words Alexa Wang
Everyone wants to feel healthy and wake up every morning feeling energized, hale, and hearty. But in a world where the presence of deadly diseases such as ulcers, diarrhea, and allergies can weaken your immune system and put your life at risk, it’s vital to take certain steps to boost your immune system. That way, you’ll be able to fight off infectious diseases that can attack at any time and place.
Taking probiotic supplements can be one way of boosting your immune system. Probiotics supplements contain friendly bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, keeping you healthy and strong. Here are some ways that probiotic supplements can improve your health.
They Strengthen the Immune System
Increased levels of disease-fighting lymphocytes and immunoglobulins are achieved through the use of probiotics, which also contribute to the regulation of the immune system. They stimulate immune cells such as IgA antibodies, T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells to function more effectively. You take antibiotics when suffering from a gastrointestinal disorder, similarly, probiotics can have a positive effect on the balance of your body. According to a number of studies, probiotics have the potential to aid in the prevention of respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Prevent and Treat Allergies
Some allergies, such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergies to specific components, such as mites, can be prevented and treated by reducing the body’s inflammatory response. It is possible that the anti-allergy effect of probiotics is dependent on the type of microorganism ingested as well as the combination of such microorganisms with the numerous probiotics that can be found in food. The consumption of probiotics during pregnancy and during the period of lactation has an important benefit as it prevents the development of various allergic diseases in the baby. Some examples of these diseases include allergies to cow’s milk and eczema.
Protect Cardiovascular Health
Probiotics supplements help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease because it inhibits the absorption of fats from food, which in turn lowers levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol while simultaneously elevating “good” HDL cholesterol. Thereby preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Stop Infections in the Urinary Tract
The use of probiotics can aid in preventing excessive growth of potentially dangerous bacteria in the vaginal tract. This helps to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, which in turn has a positive impact on the health of women by lowering their likelihood of developing urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli.
Weight Loss
Consuming probiotics help in reducing weight by regulating appetite hormones. It releases hormones that keep you from unhealthy cravings. When consumed in yogurt rich in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, probiotics can help weight loss by slashing the amount of fat by up to 4 percent in just a few weeks. One of these bacteria, known as Lactobacillus gasseri, has been shown to be particularly helpful in fighting excess body fat.
Combat Digestive Diseases
Taking probiotic supplements can help regulate the microbes that live in the lower intestine, which can have an impact on how well we digest our food. These dietary supplements have an effect on the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which is a pathogen that can lead to peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. These supplements may help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and constipation. They not only treat but also prevent these diseases by reducing the risk of developing an infection.
Relieve Constipation
Different probiotic microorganisms act on the intestinal flora, reducing constipation in children and adults. Some of these bacteria are L. reuteri, L. casei rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus casei Shirota. The consumption of probiotics will result in an increase in the number of evacuations, an improvement in the consistency of stools, and a reduction in abdominal pain. In addition to this, they stop the development of diverticulitis and hemorrhoids. The reduction in the occurrence and severity of hemorrhoids is especially significant as it improves overall comfort and quality of life. For instance, even routine activities like sitting can be a painful experience for those with hemorrhoids. To illustrate, let’s discuss how to sit in a chair with hemorrhoids: a good practice is to use a soft cushion or a specialized inflatable ring. This provides necessary support and reduces pressure on the affected area.
Prevent Colon Cancer
Probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can modify the composition of the intestinal flora and reduce levels of potentially carcinogenic substances in the colon. This can help prevent colon cancer. Combining probiotics with prebiotics — foods that serve as food for probiotic bacteria — is even more effective. Oats, rye, barley, chicory root, honey, garlic, and bananas are all excellent sources of this nutrient.
Improve Lactose Intolerance
When probiotic bacteria are present in the intestine, they secrete an enzyme that assists in the digestion of lactose. This prevents lactose intolerant individuals from experiencing symptoms such as flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea when they consume milk products.
Skin Care
Probiotic supplements have an impact on our overall skin health as well. As people get older, their skin’s PH rises and becomes drier. This in turn allows the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin. Probiotic skin care products have been shown to help skin issues such as acne and eczema. It is also suggested that probiotics could be used to treat some types of skin cancer.
Regulate Blood Pressure
Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus helps lower the body’s blood pressure. The consumption of probiotics often increases vitamin D in the body which prevents high blood pressure. These bacteria also have the capacity to treat and prevent heart illness.
Neutralization of Toxic Products
The ability of probiotics to inhibit the growth of toxic organisms, as well as their ability to reduce the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream, makes them a useful addition to any healthy diet. Probiotics help to detoxify the liver and other organs, which can protect against cancer and various other diseases.
Improve Mental Health Conditions
Numerous studies have shown the effect of gut health on people’s moods and mental health. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are strains of “good” bacteria. It has been reviewed that these strains, taken in the form of probiotic supplements can help regulate and improve certain mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Probiotics, or “good” bacteria, may aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics may also help boost your immune system and fight infection and are safe for children as well as adults. The use of these natural antibiotics should be the focus of community-level medical promotion efforts by family doctors and nurses to contribute to a higher quality of life for the population through healthier and natural lifestyles.
