Probiotics: One size does not fit all
Probiotics are live microorganisms. When taken in sufficient amounts, they can help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria. As a result, health benefits may follow.
Probiotics can reduce the risk and severity of diarrhea from a number of different causes.
Research shows taking probiotics may help improve symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress and memory, among others.
Probiotics may help protect the heart by reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and modestly lowering blood pressure.
Probiotics may reduce the risk and severity of certain allergies, such as eczema in infants. However, more research is needed.
Probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis, IBS and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Probiotics may help boost your immune system and protect against infections.
Certain probiotics may help you lose weight and belly fat. However, other strains have been linked to weight gain.
The term probiotics is an umbrella term. It represents many different strains of live microorganisms, usually bacteria, that are considered to be good for your body, because they may help maintain a good balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. You can find probiotics as supplements as well as in foods like:
- yogurt
- other dairy products
- sauerkraut
- pickles
Some of the main strains of probiotics you may see are:
- Lactobacillus
- Bifidobacteriu
- Saccharomyces boulardii
You likely already have these good bacteria in your body, but adding probiotics to your diet or taking them in supplement form can increase the amount in your body. Probiotics may help infants because they are born with a sterile Gl system that might be susceptible to distress. Over time, infants build up bacteria that will help them build a barrier in their Gl tract, gain a stronger immune system, and prevent infections.