What comes to your mind when you hear the word bacteria? Probably, you think of something as microorganisms that make your body sick. However, today we will talk briefly about a “healthy” class of bacteria, probiotics.
Probiotics are microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that live in our intestines. They are responsible for improving our intestinal and digestive health. they are in charge of preventing the development of harmful bacteria.
Imagine you live or visit a tropical paradise like Aruba, with incredible beaches and weather like no other… It is one of those places where you wouldn’t want to suffer from intestinal problems… Right?
Probiotics are naturally found in foods such as yogurt, olives, other pickled products, raw cheese, and sour-doughs. Maybe you don’t like eating some of these foods, but we have great news for you!
Nowadays, there are even presentations of chocolates and chips that contain these microorganisms. Of course, there are also nutritional supplements such as acidophilus probiotic-4 500mg caps 100’s that are responsible for providing these microorganisms in the amount required by our body.
Excellent! But what do probiotics really do?
We present 3 health benefits of probiotics:
1) Probiotics maintain and restore the intestinal flora in the body.
2) They are also part of treatments for conditions such as eczema, infectious diarrhea, constipation, and vaginal and urinary infections.
3) Probiotic supplements also help you recover the probiotics your body loses when taking antibiotics.
A review of more than 30 studies published in 2014 by the American Journal of Gastroenterology concluded that probiotics also help decrease the symptoms of conditions such as Irritable bowel syndrome, (source: https://journals.lww.com/ajg/toc/2014/08000)
Some studies even link the consumption of probiotics with improvements in oral health, anxiety, depression, fatigue and may also facilitate weight loss. There’s still some more research that needs to be done to fully support these benefits.
Because of their health benefits, more doctors are recommending the use of probiotic supplements to maintain and improve our health.
The type of probiotics needed, the extent and quantity will vary according to individual needs. For this reason, it is recommended to take these supplements under medical supervision, in addition to the consumption of vitamins and a balanced diet.
