You’ve likely heard the health community singing the praises of probiotics, but you may not know exactly why. Probiotics are live microorganisms that naturally occur in fermented foods and can be taken in supplement form. While the research on the exact benefits and functions of these microorganisms is still developing, experts agree that probiotics contribute to the balance of healthy gut bacteria in the body. Read on to discover the incredible potential of these little microorganisms.
1. Probiotics can ease digestion
When a gut imbalance occurs, it means your digestive system lacks enough good bacteria to balance out the bad bacteria. Since probiotics are good bacteria, they can restore that balance and boost the health of your digestive system. Some research indicates that probiotics can ease symptoms of digestive disorders, including IBS and ulcerative colitis. Other studies found that taking probiotics can reduce diarrhea in some cases.
2. Probiotics can promote weight loss
Though not all types of probiotics assist in weight loss, some strains help stop dietary fat from being absorbed in your digestive system, potentially reducing belly fat in some individuals. Studies have shown that diets with probiotics can help boost weight loss more than diets without a probiotic supplement, indicating that certain probiotics could directly result in weight loss. While these results depend on a variety of factors like age, gender, weight, and the strain of the probiotic, increasing your probiotic intake could be beneficial in a quest to shed a few pounds.
3. Probiotics could help boost your immune system
Certain types of probiotics may boost your immune system, protect you from infection, and increase your body’s production of antibodies. One study found that Lactobacillus crispatus, a particular strain of probiotic, reduced the likelihood of women contracting urinary tract infections by 50%. Probiotics may also decrease your risk of developing respiratory infections. While more research needs to be conducted, probiotics could certainly play a role in a healthy and robust immune system.
4. Probiotics may improve mental health
Some studies have linked probiotics to better moods in individuals that suffer from mental health issues. If you experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, or OCD, there’s a possibility that increasing your probiotic intake could help.
5. Probiotics may reduce eczema and allergy symptoms
Research has shown that babies who were fed with probiotic-enriched milk showed improvements in eczema symptoms and were less likely to develop eczema. Other studies have indicated that probiotics may ease allergy symptoms in those with dairy sensitivities. Again, more research is needed to bolster these claims, and you should discuss taking new supplements with your doctor if you are seeking allergy-related health benefits.
Is it safe to take probiotic supplements every day?
Actually, most experts recommend that you take probiotic supplements daily for the best results. Your body never stops needing gut balancing bacteria, and incorporating probiotics into your daily routine is a great way to maintain good gut health. Though there may be some exceptions to this, probiotics are generally safe to take on a daily basis. As always, consult your doctor when considering adding a probiotic supplement to your diet.
What happens when you start taking probiotics?
Whether you’re beginning to take a probiotic supplement or adding more probiotic-rich foods into your diet, your body will take a moment to adjust. Some people experience symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. However, this shouldn’t cause you to worry. This simply means your gut is adjusting to the new bacteria. Once your gut microbiota has regulated itself, symptoms should subside. It typically takes a few days or weeks for the adjustment period to taper off.
What are some natural sources of probiotics?
Although many people prefer to get their probiotics in supplement form, there are several foods that contain naturally occurring probiotics. These are typically fermented foods, as the fermentation process produces healthy bacteria for your gut. Foods that are rich in probiotics include:
- Yogurt
- Sourdough bread
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Sour pickles
- Soft cheeses
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Kombucha
On the other hand, probiotic supplements are a quick and easy way to benefit from probiotics without seeking out fermented foods. Our Green Routine Superfoods Powder contains more than 35 organic greens, superfoods, and probiotics to boost digestion, immunity, energy, and promote overall wellness. It’s an excellent way to feed your body the nutrients it craves while reaping the health benefits of probiotics.
Takeaway
While the study of probiotics is still a relatively new field in the health and wellness world, there is a lot of promise and potential in terms of the benefits of these powerful microorganisms. Taking a probiotic supplement or incorporating more probiotic-rich foods into your daily routine could be a fantastic idea for anyone pursuing overall wellness and relief of certain symptoms. For a simple, quick way to get a daily dose of probiotics along with the benefits of superfoods and veggies, consider adding a scoop of Green Routine into your morning smoothie or beverage.
How about an EASY addition to your day?
Check out our 15 DAY - ROUTINE RESET!
We will guide you down a 2-week journey towards better health and hydration at the cost of only a couple of minutes per day! So if you find yourself looking for more energy, less bloat, and a clearer mind...
Click here, and let’s begin the ROUTINE RESET!