1. Support a Healthy Gut
One of the biggest reasons people take probiotic supplements is to support a healthy gut.
You can think of probiotics as your little helpers that restore harmony and order in your gut. If you have an imbalance in your gut, it means there are too many bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria. Taking antibiotics can kill off some of the good bacteria in your gut. Sugary and processed foods don’t provide the nutrients and good bacteria your body needs, leading to poor gut health.
Consequences of poor gut health may include indigestion, poor mental health, obesity, allergies, and more. By taking probiotic supplements, you can restore the imbalance of bacteria in your gut, leading to a healthier life.
2. Convenience
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of taking probiotic supplements is that they are convenient. While there are many probiotic-rich foods, you may find that you don’t enjoy these foods, or you may have trouble incorporating them into your diet.
Examples of probiotic-rich foods include:
- Yogurt
- Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
- Kefir (a type of fermented probiotic milk drink)
- Miso
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Traditional buttermilk
Some of these products contain dairy, so it may be hard to meet your probiotic needs if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. Additionally, foods like tempeh, sauerkraut, and kimchi aren’t a part of many people’s regular diets. This is where taking a probiotic supplement can be helpful, as you can meet all of your gut health needs without having to make significant adjustments to your diet.
3. Support Skin Health
Probiotics don’t just improve your insides—they can also help improve your outer appearance. In addition to having bacteria in your gut, you also have bacteria all over your body and skin.
Probiotics present on the skin can affect your skin’s microbiome, as opposed to the microbiome in your gut. By taking probiotic supplements, you may find some relief from eczema, acne, psoriasis, or other skin conditions. Therefore, by taking probiotic supplements and improving the balance of your gut, you may see healthier, glowing skin.
4. Support Immune Health
Your gut plays a crucial role in your immune health, as 70-80% of your immune cells are present in your gut. Probiotics can boost your immune system by inhibiting the growth of harmful gut bacteria. Additionally, some probiotics promote the production of natural antibodies in the body. This can reduce the development of immunity-related diseases, including Type 1 diabetes, asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema.
Probiotics can also help your body recover from current or previous illnesses. And the natural immune-boosting properties of probiotics can help your body ward off colds and the flu.
5. Improve Some Mental Health Conditions
A number of studies have linked gut health to mental health and mood. Part of the reason is that the good bacteria in your intestinal tract support the production of hundreds of chemicals in your nervous system that regulates your mood. 95% of your body’s serotonin (a chemical in the brain that helps stabilize your moods) is made in the gut. Replenishing your serotonin levels often is one of the best ways to support a healthy emotional state. Good bacteria in the gut are also responsible for producing dopamine, another “happiness” chemical.
Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine can improve your health in many ways. In addition to improving the balance of bacteria in your gut, you may also notice improved skin health, heart health, mental health, and better digestion.
