An Overview of the Health Benefits Associated with Probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms that regulate the movement of food through the digestive system and are often used to supplement the treatment of several digestive diseases. Additionally, probiotics help balance intestinal pH and keep unfriendly and unwanted bacteria populations from thriving. Our gut flora does a number of  other beneficial bodily tasks like producing B vitamins, pathogen protection, aiding our immune systems and disarming toxic compounds.  A thriving and healthy gut microbiome can be thrown off kilter by relatively common things: stress, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, artificial sweeteners, antacids, antibiotics, toxins and individual digestion problems. Although probiotic research is still in its infancy, there have been a number of scientific studies that have indicated beneficial results from the regular usage of probiotics.

According to that research, probiotics may relieve some symptoms or show benefits for the following:

• Infectious diarrhea
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Digestion problems following or caused by antibiotic use
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Intestinal infections
• Immune system health
• Protection against yeast infections and urinary tract infections
• Prevention of atopic eczema
• Prevention of respiratory infections in children
• Preventing tooth decay

In the future, scientists plan to study probiotics for these possible uses:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ethanol-induced liver disease
• Diabetes treatment
• Cancer prevention

Sources: American Gastroenterological Association, “Clinical Indications of Probiotics, an Overview,” Clinical Infectious Diseases 

Additional research has shown:

• Probiotics may aid women in weight loss: British Journal of Nutrition
• Probiotics use was linked to a reduction of markers typically associated with depression.  Brain, Behavior and Immunity 
• And probiotics have been shown to modestly improve blood pressure: Hypertension 

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