Why are probiotics good for you?
You’ve probably heard of probiotics and how good they are for you, especially for digestive health, but what exactly are they?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are naturally found throughout the body, especially in the digestive system.
They are sometimes referred to as live cultures or “good” bacteria because they help maintain the balance of gut bacteria. One way is to protect yourself from other types of disease-causing bacteria.
When there are too many “bad” bacteria in the gut, probiotics can help fight them. to rebalance the gut.
There are thousands of types of bacteria that act as probiotics. One of the most common is Lactobacillus, which can help support the immune system, healthy blood sugar levels, digestion, and prevent yeast infections.
Another species, Bifidobacterium, is often used to help control irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, while also being beneficial for mental health and treating eczema in babies.
Benefits of Probiotics for Gut Health
The digestive system is home to many different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. and more.
Probiotics can help stimulate the growth of good bacteria while protecting against disease-causing bacteria.
Collectively, this mix of microorganisms is known as the gut microbiota or gut microbiome and plays a key role in the health of the human body. .Woman with her hands on her stomach.
Optimize gut function by balancing the bacteria in your digestive system.
The balance of the gut microbiome allows for normal gut function, while some changes in gut bacteria can cause problems. Probiotics can help maintain the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and repopulate with healthy bacteria after conditions that disrupt the microbiome.
For example, taking antibiotics kills many of the good bacteria in your gut. This leaves room for harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi to overgrow.
Taking a probiotic during and after taking antibiotics is essential for maintaining good health.
Reduce Symptoms of Some Digestive Disorders Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be caused in part by changes in the normal gut bacteria.
Some research suggests that probiotics may reduce the severity of IBS symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Reduce the incidence of diarrhea
While there are many causes of diarrhea, a change in gut bacteria can lead to loose stools.
Antibiotics often upset the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea and loss of beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics may reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults aged 18 to 64.
Omni-Biotic AB 10 contains ten carefully selected bacterial strains that restore the gut microbiome and reduce antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Maintaining and improving gut integrity
The digestive tract is protected by a thin (but strong) cell wall called the intestinal barrier.
This wall allows beneficial particles (like electrolytes and water) from the gut to enter the bloodstream while keeping partially digested food or disease out. causing the particles to slide.
When the gut barrier is damaged or inflamed, proteins and other bacteria can leak through the barrier.
This is known as increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome. More research is needed to understand why this is happening.
There is evidence that the integrity of the gut barrier can be compromised by genetics, stress and alcohol consumption, and altered by poor diet and certain medications.
A study of 23 men showed that probiotic supplements improve the stability of the intestinal wall.
Omni-Biotic Stress Release contains specific strains of probiotic bacteria that support a strong intestinal barrier.
Reduces gas and bloating
Gas and gas are common digestive problems.
Possible reasons for gas and bloating include an imbalance in the gut microbiome, overgrowth of yeast, and food intolerance. It can also be a sign of a more serious condition like IBS.
Probiotic supplements can help rebalance the gut microbiome and even help crowd out bad bacteria.
Some evidence suggests that probiotics may help reduce these symptoms, particularly in people with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Brain and mind benefits.
This “gut-brain axis” influences many mental illnesses. Further research shows the important role that gastrointestinal health plays in improving mood and supporting focus and memory.
Improve mood and reduce stress
The bacteria in your gut produce neurotransmitters, your body’s messenger substances. Neurotransmitters help with sleep, mood, and control bladder and heart function. Stress is known to alter gut bacteria, which can affect neurotransmitter levels and function.
Probiotic supplements can help recolonize gut bacteria during and after periods of stress and have been shown to improve mood, sleep, and cognitive function.
Helping with Certain Mental Illnesses
Changes in microbiota composition are associated with depression and anxiety. The neurotransmitter serotonin, the feel-good hormone, is 95% produced by intestinal bacteria.
A study found that after 30 days of supplementation with the probiotic strains Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacteria longum, healthy participants had reduced anxiety and depression.
Benefits for the immune system Up to 70% of the body’s defense cells are located in the intestine.
Keeping the gut healthy is key to maintaining the normal functioning of the immune system. Specific probiotics have been shown to enhance the immune response.
For example, the probiotic strain Bifidobacteria infantis has been shown to increase regulatory T cells
These cells help prevent autoimmune diseases and may help limit chronic inflammatory diseases.
Boosts the Immune System and Accelerates
Recovery from Illness During illness, the bacteria in the gut often become unbalanced, especially if you have a stomach virus, food poisoning, or are taking antibiotics.
Probiotics replenish your gut flora with good bacteria and can help balance the immune system.
Protect yourself against colds and flu
Research shows that certain strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Related Resources:
Can Probiotics Help With Colds?
Eliminate Gastrointestinally
InfectionsIf you have an infection, e.g. B. Candida yeast, pathogenic or “bad” microorganisms can outweigh the good bacteria in your digestive tract.
Probiotics can help fight these disease-causing particles and restore balance. of the microbiome with good bacteria.
Protect against antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics can help the body fight infection, but they can change the gut environment.
Antibiotics often reduce the diversity of beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can affect your ability to fight off other diseases. cause microbes.
Sometimes harmful bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, posing a real threat to treatment.
Some strains of Lactobacillus bacteria have been shown to protect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an infection resistant to several common antibiotics. which is directly related to allergies.
Keeping the digestive tract healthy has been of interest to alleviate allergies and skin conditions such as eczema.
