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Do you recall those rainy evenings when your friends merrily splashed and played in muddy puddles while you longingly looked at your parents for permission? With a stern face, they would reply, ‘You shouldn’t play in the dirt because it’s full of germs and you’ll catch diseases.’
It would not be surprising if you still follow their advice and stay away from germs. But what if we told you that an entire microscopic society lives within you? Yes, you heard that right. Trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi call your gut home, forming a complex ecosystem known as the microbiome. And the good news is, you can nurture this inner ecosystem with the help of probiotics.
So, are you curious to unveil the effect of probiotics on human health? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these beneficial bacteria and explore how they can improve your well-being.
The human microbiome
When you see anything unclean or dirty, know that it’s full of harmful microbes, and a mere touch and exposure is enough to spiral you down through chills, fevers, and whatnot! But how do you explain the presence of living organisms in your gut? Does this mean you’re always at risk of developing diseases? Not really! Let’s have a look at your gut microbiome to fully understand the role of probiotics in human health!
The human body is not just a complex organism of its own cells; it is also home to a bustling metropolis of microorganisms, which make up the gut microbiome. This community is composed of an astonishing variety of over 100 trillion microorganisms, vastly outnumbering human cells in a ratio of about 10 to 1.
These microscopic inhabitants are far from being mere squatters—they are actively involved in critical biological processes, from aiding digestion to regulating your immune system, and even affecting your mood. So far, everything’s running smoothly, but when do problems start to arise?
Your gut microbiome consists of both harmful and beneficial bacteria, and it’s when those harmful ones outgrow the good ones that you experience several health issues. Here’s where the importance of probiotics in human health comes to light.
The gut-brain connection
Let’s understand the effect of probiotics on human health by looking at how they influence your mood. One of the most fascinating aspects of the microbiome is its involvement in the gut-brain axis, a complex communication system linking the gut and the brain.
Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria in your gut, produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence your mood, behaviour, and cognitive function. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. This highlights the importance of probiotics in maintaining a balanced microbiome and helping mitigate these conditions.
How do diet and lifestyle shape the microbiome?
Now that you know that gut imbalance can lead to various health issues, you might be wondering what causes an imbalance in the first place. The answer lies in what you eat and how you live your life. Let’s look at how your diet and lifestyle can shape your microbial composition and thus establish the role of probiotics in gut health.
Consuming fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, etc. will promote a healthy gut microbiome as they contain probiotics. Similarly, following a diet rich in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, also nourishes your gut, as fiber acts as food for beneficial bacteria. However, if you’re someone who regularly eats high-sugar and processed foods, your gut gets compromised, leading to several digestive issues.
On the other hand, lifestyle attributes, including regular exercise, profoundly impact microbiome diversity, supporting better health outcomes. In contrast, factors such as stress, inadequate sleep, and environmental exposures can adversely affect microbiome health, emphasising the importance of holistic lifestyle management.
Remember, your gut microbiome is unique, so what works for one may not work for you. If you’ve got a good grasp on the effects of probiotics on health, why not assess your gut health with The Good Bug’s gut microbiome testing kit? Besides gaining insights into your gut bacteria ecosystem, you get access to a 12-week personalised nutrition plan by choosing our product.
With this understanding of your gut microbiome, let’s decode the meaning of probiotics and how they work!
The role of probiotics in human health
Ever heard the term ‘good bacteria’? Well, probiotics are good bacteria that play a vital role in your health, especially your digestive health. Let’s find out the effect of probiotics on human health by understanding their mechanisms:
- Balancing the microbiome: They help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, preventing harmful bacteria from taking over.
- Strengthening the gut barrier: Probiotics can strengthen the lining of your gut, preventing harmful substances from entering your bloodstream.
- Boosting immunity: They can stimulate your immune system, helping it fight off infections.
- Improving digestion: Probiotics can alleviate digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Several strains of probiotics have been studied extensively for their health benefits. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- Lactobacillus: This strain is often found in yoghurt and fermented dairy products. It can help improve digestion, reduce lactose intolerance, and boost immunity.
