6 Facts About Probiotics That Few People Know About

Businesses are starting to realize the significant health benefits that probiotics provide to people. Probiotics are no longer limited to being known as diarrhea medicine for adults. Nowadays, you can find probiotics in yogurt, supplements, flavored water, and other health products.

Why you may ask?

Research has shown that there is more to probiotics than caring for your gut health.

Here are some of the lesser-known facts about probiotics. By knowing about these, you may realize that probiotics are more than just supplements or a health fad. Instead, you will see their importance in your daily diet.

1. Probiotics are everywhere.

Contrary to popular belief, probiotics are not just found inside your stomach. Probiotics are found in many parts of your body, including the ears, nose, mouth, intestines, eyes, urinary tract, and so much more. Out of all these areas, probiotics are most abundant in the colon.

It is also important to note that the appendix incubates the probiotic bacteria. Scientists previously thought that the appendix was a useless organ. That was, until 2007 when a study revealed that when pathogens attack the body, the appendix responds by releasing probiotic bacteria to defend the body.

How big is the probiotic population in the body? In a healthy individual, there are as many as 300 trillion bacteria, which is more than the cells in the body (10 million). Weighing a total of 3.5 pounds, the probiotic bacteria’s total weight is also more substantial compared to the brain at 3 pounds.

2. They help improve social behavior and mental health conditions.

Studies conducted on both animals and humans revealed that probiotic supplements could improve mental health conditions. In one experiment, participants given supplements containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains for up to months showed improvements in autism, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, among others.

Another study consisted of chemical workers who took 100 grams of yogurt every day for a period of six weeks. Participants who consumed the prescribed amount of good bacteria experienced better health. Not only that, but their mood also improved, reducing stress levels, anxiety, and depression in the process.

3. They reduce symptoms of eczema.

Eczema leaves your skin patchy and itchy. Studies indicate that milk products containing probiotics have been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with the disease.

Even pregnant women and their kids can benefit from taking probiotics. In a study involving women taking probiotics during pregnancy, the data revealed that their babies and toddlers up to two years of age had an 83 percent lower risk of developing the skin condition.

4. They keep the heart healthy.

Lactic acid-producing bacteria such as probiotics break down the bile in your gut. Bile helps in food digestion, but this naturally-occurring stomach fluid mainly contains cholesterol. The decomposition of bile prevents the liquid cholesterol from being reabsorbed by the gut and into the blood.

As a result, your body’s LDL or bad cholesterol levels are lowered. This keeps your heart healthy and beating at a stable rate.

How many probiotics should you consume? A review that includes five studies indicates that consuming yogurt for up to eight weeks can reduce LDLs by five percent.

5. They produce natural antibiotics.

The body produces antibodies to help it fight against sickness and disease. This is not limited to digestive ailments such as diarrhea or constipation but also the colds.

Most people take antibiotics to help their bodies get over the flu and more serious ailments. However, the problem with antibiotics is that it contains chemicals. When taken over time, specific pathogens develop resistance and may eventually create superbugs.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing problem, so much so that some antibiotics are discontinued and removed from the market every few years or so. On the other hand, the body produces its own set of antibiotics, in the form of probiotics. Compared to chemicals, the body’s natural probiotics can change over time.

By keeping the body’s probiotic numbers at a healthy level, your body will develop a more natural resistance to disease. Even the growth of tumors and chronic ailments such as cancers are reduced by consuming probiotics.

6. They help get rid of belly fat.

Probiotics have been known to help individuals lose weight in a number of ways. For one, the good bacteria prevent the intestines from absorbing fat. As a result, the fat is excreted rather than stored.

Do you ever feel like going for seconds? With consuming probiotics, you can control the amount of food you consume. Probiotic bacteria make you feel full longer, preventing the need to eat more. With the help of exercise and a healthy diet, you can burn calories and lose weight at a quicker rate.

Are you hungry to find out what the other benefits are of probiotics to your body? Consult a doctor today to learn more about what these healthy bacteria can do for you.