What are the benefits of taking probiotics, and why should I do so? Many people are afraid of bacteria because of their negative image as pathogens. For this reason, it may be tough to imagine consuming billions of them every day for the purpose of your health. It’s becoming more and clearer, however, that some kinds of live bacteria may be utilised to treat and even prevent illness when taken in the form of foods and supplements. Northern Europeans consume a substantial number of beneficial microbes known as probiotics, because to their long history of ingesting fermented foods like yoghurt (from the Greek pro and biota, which means “for life”). Probiotic-laced beverages are also very popular in Japan.
Addressing the Problem
In the case of illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome, which has proved difficult to cure with standard medication, some digestive disease specialists advocate taking probiotic tablets. Several scientific studies undertaken since the mid-1990s have shown that probiotics may treat and prevent a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Choosing the Probiotics supplement is the best choice there.
Even if it may appear strange at first, self-medicating with germs isn’t all that crazy. It is believed that the intestines of healthy people contain 100 trillion germs, including more than 500 different species. Bacteria, also known as microflora, make up the vast bulk of our bodies’ natural defences against pathogens and other harmful elements. Pathogens (dangerous germs) are kept under control, digestion and nutrient absorption are improved, and immune function is improved by the bacteria that dwell in the gut.
The same cannot be said about probiotics. Distinct strains of the bacteria have different effects on the human body and the surrounding environment. Even a single strain may be able to fight against the bacteria that cause tooth decay without ever having to make it through our digestive systems.
Taking probiotics and maintaining a healthy gut
Diarrhea is the most common ailment for which probiotic therapy has proven most effective. A randomised controlled trial demonstrated that Lactobacillus GG helped shorten the duration of infectious diarrhoea in infants and children (but not adults). Probiotics may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea by 60% when compared to a placebo in most situations, despite the fact that trials are limited and evidence is inconsistent.
In addition, probiotic therapy may be helpful for those with Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, as well. The results of clinical trials have been inconclusive, however multiple small studies have showed that probiotics may assist to maintain remission of ulcerative colitis, prevent relapse of Crohn’s disease, and prevent recurrence of pouchitis (a kind of pouchitis) (a complication of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis). People are eager to try probiotics because of the difficulty in treating these disorders and the lack of evidence supporting particular strains they are taking. In order to identify the best strains for certain conditions, further research is needed to be done.
Foods that promote good vaginal health include probiotic supplements.
It is also possible that probiotics might help maintain a healthy urogenital system. The vaginal canal is a finely managed ecosystem, much like the gastrointestinal tract. Preventing harmful bacteria from thriving is a common goal of dominant Lactobacilli strains. Antibiotics, spermicides, and birth control pills, among other things, may throw the system out of whack. Some common female urogenital disorders including bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection may benefit from probiotic treatment that helps bring the body’s microbiota back to normal.