- Bifidobacterium: This strain is commonly found in breast milk and is known for reducing gut inflammation and preventing diarrhoea.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast-based probiotic is particularly effective in treating gastrointestinal issues and maintains gut health.
Including probiotics in your diet is simple: Enjoy fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, or kefir, or consider dietary supplements to achieve specific health goals. These small yet potent allies open the door to a healthier life by aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and even assisting in weight management.
Discover real-life stories of people who have experienced reduced cravings after using The Good Bug’s Metabolically Lean probiotic. Watch the video below to hear their experiences.
Moving on, let’s dig deeper into the effects of probiotics on health by discovering their various benefits.
Benefits of probiotics
What’s your go-to remedy for an upset stomach or skin breakout? Probably you’ll rush to the nearest doctor or medical store, get some medicines, and treat them. But isn’t it better to prevent such conditions from developing than running hither and thither to find a solution? As these common issues are often linked to an imbalance in your gut microbiome, probiotics can be your saviour. The following benefits will help you understand the importance of probiotics in human health:
- Improves digestive health: For those struggling with digestive issues, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), probiotics can bring a much-needed respite. They help in reducing uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas and aid in promoting regular bowel movements, ensuring the digestive system is balanced and functions smoothly.
- Enhances immune function: Probiotics don't just benefit the digestive system; they also bolster your immune defences. By enhancing the body's ability to fend off infections, these microorganisms can also mitigate the severity of conditions such as allergies and asthma, helping you stay healthy through all seasons.
- Boosts mental health: The influence of probiotics extends to your mental well-being. Evidence suggests that they can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function, making them a natural ally in supporting mental health.
- Promotes skin health: Your skin also benefits from probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can treat conditions like acne and eczema, leading to a healthier complexion by modulating the body's inflammatory responses and maintaining microbial balance on the skin's surface.
Are you surprised by the effect of probiotics on human health? Now, you would be eager to make them a part of your life. But how do you choose the right strain? Read on to discover more about selecting probiotics and their safety measures.
Safety and selection criteria
With the growing popularity of probiotics, it's easy to get lost between different products in the market. However, you must understand that not every probiotic you see on supermarket shelves is the same; they vary in strains, CFU counts, delivery method, etc. Selecting the right probiotic is like choosing the right companion for a journey through your digestive system. So, let’s end the discussion on the effect of probiotics on human health by helping you choose the apt probiotic to meet your specific needs:
- Strain specificity: Different strains of probiotics offer specific benefits. Look for products containing well-researched strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
- CFU count: The number of live bacteria in a probiotic product is measured in CFUs. A higher CFU count generally indicates a more potent product.
- Probiotic delivery method: Probiotics can be delivered in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. Choose a delivery method that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
- Safety profile: Probiotics are generally safe for healthy individuals. However, it's important to choose reputable brands that adhere to strict quality control standards.
- Scientific evidence: Look for products backed by scientific research and clinical trials. Reputable brands often provide information about the efficacy of their probiotic strains.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensure that the probiotic product complies with relevant regulatory guidelines and safety standards.
- Transparent labelling: Choose products that clearly indicate the strain names, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) at the end of the product's shelf life, and any clinical research supporting health claims on the labels.
So, the next time you see dirt, would you dodge or jump into it? The effect of probiotics on human health has probably left an impression on you that a little dirt might not be so bad after all, right?
Probiotics have become recognised as essential allies for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and supporting digestion, mood, and skin. Do not ponder much and start incorporating them into your daily regime today itself. Whether you decide to go with fermented foods or probiotic supplements, consult a healthcare professional to tailor your intake and experience unique health benefits.
The Good Bug can be your partner in this journey. Visit our website to discover a range of prebiotics and probiotics. Choose the right probiotic and be on your way to enhancing your well-being!
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9733784/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5622781/
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/234
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1021949818300309
https://www.jmb.or.kr/journal/view.html?doi=10.4014/jmb.1906.06064
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365276936_Role_of_Probiotics_in_Human_Health
