4 Health Benefits of Probiotics

4 Health Benefits of Probiotics

Most people typically think of bacteria as something harmful, but that’s not always the case. In fact, there is healthy, beneficial bacteria present in every human body. Probiotics are microorganisms known as “good” or “friendly” bacteria; the words pro and biota literally mean “for life.”

Found in dietary supplements and certain dairy products with live enzymes, such as yogurt, probiotics are known for having a range of positive effects on the body, including supporting digestive, heart, immune and women’s health. If you’re thinking of adding a probiotic to your dietary regimen, here are four health benefits of this beneficial bacteria.

#1 Digestive health

A normal, healthy bowel contains an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species. Along with providing other benefits, good bacteria may help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea (particularly when caused by antibiotics), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, lactose intolerance and ulcerative colitis. Probiotics also aid digestion, which supports nutrient absorption; the more nutrients your body is able to absorb, the healthier you will be.

#2 Heart disease prevention

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women, claiming about 600,000 lives annually in the US alone. One study found that probiotics may lower LDL “bad” and total cholesterol. Probiotics also reduced cholesterol-bearing molecules in the blood, which can lead to dangerous plaque buildup in the arteries. Healthy cholesterol levels are an important part of preventing heart disease, making probiotics a good choice for anyone looking to improve cardiovascular wellness.

#3 Immunity and disease prevention

While humans are constantly bombarded with disease-causing pathogens, healthy adults will only get sick on occasion. That’s because the friendly bacteria in the gut respond to those pathogens and fight infection. Healthy immune function depends on maintaining a delicate balance of bacteria within the body, with enough good bacteria present to ward off disease.

Dietary probiotics may help maintain this balance. Consuming the friendly bacteria may be especially effective in people taking antibiotics, since the medication can offset the balance of bacteria. One research analysis also found that supplementing with probiotics during pregnancy and infancy reduces the risk of atopic sensitization, a condition that predisposes children to allergies later in life.

#4 Vaginal health

Nearly 75 percent of women have had at least one yeast infection in their lifetimes, and there is more than a 50 percent chance that a woman will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in her life. Probiotics support women’s vaginal health by helping maintain a healthy pH and an optimal balance of good bacteria to help suppress or fight off harmful bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms; probiotics also support urinary tract health. And if your doctor ever instructed you to eat yogurt while taking antibiotics, that’s because dietary probiotics may also be helpful in reducing the likelihood of a vaginal yeast infection while on the medication.

Remember, your body is full of bacteria, and part of staying healthy is making sure there are plenty of friendly bacteria to ward off illness and disease. In combination with a healthy lifestyle, probiotics can be an important measure taken to support total wellness.