Many studies of probiotic Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium strains in adults have demonstrated beneficial effects, including reducing symptoms and reducing the prevalence of eczema Related Resources:
Eczema and the Gut Microbiome
Other Benefits of Taking Probiotics Research on others continue to grow Benefits of taking probiotics include improving the absorption of some nutrients, aiding in weight loss, and supporting skin health.
Improving Nutrient Absorption
Probiotics help maintain beneficial microbes in the gut, which aids in the absorption of nutrients from food.
Some strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in particular may help improve the absorption of iron, an important micronutrient for blood production and oxygen transport around the body.
Aids in Weight Loss The gut microbiota plays an important role in how the body gets energy (or calories) from food, so the gut can be a major contributor to weight loss.
Loss. A handful of factors are likely at play, including the specific probiotic strain, length of supplementation, and age, gender, and starting weight.
More research is needed to understand the role probiotics play in weight loss.
Gut-Liver Axis In addition to the connection between the gut and the brain, the gut is also connected to the liver.
Changes in the gut wall or the bacterial diversity in the gut can overwhelm the liver and over time contribute to liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Omni-Biotic Hetox was developed with the aim of supporting the gut-liver axis.
In a clinical study, Hetox was shown to improve liver function in people with cirrhosis.
16. Help keep your heart healthy
One factor in optimal heart health is your cholesterol levels.
Some research shows that supplementation with multiple strains of probiotics can help lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often known as “bad” cholesterol. in infants and children characterized by itchy, scaly skin.
Some evidence shows that Lactobacillus-containing probiotics in infants and young children can help reduce the symptoms and risk of developing this condition, as well as other allergies.
Benefits for Women During pregnancy, probiotic supplementation is generally safe and beneficial. Probiotics are commonly used to promote maternal and infant health.
Probiotics may help alleviate some digestive issues that women face during pregnancy, such as:
B. constipation, and may also reduce the risk of children developing atopic dermatitis later in life.
There are many different strains of probiotics, and men may benefit from different strains of probiotics than women.
A combination of probiotics and prebiotics has been shown to help improve testosterone levels and sperm quality in men struggling with infertility.
It also helps men relieve digestive discomforts like diarrhea and chronic digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome
Benefits for children Certain strains of bacteria have been shown to treat acute gastroenteritis (loose stools) and prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea.
In children, probiotic use has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea symptoms by more than 24 hours.
Lactobacillus strains have also been shown to help prevent respiratory infections in daycare settings.
Benefits for Seniors With age, the diversity of the gut microbiota typically decreases due to factors such as gender, diet, physical activity, medication use, and immune system function.
Probiotic supplementation has been shown to increase beneficial gut bacteria and anti-inflammatory proteins called cytokines in older adults.
Strengthening the gut-brain axis through targeted probiotic supplements may also help with memory and concentration, which typically decline with age.
Are probiotics safe?
Taking probiotics is generally safe. Many available probiotics use strains of bacteria that are already found in a healthy digestive system or have been shown to be safe in foods, so they’re unlikely to do any harm. However, probiotics often contain many strains of probiotic bacteria, each of which can produce different effects in the body.
For this reason, choosing a formulation that suits your health needs is the best way.
You should also make sure that the product you choose is backed by extensive research, scientific and clinical evidence.
As with most supplements, it’s best to consult your doctor before introducing anything new into your wellness routine. .
Is it safe to take probiotics daily?
For healthy people, probiotics have long been safe and beneficial for everyday use. This is because most probiotic supplements typically use the same microbes that are already naturally found in the human gut.
The risk is higher for people with serious medical conditions or with a weakened immune system than for dietary supplements.
If you have a serious medical condition or are immunocompromised, please consult your doctor before beginning the use of any probiotic supplement.
Possible side effects of probiotics.
Effects are usually minor and include mild digestive symptoms such as gas, gas, or diarrhea.
This can happen especially in the first few days of taking a new dietary supplement, as your gut flora is rebalancing itself.
Probiotic Foods or Probiotic Supplements:
What is the Best Way to Get Probiotics
Probiotics can be consumed through fermented foods such as yogurt; Kefir; aged cheeses such as parmesan or aged cheddar; kimchi; Sauerkraut; miso; Tempeh and non-dairy yogurts that state they are cultured.
While there is no recommended daily allowance for probiotics, it may be a good idea to consider a dietary supplement if these aren’t foods you normally eat.
Omni-Biotic offers a range of probiotic supplements for various conditions and you can take our probiotic fit quiz to find the best product for you.
Probiotic supplements contain different strains of living organisms that are commonly used for different medical conditions. So it’s important to find out what combination of strains works best for your needs, and perhaps check with your doctor or nutritionist first.
Combining Prebiotics with Probiotics
Probiotics can work together with prebiotics (fiber, which acts as food for the probiotics) to create greater health benefits, known as the symbiotic effect.
Synbiotics can improve the activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut and their chances of survival.
Omni-Biotic Probiotic Powder contains prebiotics that feeds the good bacteria before you eat them. Related resource:
- Probiotics vs. Prebiotics: Key Differences
- Can prebiotics and probiotics be taken together?
Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplement
Probiotics can help with a variety of health conditions, from stress-related digestive issues to anxiety.
When choosing a probiotic supplement, first look for the right strains of bacteria and the right formulation to address your health concerns.
Also, make sure that the product you choose is backed by research and testing.
For example, Omni-Biotic Balance can help support the immune system and Omni-Biotic Stress Release boosts the gut-brain.
Both probiotics are targeted formulations based on more than 25 years of gut microbiome research and more than 100 clinical studies.
Keep in mind that some probiotic strains are more studied than others, and your doctor or nutritionist can help you determine which one is best for you.
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