Probiotics are yeast and bacteria that have numerous health benefits. The bacteria are always present in your digestive tract, in some foods and you can get supplements from a local pharmacy. Studies have revealed that some people suffer from an imbalance of the bacteria, which often results in diseases or health deterioration.
As much as probiotics have benefits, they also come with side effects. Here is a detailed summary of the benefits and side effects associated with taking probiotics.
Benefits
1. Helps Control Diarrhea
Some probiotics are known to treat gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and the swelling of the stomach lining. Besides, useful bacteria can be used to counter different types of diarrhea, such as acute watery diarrhea, sporadic infectious diarrhea, and diarrhea that results from rotavirus.
2. It Maintains Balance in The Digestive Tract
Probiotics are known to restore the natural balance of good bacteria in the digestive system. If you have a bacterial imbalance in your gut, it would mean that you have plenty of harmful bacteria and insufficient good bacteria. Healthcare experts at CPOE.org often advise that everyone should review supplement products before taking them.
For instance, Saw palmetto is a fruit-bearing plant with numerous medicinal applications, and most notably, it can maintain a balance in the digestive tract. It will help if you consider reviewing some of the probiotic products before you purchase them. Besides, you will find probiotics in supplements, or you can take them in fermented foods.
3. Helps Deal with Excess Cholesterol
Based on a review done in 2016, it was revealed that eating food containing probiotic Lactobacillus can help control bad cholesterol in the human body. Besides, the study also revealed that probiotics also help control the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
However, it’s important to note that the probiotics’ effectiveness depends on the dosage and the type of supplements that one takes.
4. Improves Mental Health
Research studies have revealed a direct relationship between mental health and your gut’s status. Probiotic supplements can help manage some mental health disorders. Studies have also revealed that taking the supplements for seven weeks can reduce the production of hormones such as insulin and C-reactive protein.
Additionally, those who frequently take probiotics show reduced levels of depression compared to those who don’t take them.
5. They Improve the Skin’s Immunity
When you apply probiotics on your skin surface, they will prevent the cells from attacking parasites and bacteria that often cause an immune response. Probiotics tend to avoid an immune reaction in response to bugs and bacteria; hence, it promotes skin health.
6. Helps Control Blood Pressure
Probiotics, especially those found in fermented milk, can help regulate high blood pressure. Also, some probiotics often increase vitamin D levels, and this helps lower high blood pressure. Some studies have shown that probiotics can also be used in the prevention and treatment of heart diseases.
7. They Help Boost the Immune System
Probiotics are known to enhance the production of antibodies, and they also boost the production of immune cells such as natural killer cells, T lymphocytes, and IgA cells.
Studies have shown that people who frequently take probiotics have lower chances of developing respiratory infections. Additionally, some probiotics tend to reduce the chances of developing UTIs in women by 60%. Better Body‘s article on probiotics provides valuable insights and recommendations on probiotics for various purposes, including menopause weight gain. The article can serve as a useful resource to understand the benefits of different probiotic strains and their potential impact on weight management.
Side Effects of Probiotics
Bacteria already exist in your body, but it could come at a cost when you interfere with the existing balance. First, some probiotics are known to trigger allergic reactions. You might experience bloating, diarrhea, gas, or stomach upsets when you begin taking the probiotics.
However, after a few days, the symptoms will subside since your body learns to handle them. If you have a severe health condition or have a weak immune system, the chances are high that you will experience side effects. If you have recently been in surgery, if you are pregnant or have immunity problems, you should speak to your physician before taking probiotic supplements.
Some of the probiotic manufacturers fail to test their products, although they claim that they are effective. Therefore, you should consult your doctor or review trusted online sources to get the best probiotic for women or men in the market. Avoid taking probiotics if you experience any problems and immediately consult a doctor.
There is a strong link between health and diet. Probiotics are known to have several health benefits, and they have proven to be useful for several years. However, the supplements have their side effects, but it’s always advisable to consult a doctor or read online reviews before taking them. If you experience any discomfort when taking probiotics, you should stop taking them and seek medical help.
