Ever since medics realized the role of a healthy gut microbiome in maintaining overall well-being, probiotics have gained popularity for their varied uses. Today, a wide range of probiotics are available as supplements in supermarkets for treating several ailments like diarrhea, Crohn’s disease and to boost mental health.
What are probiotics?
According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, probiotics are “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”
It is estimated there are around 38 trillion microbes in the digestive tract. Probiotics work along with these microbes to maintain the overall health of an individual.
How can probiotics help?
1. Researchers have found that probiotics may help improve immune function, digestion, nutrient absorption, and vitamin production.
2. They keep a check on harmful microorganisms and decrease chances of some common infections, such as respiratory tract, gut, and vaginal tract infections.
3. Probiotics are also used in treating diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and infectious pediatric diarrhea, Study Finds reported.
4. It can reduce the symptoms associated with poor digestion of lactose and colic symptoms in infants.
How to choose a probiotic that fits you?
Health experts believe that not all probiotic strains work for everyone. The factors like diet, existing microbes in the digestive tract, and the medications a person takes, all influence the strain of probiotics that work for a person. The best way to find out if a probiotic is right for you is to try it out for a month to see if you get the desired benefits.
Although safe for most people, probiotics should be administered only after consultation for infants, people with immune disorders, short bowel syndrome, or those with a serious illness.
Natural sources of probiotics:
Many food items are natural sources of probiotics.
Including these food items in the…
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