Are Probiotics Worth The Hype?

Since the fermented food craze of 2018, probiotics have been all the rage. Touted for everything from skincare to preventing heart disease, there seems to be nothing they can’t do. In case you’re still not sold, here are 20 reasons you should take probiotic supplements.

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1. Aid In Digestion

Probiotics add good microbes to your gut, killing the bad ones. This helps you process food better, regulates bowel movements, and helps you digest more quickly.

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2. Support Immune Health

The gut and the immune system are intrinsically linked. In addition to promoting digestive system health, the gut microbiome activates immune cell production which is enhanced when taking probiotic supplements.

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3. Reduce Symptoms of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gut disorder that includes symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Studies have shown that probiotics reduce symptoms of IBS by balancing the gut flora. 

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4. Promote Heart Health

Researchers have found a strong link between gut health and heart health and much of this correlation has to do with the makeup of the gut microbiome. In addition to having a healthy diet, probiotic supplements can help balance your digestive flora. 

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5. Reduce Bloating

Probiotics have been shown to reduce bloating by introducing more good bacteria that aid in digestion. However, as your body adjusts to taking them, you may experience more bloating at the beginning which should improve over time.

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6. Decrease Cholesterol

Some types of probiotics latch onto cholesterol and stop it from being absorbed in the gut, acting like your system’s bodyguards. Studies have found people who took probiotics reduced their overall cholesterol levels by 13 percent.

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7. Promotes Healthy Skin

Probiotics can decrease the amount of water that evaporates through the skin, helping the skin stay moisturized and elastic. The anti-inflammatory qualities of probiotics can also help treat acne.

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8. Aids Weight Loss

Studies have found people with obesity have less diverse gut bacteria. Taking probiotics helps restore a healthy variety of intestinal flora, can reduce appetite, and increase fat excretion, all contributing to weight loss.

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9. Improve Cognition 

You’ve probably felt butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous–this is because your brain and your gut are linked through the gut-brain axis. The healthy functioning of one relies on the other. Taking probiotics has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory.

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10. Boost Mood

In addition to improving cognitive function, probiotics have been shown to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is because probiotics aid in the production of serotonin, the happiness chemical, which is then transmitted to your nervous system through the gut-brain axis.

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11. Protect Against Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria mutate so that the medicine is no longer effective. Probiotics help mitigate this and also prevent the side effects of taking antibiotics by keeping your microbiome balanced. 

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12. Prevent and Treat UTIs

Taking probiotics helps prevent the production of the bacteria E. Coli which commonly causes urinary tract infections. Although there isn’t enough evidence to suggest taking probiotics as the sole treatment for UTIs, taking them regularly may help prevent recurring infections.

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13. Reduce Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema has been linked to the presence of certain types of bacteria in your gut. Taking probiotics while pregnant has been shown to reduce the chances of the baby developing eczema. It’s also been shown to reduce the severity of eczema in adults.

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14. Supports Nutrient Absorption

Probiotics increase certain types of fatty acids that increase the availability of nutrients in your body. They also promote a strong gut lining which is crucial for proper nutrient absorption. 

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15. Protect Against Liver Disease

Taking probiotics have been shown to promote liver health by reducing glucose and fat in the liver which add strain. By regulating the gut microbiome, probiotics can reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress.

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16. Support Healthy Aging

Probiotics increase antioxidant production, supporting immune health and staving off age-related disease. Its effects on cognitive function, healthy skin, and heart health all contribute to vigorous aging.

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17. Improve Testosterone Levels in Men

In men, probiotics have been shown to increase testosterone which promotes muscle mass, strength, regulates libido, and increases sperm count. In one trial, probiotics fed to an elder mouse increased testosterone levels to that of young mice in just 10 months.

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18. Reduce Inflammation

Fatty acids produced by probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can lead to autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and arthritis.

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19. Prevent and Treat Diarrhea

Probiotics have been shown to cut the length of diarrhea bouts in children by up to two days. They do this by killing the bad germs in the body that cause the diarrhea. 

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20. Reduces Allergies in Children 

Taking probiotics while pregnant has been shown to reduce the likelihood of the baby developing food allergies by giving them the necessary digestive enzymes. Coupled with this, feeding your baby probiotics after they’re born has been shown to be highly effective in staving off allergies. 

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