The term “Probiotics” is not well understood to all of us but its products are well known. Recently the term has created a great importance due to its health benefits. Bacteria are not always harmful to the body.
There are few bacteria which are essential for the body and acts as a friend. Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that are very useful to maintain natural balance of organisms in the gut. Normally the human gut contain about 400 types of probiotic bacteria.
The main activity of these probiotic bacteria are to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and thus promote a disease-free digestive system. The reduction of Probiotics in the gut can enhance the growth of harmful bacteria which in turn affects the digestive system badly and make the person sick.
Lactic acid bacteria is the largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine of which lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt with live cultures, is the best known. Yeast is also a probiotic substance. Now it’s no secret that probiotics are beneficial for your gut, but they are loaded with other benefits too! From reducing inflammation to boosting immunity, probiotics silently played multiple roles. You can get your probiotics easily through foods like yogurt, milk, or by taking supplements. Probiotics offer many reasons to make it a part of your daily diet.
Helps digestion
A healthy digestive system and probiotics go hand in hand. Because probiotics are friendly bacteria, they promote good digestion by balancing the pH of the intestinal tract, creating a less desirable environment for harmful bacteria.
Restores body defence
Similar to vitamins A, C, and E, probiotics are known to help maintain a strong body defence system. If the body’s defence mechanism is stronger, it will not be challenged by bad bacteria. Thus, introducing friendly bacteria by taking probiotics can be helpful to protecting yourself from diseases.
Reduces inflammation
A study has found that the bacteria in probiotics (formally known as Bifidobacterium infantis) could reduce arthritis or inflammation of joints. Probiotics can also relieve intestinal inflammation often caused by IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Lowers bad cholesterol
High cholesterol? Then it may be the time to embrace milk or yogurt for breakfast! Studies have shown that probiotics can help to lower bad cholesterol, LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), in turn reducing the risk of heart attack.
Prevents fungal infections
Increasing your yogurt intake can keep you fungus free. It is said that eating yogurt with live cultures or taking probiotics will help to renew the vagina with protective bacteria species and will help to maintain the balance of organisms in the vagina, which in turn decreasing the chance of a fungal infection.
Minimizes the side effects of medicines
Although antibiotics will ultimately make you feel better, the symptoms can be rather uncomfortable. Many antibiotics sometime disrupt the balance of micro-organism in the intestines, often causing diarrhoea or fungal infections. Introduction of any probiotics with your antibiotic can decrease these symptoms.