Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements. They promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including weight loss, digestive health, immune function and more. Read on to find out the key health benefits linked to probiotics.
What are probiotics?
Research indicates that probiotics play an important role in digestion and gut health, while supporting the immune system. It can help prevent and treat diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking antibiotics. It occurs because antibiotics can negatively affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. And the use of probiotics is associated with a reduced risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Benefits of probiotics
Many people use probiotics to help treat episodes of diarrhea and constipation. It helps balance the friendly bacteria in your digestive system. It can also help with eczema, obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes etc. It may reduce the risk and severity of certain allergies.
Probiotic foods
In fact, you might have heard that food manufacturers also call probiotics live culture or active cultures. Many fermented products contain probiotics, which means the bacteria in them are still living. Examples of dairy products that contain probiotics include aged cheeses and yogurt. Of course, not all foods must be dairy to contain probiotics. Kimchi, miso, sauerkraut and tempeh are the example of other probiotic foods.
