Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that can do wonders for your health when you get enough of them. These tiny helpers keep your gut happy and balanced, which in turn benefits your entire body. Here are seven ways probiotics can boost your health and put a smile on your face.
1. Enhancing Digestive Health
Think of probiotics as your gut’s best friends keeping everything running smoothly, helping you digest food better and absorb more nutrients. Probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium breve are stars when it comes to easing IBS symptoms, reducing bloating and gas. Studies show that these little guys can really cut down on the severity and duration of diarrhea, especially in kids dealing with rotavirus infections.
2. Boosting Immune Function
Want to give your immune system a boost? Probiotics have got you covered! They help ramp up the production of natural antibodies and activate immune cells. Strains like Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus are particularly good at enhancing immune responses and lowering the risk of respiratory infections and other illnesses. Research backs up that probiotics can reduce the number of respiratory infections and improve immune function in both kids and adults.
3. Supporting Mental Health
Your gut and brain are constantly chatting, and probiotics can help keep that conversation positive. Probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve have been shown to ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by producing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. Studies suggest taking probiotics can improve your mood and reduce psychological distress, especially if you’re dealing with mild to moderate depression.
4. Improving Skin Health
Probiotics aren’t just for your gut, they can work wonders for your skin too! Reducing inflammation and strengthen your skin barrier, probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus have been shown to alleviate skin conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea. Clinical trials have found that probiotics can lessen the severity of eczema in infants and boost skin hydration and elasticity in adults.
5. Promoting Heart Health
Heart health is another area where probiotics shine. Certain strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. By reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, these probiotics lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that probiotics can make a real difference in cholesterol levels and blood pressure, keeping your heart happy and healthy.
6. Preventing and Treating Infections
Probiotics can also be your go-to for preventing and treating infections. They’re especially good at maintaining vaginal health and preventing UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis. Strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri keep harmful bacteria at bay. Studies show that probiotics can reduce the recurrence of UTIs and bacterial vaginosis, giving a big thumbs up to reproductive health.
7. Aiding Weight Loss and Metabolism
Looking to shed a few K.G.s and boost your metabolism? Probiotics can help with that too! Strains like Lactobacillus gasseri and Bifidobacterium breve have been shown to reduce body fat and waist circumference while improving insulin sensitivity. Research indicates that probiotic supplements can help you lose weight and decrease body fat percentage, especially if you have obesity or metabolic syndrome.
From enhancing digestive health and boosting your immune system to supporting mental well-being and improving skin health, probiotics offer a treasure trove of benefits. Incorporating them into your diet through supplements or fermented foods can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and overall health. We recommend the practitioner only range Activated Probiotics or the fabulous range from Medlab available from us online. Try:
- Medlab Multibiotic – Combining patented probiotic strains that work to target all aspects of gastrointestinal function, this probiotic works to bolster gut, immune and skin health.
- Medlab Enbiotic – A unique patented formulation that blends digestive enzymes with specific probiotic strains that work to aid nutrient absorption while relieving gastrointestinal pain and discomfort.
- Medlab SB 5B – Probiotic yeast that provides targeted support for traveller’s diarrhoea and healthy immune function.
- Medlab Biotic Jnr – Combining exclusive, patented strains, this formula works to target the developing infant immune system, strengthening innate immune function, while supporting digestion and gut health.
As always, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Cheers to a healthier, happier you!
References
Szajewska, H., & Kolodziej, M. (2015). Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 42(7), 793-801.
Kuitunen, M., et al. (2009). Probiotics prevent IgE-associated allergy until age 5 years in cesarean-delivered children but not in the total cohort. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 123(2), 335-341.
McFarland, L. V. (2010). Systematic review and meta‐analysis of Saccharomyces boulardii in adult patients. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(18), 2202-2222.
Steenbergen, L., et al. (2015). A randomized controlled trial to test the effect of multispecies probiotics on cognitive reactivity to sad mood. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 48, 258-264.
Kwon, H. K., et al. (2010). Lactobacillus plantarum inhibits autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inducing regulatory T cells and immature dendritic cells. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 20(8), 1044-1052.
Gupta, V., & Garg, R. (2009). Probiotics. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 27(3), 202-209.
Kadooka, Y., et al. (2010). Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64(6), 636-643.
Kondo, S., et al. (2010). Antiobesity effects of Bifidobacterium breve strain B-3 supplementation in a mouse model with high-fat diet-induced obesity. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 74(8), 1656-1661.
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