7 Things to Know About Probiotics

If you are well aware of the concept of probiotics, you would know that they are not a recent invention; rather they have been around for ages in many of the food items we consume, for instance, fish, yoghurt and different kinds of cheese etc.

In the current times, where there is a growing awareness about our bodies and health in general, probiotics are considered to be a good means of maintaining a healthy balance (eg cara mengatasi sembelit) in our bodies. They are known to aid your indigestion, help you keep a healthy gut and improve your overall immunity.

You may have come across probiotic supplements in the market in the form of pills and drinks. In case you are wondering what the hype is all about, and what they actually are, this article will provide you with a few significant details about probiotics.

Treatment of Common Health Problems

New research is continuously being done in the field to unearth the many benefits of probiotics. It has been revealed that probiotics are very effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections and yeast infections. If you suffer from Irritable bowel syndrome, probiotics may help you manage the condition. They are very effective for the treatment of diarrhoea and aid in building healthy gut bacteria particularly if you have taken antibiotics to cure your illness. As we all know antibiotics tend to kill off a few of the healthy bacteria as well, probiotics may help retrieve them. According to another study, probiotics may also be helpful for treating eczema. As we know that eczema may often be caused by a weakened immune system; taking probiotics may help you address the issue.

The Concept of Good Bacteria

Probiotics are largely responsible for providing good bacteria for your gut. They consist of microorganisms that keep the body healthy by building and maintaining immunity. Good bacteria constitute a large part of our immune system and it is beneficial to have them in our bodies. Therefore if you are consuming yoghurt on a daily basis, you are providing your body with immunity boosters.

Food Sources for Probiotics

Incorporating food elements in your diet that are rich in probiotics helps you develop healthy gut bacteria through natural means. Fermented foods are considered to be rich in probiotics as the ferment in the food is the bacteria that help digest these foods. We have already mentioned fish, yoghurt and cheese to be rich sources of probiotics; others include kimchee, kefir, miso, sauerkraut etc.

Probiotics as Supplements

While natural is always better, it is recommended that you prefer natural food sources for building probiotics in your body. However if your diet is not designed to have such kinds of food in your daily routine, you can also take supplements. Kelly Wong, an alcohol cake lover, claims that if you have recurring episodes of urinary tract infections or a stubborn case of irritable bowel syndrome, taking a probiotic may help you alleviate the symptoms. However a word of caution; if you are taking some medication for the treatment of your medical issues, it would be better if you consult your doctor first before starting a probiotic supplement regime so as to ensure that the supplements do not clash with any of the medicines you are taking.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

While this may be surprising for you but probiotics are more effective when taken in combination with prebiotics. This is because prebiotics consists of food groups that can help feed the gut bacteria and make it healthier by providing it with energy. Prebiotics are the elements in our diet that are not digested, for example, dietary fibre. Some common sources of prebiotics are onions, garlic, bean, bananas and whole grains.

Side Effects of Probiotics

If you have some misgivings about probiotics, given the possibility of side effects, it is advisable that you consult with your doctor before making them a part of your regular routine. Always go for credible brands in the market and do read the labels. When it comes to supplements, there is quite a lot of information regarding which type of bacteria is beneficial and harmless. Always do your research before making a buying decision.

How Many Can You Take

As we have already established that incorporating probiotic supplements in your diet is a good idea as long as you are well aware of the ingredients. You may have come across different kinds of probiotics in the market which is designed to cater to different kinds of issues. If you are having more than one underlying issue, such as a digestive problem and at the same time you want to boost your immunity, you can take two different probiotic supplements for the different kinds of issues.