Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts in our body that are good for our health, especially our digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But our body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. A probiotic (อาหาร เสริม โพ ร ไบ โอ ติก, which is the term in Thai) is often called “good” bacteria because it helps keep our gut healthy.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that benefit your body and gut health. The supplements add to your existing supply of friendly microbes. They help fight off the less friendly types and boost immunity against infections.
Not all of the microbes we may carry are helpful. Some types, like germs, can be harmful. However, beneficial microbes help to control the potentially harmful types.
Acidophilus may be the most well-known probiotic today because it has many applications. Acidophilus is found naturally in your mouth, gut, stomach, lungs, vagina, and urinary tract, and it can help restore balance in all of these microbiomes.
Probiotics are also present in fewer quantities in fermented food such as:
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Pickles and pickle juice
- Kimchi
- Miso soup
- Kombucha
Excellent Benefits Of Probiotics
- Probiotics help balance the friendly bacteria in your digestive system. It restores the natural balance of gut bacteria.
- Probiotic supplements improve some mental health conditions. Taking probiotic supplements for eight weeks decreases depression levels and reduces C-reactive protein and hormone levels.
- Certain probiotic strains can help keep your heart healthy. Probiotics may help keep your heart healthy by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Probiotics may help boost your immune system. The probioticLactobacillus crispatushas been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women by 50%.
- Probiotics may help you lose weight and belly fat. Some probiotics prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. The fat is then excreted from the body.
In A Nutshell
Probiotics can act as gut-beneficial bacteria that create a physical barrier against unfriendly bacteria. Live probiotics are often found in fermented dairy products. You can also take probiotics as tablets and capsules. However, be aware that stomach acid can destroy some probiotics before reaching the gut, meaning you get none of the benefits.
