What are Probiotics?
There is an estimated 300 trillion bacteria living inside you. Much of these bacteria reside in your gut, and the majority are quite harmless. Some are helpful, and a small number can cause disease.
Having the right gut bacteria has been linked to numerous health benefits, including the following such as weight loss, improved digestion, enhanced immune function, healthy skin and reduced risk of some diseases.
Probiotics, which are a certain type of friendly bacteria, provide health benefits when eaten. They’re often taken as supplements that are supposed to help colonize your gut with good microorganisms.
Click to see the research:
What are the benefits of taking a Probiotic Supplement?
Supports Digestive Health
If you currently have digestive problems that you can’t seem to vanquish, a probiotic supplement may be something to consider.
Probiotics may also help combat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reducing gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and other symptoms.
Click to see the research:
Supports Healthy Weight Management
Some research indicates that people with obesity have different gut bacteria than those who are lean.
Research shows a connection between gut microbes and obesity in both infants and adults. It also shows that microbial changes in the gut are a factor in developing obesity as an adult.
Therefore, many scientists believe that your gut bacteria are important in determining body weight.
Click to see the research:
In one study, 210 people with central obesity, characterised by excess belly fat, took the a probiotic daily. Participants lost an average of approximately 8.5% of their belly fat over 12 weeks. When participants stopped taking the probiotic, they gained the belly fat back within 4 weeks.
Supports Immunity
Several probiotic strains may enhance immune function, possibly leading to a reduced risk of infections, including those that cause the common cold.
Click to see the research:
Supports Healthy Skin
There’s some evidence that probiotics can be useful for acne, rosacea, and eczema, as well as other skin disorders.
In one study, middle-aged women were provided a probiotic supplement, daily for eight weeks - an improvement on skin elasticity and body characteristics were observed, skin appeared more hydrated and hair follicles had improved (Source 2).
Another study, a group of subjects aged 41–59 years old also confirmed the effect of probiotics on increasing skin moisture, decreasing the depth of existing wrinkles and improving the overall skin gloss and elasticity (Source 3).
Click to see the research:
Source 2 - Lee, J.B.; Suk, J.H.; Kang, S.M. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus KCTC 5033 on the Appearance of Facial Skin due to the Ingestion of Probiotics and Paraprobiotics. J. Investig. Cosmetol. 2018, 14, 287–296
Source 3 - Lee, D.E.; Huh, C.S.; Ra, J.; Choi, I.D.; Jeong, J.W.; Kim, S.H.; Ryu, J.H.; Seo, Y.K.; Koh, J.S.; Lee, J.H.; et al. Clinical evidence of effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 on skin aging: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. J. Microbiol Biotechnol. 2015, 25, 2160–2168