Studies have shown that the presence of friendly bacteria in the gut helps keep the body healthy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, probiotics is a term used to describe live bacteria and yeast that collectively benefit the digestive system. The good microorganism as they are called, works by reducing the population of bad bacteria, thus enhancing the health of the gut. Probiotics maintain a healthy balance by replacing bad bacteria with good ones. Probiotics are found in a number of foods, dietary supplements and naturally, in the gut.
The healthy bacteria populations that live naturally in the intestines include the Bifobacterium and Lactobacillus families of microorganism as well as the strain of yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii. The foods that contain probiotics include soy drinks and juices, buttermilk, sauerkraut, pickles and fermented and unfermented milk. The supplements with probiotics are mostly dietary in nature, and come in the form of tablets, capsule, liquid extracts and powders. According to Healthline, here are 6 surprising ways probiotics helps keep the body healthy:
- Aid in weight and belly fat loss – probiotics can help fight weight loss. Certain kinds of probiotics have been shown to be effective in preventing the rate at which intestines absorb dietary fat. The unabsorbed, accumulated fat is then excreted as fecal matter. Probiotics also hasten the burning of more calories. However, more studies regarding the effectiveness of probiotics in weight loss are on-going.
2. Prevents diarrhea and certain types of digestive disorders – probiotics are widely acclaimed in scientific circles for their ability to prevent and ease severe diarrhea. In one study, researchers established that taking probiotics greatly reduced diarrhea associated with the taking antibiotic by up to 42%. Inflammatory bowel disorders like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis can also be minimized by taking probiotics. The most effective probiotics here include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
3. Enhance mental health – a number of human and animal studies have linked good mood and mental health to having a healthy gut. During the studies, it was established that taking food supplements with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains for a few months helped enhance memory and eased anxiety.
4. Keeps the heart healthy – the health of the heart has far reaching implications on the entire body. Researchers have shown that probiotics have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure. One of the most effective probiotics in this regard is found in lactic acid. Probiotics also have the capacity to break down cholesterol based bile, thereby preventing the re-absorption of cholesterol from the gut into the bloodstream.
5. Boost immune system – a strong immune system helps fight diseases inside the body. Probiotics can boost the immune system and prevent the growth of bacteria that may harm the body. Certain strains have also been shown to boost the production of antibodies and immune cells like the T lymphocytes and IgA producing cells. Studies are ongoing to establish the effects of probiotics on the immune system.
6. Fight allergies and eczema – studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics can fight eczema, especially in children. One such study established that children who took probiotics while in the mother’s womb had 83% less chance of developing eczema within the first 2 years of infancy.
About Dr. Usha Rajagopal
Dr. Usha Rajagopal is a widely regarded plastic surgeon and health and beauty expert based in the Bay Area of San Francisco. The board certified surgeon is the Medical Chief of the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center. Outside her practice, Dr. Usha Rajagopal cares a lot about philanthropy. She established a $500 scholarship as a way to give to give back to the community and sensitize students about various health and lifestyle issues.
