Improving your gut health by taking probiotics

Probiotics are hailed for the effect they have on gut health in particular, but there’s a whole range of benefits. As part of our Trendy Nutrients A-Z series Naomi Davighi tells us what probiotics are, how they work, and 7 ways you can take care of your microbiome!

“Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be found in the form of fermented foods or supplements.”

The balance of bacteria in the gut can be restored by taking probiotics. This is usually caused by an imbalance between good and bad bacteria that leads to too much candida, for example.

The natural bacteria in your gut can also help if it isn’t at the optimum level.

‘Symptoms of excess bad bacteria in the gut include bloating, flatulence, and general discomfort.

‘Probiotics are similar to digestive enzymes, they also help you get more nutrients from your food. By increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut and aiding digestion, probiotics let you absorb more nutrients.’

In addition to aiding in good digestion, probiotics also help prevent diarrhea. Antibiotic treatment can have negative effects on the balance of bacteria in the gut, which may result in an increased occurrence of diarrhea.

Taking probiotics before and during antibiotic treatment may reduce any accompanying symptoms such as diarrhea.

A growing body of research shows that probiotics can improve human mental health, especially in cases of depression and anxiety.

A study has found that probiotic supplements can be helpful for the treatment of some mental health disorders in animals as well as humans.

Another study, involving 70 chemical workers, found that those individuals who daily consumed a probiotic capsule and 100 grams of fermented milk products (i.e., probiotic yogurt), reported experiencing general health benefits, improved moods as well as reduced levels of depression and anxiety.

A diet rich in probiotics can be useful for weight loss. Some types of probiotics prevent dietary fat from being absorbed by the intestine, which means that it won’t be stored in the body.

Probiotics can help you feel fuller for longer and burn more calories. This is because the bacteria help raise levels of hormones such as GLP-1, which boosts metabolism.

There are many types of probiotics, including capsule and pill forms. You can also purchase powdered variations that you add to your favorite drinks.

Yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut also provide probiotics.

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