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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROBIOTICS

       For those who have interest in staying healthy and well, the word probiotic doesn’t sound strange. It must have been heard or even used severally. Probiotics are often times referred to as the bacterial with benefits as these probiotic supplements not only strengthens the immune system but also improves gut health and balances vaginal flora. There are a lot of ongoing research studies on the level of effectives of probiotics; however probiotics doesn’t require an approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell commercially, this is because probiotics is a dietary supplement.

  Here are all you need to know about probiotics.

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

Probiotic is derived from two Latin words, “Pro and “biotic” meaning for and life respectively. This can thus be translated as beneficial “for life”.

 It’s no secret that microorganisms are found naturally in our body systems, probiotics is actually no difference. They are similar to the organisms found in our body.

When probiotics are consumed in recommended quantity, they are known to provide health benefits as stated above. This is the reason they are referred to as “good bacteria”.

The sole function of these “good” bacteria is the absorption of nutrients. These “good bacteria” are alive and having more of them is the solution to having a healthy gut. It’s advised to include probiotic supplements in your diet.

  HOW DO PROBIOTICS WORK?

Our intestine, both the small and large are home to trillions of bacteria. Bacteria are found in babies even before their birth as discovered by a recent research. But a few of us have lesser levels of the good bacteria.

These bacteria that are naturally present in our intestine are both good and bad. Having a balance of more good to bad bacteria is ideal for healthy gut. In a situation where there is bacteria imbalance there’s a noticeable amount of weight gain, which is unhealthy and inflammation. Taking in a good amount of probiotics helps to restore a balance. In summary probiotics aids in replenishing the “helpful” or “good” bacteria which in turn balances the microbiome leading to improved digestive function and a well enhanced immune system.

   Probiotics amongst a host of other things aid in sending through the gut. This it does by its effect on the nerves that are charged with the responsibility of controlling movement in the gut. They also treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diarrhea caused by antibiotics, parasites, viruses or bacteria, and also irritable bowel syndrome

 

HOW DO I USE PROBIOTICS SAFELY?

There isn’t a recommended amount of probiotics intake on a daily basis by the FDA yet. The FDA highly regulates its intake; however a few studies have shown that for healthy individuals’ 1-10billion CFU daily is the recommendation.

It’s highly recommended that we shouldn’t take probiotics before seeking counsel from doctors. This is solely because these probiotics foods and supplements aren’t safe for everyone, especially individuals who have problems with their immune systems and those suffering from serious ailments. These categories of people aren’t advised to take probiotics foods and supplements.

WHY DO I HAVE TO SPEAK WITH A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL?

  This is the question asked by a lot of people, even with the huge benefits probiotics have to offer? They are a lot of differences among probiotic products and it isn’t advised to self-medicate, a counsel from a healthcare professional is highly valuable. Probiotics treat so many health conditions, so it’s very essential

   With these supplements there is exactly no guarantee on what each capsule contains. These points to the fact, that there are no regulations. If ever, probiotics becomes what you are considering, check the label for the name of the probiotic, its species, genus and strain, then speak to a health care professional.

   Doctors also help in recommending the type of probiotic that will effectively treat a condition. As most individuals are of the habit of self-medicating, forgetting that there are different types of probiotics thus different foods and supplements contain different probiotics. To reduce tendencies of self-medication, doctors provide in office dispensing of probiotics. This is more reliable as health condition is established before prescription.

 

TYPES OF PROBIOTICS

  Probiotics are classified mainly into two groups. Each of these bacteria has a lot of different benefits accredited to them. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two types.

i)                   Lactobacillus

           Lactobacillus is a well-known probiotic. It has strains which help in the treatment of diarrhea. Strains of Lactobacillus are recommended for individuals who have difficulty in digesting lactose.

  Lactobacillus is a constituent of yogurt and some foods that have undergone fermentation.

ii)                 Bifidobacterium

   It mostly helps in easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and a host of other digestive problems. It’s mostly found in dairy products. 

 

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS

According to a recent research, apart from treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and gut problems, probiotics also prevent and treat conditions such as anxiety, allergies and high cholesterol levels. Probiotics can also benefit those having health conditions like ulcerative colitis, Chron’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome, according to Harvard health. Probiotics are the surest alternative for improving digestive health.

   Probiotics is highly recommended for women, as it is of high importance for the vaginal health of women. According to some research, there’s a suggestion that probiotics prevents urinary tract infections, especially the recurrent type that affects some women.

  With intake of probiotics, there is significant increase in fat, protein and antioxidant absorption. There is also an increase in interferon levels.

   It’s estimated that the gut contains as much as 1,000 different micro-organisms from viruses, yeasts and bacteria. A lot of vitamins are manufactured by the gut flora. With the help of Probiotics the gut flora is made to perform optimally.

     Probiotics helps in reducing incidents of cancer and ulcers by fighting their principal driver, Helicobacter Pylori infections. It is a highly effective treatment for so many digestive problems.

After taking the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri,210 people with central obesity noticed a 8.5% loss of belly fat was in a period of 12 weeks according to a study. As soon as the participants stopped using the probiotic, they immediately gained back the belly fat within an interval of just 4 weeks. Weight loss has been initiated by taking some probiotic strains.

    Anxiety and depression can be reduced when Lactobacillus helveticus and bifidobacterium longum, probiotic strains where taken by patients with clinical depression. Probiotics are useful for treatment of skin disorders such as acne, eczema, rosacea and a few others. People with high blood pressure also witness a reduction in their blood pressure.

 

  SOURCES OF PROBIOTICS

  Fermented foods are known to contain probiotics, kombucha, kefir, aged cheese, yogurt, tamari, sourdough bread, kimchi and tempeh are good examples.