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The human microbiome is composed of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms inhabiting the human body. These microorganisms are known as probiotics, and when kept at certain levels in the body through use of probiotics can be extremely beneficial to health. This article will cover the health benefits, mechanisms of action, and clinical indications for probiotics.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are basically friendly bacteria that you ingest. Sometimes, they are also referred to as probiotic supplements or live cultures. Probiotics have been used for thousands of years and have been shown to help fight disease. They are found in fermented foods such as yoghurt, but also in some over-the-counter probiotic supplements.
Probiotics:
Probiotics have many health benefits to offer. They may be able to ease ulcerative colitis symptoms, decrease the risk of certain cancers, boost the immune system against other infections and treat allergies. There are some cases in which they can also help with diarrhoea, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We may also not even know that we’re deficient in these friendly bacteria because they are found naturally in our gastrointestinal tract. They actually outnumber the harmful bacteria found within our intestinal tract.
Benefits of Probiotics:
Probiotics are known for their health benefits and are considered to be the newest revolution in medication for many conditions. However, these bacteria also have side effects, which can include stomach cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhoea. When choosing a probiotic supplement, look at the label carefully before taking any supplement with your doctor’s permission. It is best to have a consultation with your doctor first before starting new supplements or diets. Some benefits of probiotics include:
1) Improves Digestion:
Probiotics can help improve digestion. They can prevent constipation and help treat diarrhoea by regulating the body’s normal bowel movements. Studies have shown that the use of probiotics can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea by 80% in children.
2) Helps Treat Urinary Tract Infections:
It is known that probiotics are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections by decreasing the amount of infectious microbes in the bladder. They also may prevent and help treat bladder cancer.
3) Reduces Blood Pressure:
Studies have shown that taking probiotics may be able to lower your blood pressure significantly and reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.
4) Improves Immune System:
Probiotics can increase the survival and growth of your immune system. They can also lower the risk of getting food-borne illnesses and autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
5) Treats Tonsillitis:
It is known that chronic tonsillitis is caused by an imbalance in your intestinal flora. Taking probiotics may be able to decrease this imbalance and help treat your tonsillitis.
6) Relieves IBS Symptoms:
IBS symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. Probiotics have been used to relieve IBS symptoms.
7) Decreases the Risk of Cancer:
Probiotics may be able to decrease the risk of getting ulcerative colitis. Studies have also shown that it may decrease the risk of colon cancer and certain types of breast cancer. It is also known that taking probiotics during radiation therapy for breast cancer may be able to reduce side effects like fatigue and diarrhoea in patients.
There are many more health benefits to taking probiotics, but these are just a few examples of how our intestinal flora can benefit our health immensely.
The mechanism of action:
The level of good bacteria in our digestive tract may affect how quickly we recover from diarrhoea, constipation and other conditions. It’s been said that the good bacteria found in our bodies help to regulate the amount of acid and water. When the level of acidity is low, this can cause diarrhoea. The level of water in our body is regulated by the amount of bad bacteria present in our gut, which can result in constipation or blocked urinary passages. The level of good bacteria may also lower inflammation and alleviate certain allergic conditions such as eczema by reducing inflammation. Probiotics may be able to reduce eczema symptoms such as rash, itching and inflammation.
Conclusion:
These colonies of good bacteria may be able to help with a variety of health conditions. They can suppress the growth of harmful bacteria in our bodies and reduce inflammation. They are also thought to offer many benefits to our immune system, although more research needs to be done on this topic. Probiotics are also known as friendly or good bacteria that we ingest through products such as yoghurt or other over-the-counter probiotic supplements. These supplements can help with a number of health conditions, including diarrhoea, constipation, eczema and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). When taking any probiotic supplement, it is important to consult with your doctor before beginning any new supplements or drugs.
