotics may reduce blood pressure. However, studies suggest that probiotic supplements have to be taken for 8 weeks in order to experience benefits related to blood pressure.  

Weight Loss 

Probiotics have been shown to help with weight loss and reduce belly fat in several different ways.  

Certain probiotics help reduce the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. Rather than the fat being stored in the body, it is passed through your feces.  

Taking probiotics can increase levels of specific hormones which can help you feel fuller for longer, help burn more calories, and store less fat. Interestingly, taking probiotics can also directly impact weight loss. 

 One study found that dieting women who consumed Lactobacillus rhamnosus for a period of 3 months had incredible results of 50% weight loss. Additionally, one study found that taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus for a period of 12 weeks showed an 8.5% reduction in belly fat.  

Probiotics can be very beneficial for your health. 

You can get probiotics from a variety of food like yogurt, kombucha, pickles, miso, tempeh, sourdough bread, some cheese and more.  

Another amazing way to take probiotics is in the form of supplements. You can get the bacteria in dried form and make your own supplements with it using gelatin empty capsules or get it in liquid form and use vegetarian capsules to make your supplement. However, if you're not a fan of making your own supplement you can get our Advanced Probiotic supplement today!

As we’ve seen, probiotics are great at preventing several health issues and are good for your overall health!  

This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.