Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer a variety of health benefits. These bacteria can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and others. However, many people benefit from taking probiotic supplements to increase the quantity and variety of friendly bacteria in the gut microbiome. Here are some of the biggest benefits of probiotics for your health:
1. Balance Your Microbiome
When you consume probiotics, these good bacteria help restore the balance of your gut microbiome. You could have an imbalanced gut if it has too much bad bacteria or too little good bacteria. This can be caused by poor diet, illness, or medications like antibiotics. If you have an imbalance, you may experience symptoms such as digestive issues, mental health problems, allergies, obesity, etc. Consuming probiotic-rich foods and taking probiotic supplements can introduce good bacteria to your gut and help restore proper balance.
2. Improve Mental Health Disorders
There have been a number of studies that have found links between mental health and gut health. Research has shown that increasing probiotic intake with supplements may help improve certain mental health disorders. For example, taking probiotic supplements with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may help improve memory, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression.
3. Keep Your Heart Healthy
Probiotics can help keep your heart healthy by lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol. Certain strains of bacteria produce lactic acid, which breaks down bile in your gut. This action can prevent bile, which contains cholesterol, from being reabsorbed by the gut. This could reduce the amount of cholesterol that enters your bloodstream.
4. Treat Bowel Issues
More than a million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One of the most common types of IBD is ulcerative colitis. Studies have found that taking probiotic supplements that contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can help improve symptoms of this disease. It’s also suggested that probiotics may have beneficial effects on other bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and necrotizing enterocolitis.
5. Aid in Weight Loss
Probiotics may be able to help with weight loss. Certain types of probiotics can prevent dietary fat from being absorbed by the intestine. This means the fat is excreted through feces instead of being stored in the body, potentially helping you lose belly fat and maintain a healthy weight. Research has also found that people with obesity tend to have less gut bacteria than those at lower weights, which could indicate a link between gut diversity and weight.
6. Boost Immunity
Your immune system is linked to your gut. Studies have shown that taking probiotics may lower the likelihood and severity of respiratory infections. The beneficial bacteria in your gut stimulate the immune system while also acting as an extra barrier against invading pathogens. If you have a weakened immune system, probiotics may be able to give it a boost.
These are just some of the many ways probiotics could benefit your health. When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for ones that contain a variety of bacteria strains, including multiple strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Ortho Biotic 100 is a high-dose probiotic supplement that provides 6 proven probiotic strains that are shown to deliver superior results, such as improving immune function, maintaining normal inflammatory balance, and supporting a healthy gut barrier.
