Probiotics: What is it, Benefits, Side Effects, Food & Types
Have you ever heard that bacteria can be beneficial? This is true. Bacteria that are good for our body are called probiotics. Good bacteria are always a part of your body. And through a proper diet, you can keep the balance of probiotics at a normal level.
What are Probiotics and Their Types?
Probiotics are nothing but good bacteria inside our bodies. These good bacteria help our body to fight diseases like constipation, digestive issues, and low immunity. Thus food and supplements rich in probiotics should be a part of your diet.
Intake of probiotics through food and supplements produces more good bacteria inside the body that supports a healthy gut, immune functions, and controls inflammation.
Types of Probiotics:
There are two major types of probiotics and they are:
• Lactobacillus.
• Bifidobacterium.
These are the commonly found bacteria inside the body that are considered good and are mostly found in the digestive tract, genital system, and gut.
Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics are known to have several health benefits. If your body is unable to produce natural good bacteria, you may consume probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich food substances. You may find the best probiotic for bloating gas and constipation in the market. Just make sure you choose a certified brand that provides high-quality probiotic supplements.
Probiotics may help with the following health conditions:
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Stomach infection.
• IBD and IBS.
• Yeast infection.
• Lactose intolerance.
• Gum disease.
• Urinary tract infection.
Side-effects Involved
Probiotics are natural substances and they already exist inside the body. This is why probiotics are considered safe. You can take probiotic supplements if necessary without any risk factors.
Some people may develop certain mild allergies at the beginning such as bloating, gas, and other symptoms related to the digestive system. But these symptoms stop once the body starts to adjust with the probiotic supplement.
Before you buy the best probiotic for bloating, gas and constipation make sure you check the label for a clear ingredient list. Always choose a brand that provides a natural probiotic supplement.
That being said, precautions must be taken in case you have:
• Poor immunity system.
• Any critical illness.
• Had undergone some surgery recently.
To know more if probiotics can cause any side effects to you, talk to your doctor.
How To Add Probiotics To Your Diet?
Adding probiotics to the diet can be done in two ways:
• Eat probiotics-rich food.
• Take a probiotic supplement.
Some of the food substances rich in probiotics are yogurt, buttermilk, fermented pickles, kombucha, and cottage cheese. Before you buy any probiotic food from the market, always check the label for live and active cultures.
You can take a probiotic supplement for fast and quick results. Many brands have supplements that combine both prebiotics and probiotics to provide maximum benefits. For instance, if you are looking for the best probiotic for bloating, gas and constipation, you must take probiotics and prebiotic supplements. Prebiotics are the substances that feed healthy bacteria. Thus the combination of probiotics and prebiotics always works better.
Who Should Take Probiotics?
Probiotics can be taken by anyone. But if you’re someone suffering from frequent bloating, constipation, and other digestive disorders, you may start taking probiotic supplements. Every individual has different physical conditions and specific requirements. Thus it is better to consult with a doctor before you start taking probiotic supplements. Your health specialist will be able to recommend you the best supplement for probiotics and the right diet you should follow.
On the other hand, just to keep your body filled with healthy bacteria, you can always eat a probiotic-rich diet such as yogurt, buttermilk, and cottage cheese.
Now that you know a great deal about probiotics, it will be easy to decide whether you should take probiotics.