Health Benefits Of Probiotics

We’ve all heard about the possible health benefits of probiotics. In fact, you are likely to regularly consume foods that contain these bacteria. The most common is to take them in the form of yogurt, milk drinks or capsules.

We usually consume these products because we want to improve the functioning of the digestive system. However, probiotics have many other properties. We’ll talk about them next.

What are probiotics?

It was at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century that probiotics began to gain more strength in the field of science. Russian microbiologist and Nobel Prize winner (1908) Elie Metchnikoff brought to light the importance of these microorganisms for human health. In fact, he is considered the father of immunology for his contributions in this field. His research was directed towards the beneficial use of lactic acid in yogurt for the human microbiome.

Definition

After several studies and discussions in this regard, the FAO defined the concept of probiotic:

We can currently find them in foods such as yogurt, pickles and sauerkraut. These are elements of our kitchen that we usually have on hand and that, if consumed regularly, can help us fight some diseases. It is also possible to find them concentrated in dietary supplements.

Allergies

It is believed that there is a relationship between negative bacteria in the gut and some allergies. For this reason, some experts often recommend the daily consumption of a probiotic drink to counteract the inflammatory bowel response.

In fact, a University of Florida study indicated that taking probiotics could reduce hay fever symptoms. In addition, some research suggests that those who increase their consumption of these bacteria reduce the frequency of respiratory allergies. However, the results obtained are still not conclusive.

Probiotics to reduce bad breath

Bad breath is a problem that affects millions of people around the world. It causes embarrassment and discomfort to those who suffer, despite having good oral hygiene. 

According to the US National Library of Medicine, this problem stems from bacteria that we ingest through food and lodge in the mouth.

Some researchers have carried out small studies with individuals who suffer from halitosis and concluded that the ingestion of probiotics, in food or in the form of supplements, in addition to maintaining good oral hygiene, can improve bad breath.

constipation and diarrhea

Constipation is a seemingly simple problem. However, it affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it. The main cause is usually the decrease in the intestinal flora, responsible for facilitating the digestion process.

Marketing leads us to believe that this problem can be tackled with excessive consumption of packaged cereals that claim to be high in fiber. However, these foods are often made from refined grains, so their fiber content may not be necessary.

The fiber the body needs is found naturally in fruits, vegetables, seeds and oilseeds. According to an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , those who incorporated probiotics into their diet increased their bowel movements per week.

Furthermore, among the contributions of probiotics we can mention the improvement of diarrhea caused by a viral infection or by the use of antibiotics. These substances would restore the balance of bacteria in the digestive system, helping to end the discomfort.

The benefits of probiotics go beyond digestive health

We regularly hear about the benefits of probiotics for gut health. However, how these changes can affect the rest of the body is rarely if ever discussed.

As we’ve seen, these bacteria can play a very important role in solving small problems. From helping us strengthen our immune system to improving our digestion, probiotics can be very beneficial in our daily lives.

Take advantage of the health benefits of probiotics

Although they have only recently become more popular, probiotics have been shown to be beneficial to health when included in the context of a healthy, balanced diet. It is important to increase the intake of fermented foods to achieve good intestinal biodiversity.

In this way, better digestive function can be achieved, allowing the metabolism to perform its task optimally. Also, the risk of constipation will be reduced.