What are probiotics?
Since the 90s people have been increasingly curious about this term “probiotics.” So, what are probiotics? In simple words, probiotics are bacteria. Our body houses both kinds of bacteria, i.e., good and bad. And probiotics are friendly bacteria, which maintain our body’s overall balance and immune system.

There are several types of probiotics that can be found. All of these can be comprehensively beneficial for you or can facilitate one particular advantage for your body. Some of the most common types of probiotics strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis.

What food products contain probiotics?
When one mentions probiotics, the instant image that hits the mind is that of yogurt. Although yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, one can find these healthy bacteria in pickles, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kvass, kombucha and raw cheese.

You can also find several probiotics supplements on the market. Just ensure that you consider them, only if your doctor recommends it. Otherwise, it will be safe to stick to the natural sources of probiotics mentioned above.

Benefits of probiotics
Here are some of the key benefits of probiotics that can assist in keeping your body healthy and strong.

Digestive health – There is a possibility that you might suffer from diarrhea if you eat something wrong or are on antibiotics. The latter happens because the medicines are designed to kill infectious bacteria. And in the process, they also end up destroying the good ones and create a disproportion in the digestive tract. You can use probiotics if you are dealing with an upset stomach. The consumption of probiotics will assist in restoring the balance of good and bad bacteria in the intestines. However, the consumption of probiotics is extremely healthy under normal circumstances as well. So, if you desire to build a strong gut, have to include probiotics in your everyday diet.

Weight management – Certain types of probiotics avert the absorption of fat in the gut. This means that the body eliminates the fat from the body, rather than accumulating it. So, in a nutshell, probiotic is an amazing option for people who want to lose or maintain their body weight. However, it is crucial to be aware of the fact, that not all but only specific kinds of probiotics can assist you in your weight loss endeavors.

Immunity – If you want to improve your body’s immunity on a comprehensive level, then you must consider consuming probiotics. As they naturally enhance the number of good micro-organisms in the body, they automatically also stimulate the immune cells like T lymphocytes and Immunoglobulin A.

Allergies – Certain researchers conclude that the consumption of probiotics can significantly reduce skin allergies such as eczema. Also, during pregnancy women who consume foods loaded with probiotics, can effectively diminish the risk of childhood eczema in their newborn babies. Although this may not work for everyone, if you are tackling with this issue then you can consult your health care provider to gain more clarity.

Vaginal health – A considerable number of women are affected by vaginal yeast infections. The main reason behind the onset of yeast infection is the imbalance between the good and the bad bacteria in the vagina. Such kind of infection can mostly occur when a woman is pregnant. Since probiotics are known to reinstate the appropriate bacteria ratio, they can quite helpful in combating vaginal infections too.

Mental health – Although this may come as a surprise to you, probiotics can also aid in maintaining a good mental health. Probiotics have anti-inflammatory qualities, which reduces the overall swelling in the body. Such inflammation is usually caused by stress which is triggered by depression, anxiety, mood swings, etc. So, if you are facing any mental strain then include probiotics in your daily food regime.

Oral health – Probiotics minimize the bad oral bacteria infecting your gums and teeth which are capable of causing severe tooth decay, cavities, and biofilm. This also aids in reducing the possibility of bad breath. You can talk to your dentist to gain additional insight about oral probiotics.

Blood pressure and cholesterol – Additionally, probiotics also assist in maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can also help you control your stress levels and make you more active physically as well as mentally.

To observe these benefits of probiotics on your body, you must persistently include them in your daily diet. It might take weeks or a few months to see the positive changes, but it’ll be worthwhile. If you happen to be confused about where to start from then, seek counsel from a nutritionist or your doctor. They will accurately guide you about the kind of probiotics you can benefit from.