What Are Probiotics: Health Benefits, Foods & Side Effects

We have a mix of good and bad bacteria in our bodies. When we’re sick, the number of bad bacteria increases tremendously, knocking the immune system out of balance. On the other hand, good bacteria eliminate bad bacteria from the body to resume the balance. 

Probiotics play a major role in balancing this process. Our body needs probiotics at every age. But it becomes important to fulfil the body’s probiotic needs as we age above 60. Elderly people have more harmful bacteria and less good bacteria compared to younger adults. 

The senior population is more prone to bowel conditions and gastrointestinal infections., so elderly people need more probiotics than younger adults.

In this blog, we’ll educate you about probiotics, their major sources, and their benefits today. 

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are good, live microorganisms that are already present in our bodies. They help the body digest food by keeping the bad bacteria in control.They also break down and absorb medicines and create vitamins. Last but not least, they also support the immune system and control internal inflammation. 

Health Benefits of Probiotics

Prevent and Treat Diarrhea

Probiotics can play a significant role in preventing as well as treating diarrhea. Studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the severity of diarrhea by up to 42%. Gut health plays a huge factor in your overall health, so taking probiotics is important. 

Good for Mental Health 

Latest studies revealed that probiotics may help improve symptoms of various mental disorders like anxiety, depression, memory loss, and stress, among others. It is also great for autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Boon for Heart and Allergies

Probiotics keep bad cholesterol in check and promote good cholesterol. Theycan also keep your blood pressure in control, keeping the possibility of heart issues at bay. However, a little knowledge about heart strokes is always helpful. Similarly, probiotics can also help in reducing the severity of various types of allergies, including eczema. 

Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome

People who have Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome should consider taking probiotics daily. It can help reduce ulcerative colitis and prevent Crohn’s disease relapse. 

Sources of Probiotics

Probiotic Supplements

A quick and sure way to get good bacteria into your gut is by taking a probiotic supplement. These can be found at any health, vitamin, pharmacy, or grocery store. Probiotic supplements contain high doses of either a single or multi-strain probiotic. To find out the best probiotic for you, as your primary care doctor or nutritionist. 

Yogurt

One of the best and most easily available sources of probiotics is yogurt. It helps build bones and muscles. Children should eat at least one bowl of fresh yogurt daily to boost their immune systems.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is rich in probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it helps in strengthening the gut system and preventing urinary tract diseases. 

Pickles

Not many of us might know, but pickles are also a great source of probiotics and vitamin K. It is a naturally fermented food item with sea salt and mustard oil. 

Cheese

An intense fermentation process makes the majority of types of cheese. The longer the fermentation, the better it will be for your belly. Cheddar, Swiss, and Mozzarella are the best sources of probiotics in this category. 

Kefir

Lactose intolerant people can consider consuming fermented probiotic milk called Kefir to fulfill their daily requirement of probiotics. It nourishes the intestinal tract and boosts healing processes in the body. 

Are There Any Side Effects of Probiotics?

Many people are searching for the answer to this question. According to studies, probiotics only bestow you with good gut health and a robust immune system. However, overconsumption of everything can attract some side effects. 

We suggest you consult your doctor to understand the right quantity of probiotics for your body, because consuming it in the right amount will help you fight and prevent various illnesses.

Bottom Line

Health experts consider it a wholesome component that blesses every aspect of our health. Please consult your doctor to understand probiotics and how to consume them for maximum benefits.