Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of research articles popping up in my healthy living subscriptions about probiotics and the connection it has to our gut. From depression and anxiety to IBS and eczema, there are many studies showing the benefits probiotics have on treating and helping these and many other conditions.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They are naturally found in your body, but you can also find them in some foods and supplements. A couple of types of probiotics that are essential are:
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC55730
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001
Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12
There are other strains that are beneficial, but these are the recommended for dietary support.
Why should you choose to take a probiotic? Well, as noted above, there are many benefits. Researchers are still trying to figure out which strains are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:
- Diarrhea from infection, food poisoning, or antibiotics
- Treat urinary tract infections
- Prevent or treat yeast infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Eczema
- Reduce the risk of bladder cancer returning
- Protect against colon cancer
- Improve the immune system
Probiotics and Weight loss
The theory is that probiotics may affect the way that energy (calories) is digested and therefore could help regulate the process by which energy can be used by the body, including becoming fat. There is still quite a bit of research being done on this subject, so people need to remain cautious. Probiotics are not magic diet pills, continue to follow a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics are a current trend that is actually healthy for our bodies. Taking a supplement or including one serving of yogurt or another food with probiotics per day, can really help you reap the benefits.
http://www.isapp.net/Portals/0/docs/News/merenstein%20sanders%20CME%20Probiotics.pdf
