1, Probiotics aid in weight loss
According to research, taking probiotics daily can reduce your body weight, BMI and belly fat. The research showed that men and women noticed a decrease in their weight by 0.59 kg or 1.3 pounds. Even small weight reductions like this can help diminish your risk of type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
The study also indicated that probiotics can improve your blood sugar levels and also leptin levels, which is a hormone that regulates your appetite. Probiotics also happen to be great energy and mood boosters (we will get into the details of this later). This can help you perform more efficiently at the gym and also reach your fitness goals much faster.
2. Probiotices improve immune system health
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, chances are your gut flora is not in good check. Research suggests that athletes show a lower incidence of upper respiratory infection after taking probiotics.
You may think that your gut and immune system are totally unrelated, but it is important to understand that most illnesses originate from the gut. In this case, since probiotics increase the good bacteria in your body, your chances of warding off a cold or flu become much higher, when used consistently.
In fact, one study found that people suffering from allergies who took a probiotic supplement daily for 8 weeks experienced fewer symptoms after two months, compared to those who did not. This may be because probiotics improve the permeability of the intestinal wall. This assists pro-inflammatory compounds entering your bloodstream and fights off perpetrators.
3. Probiotics are great mood boosters
One study shows that people who took a probiotic supplement every day for a month, experienced a dramatic improvement in their mood. They also felt less affected by troubles in life, compared to those who took a placebo. Taking probiotic supplements is a great way to improve mental health, concentration levels and productivity levels at work. Other researches also mention that probiotics can help lower levels of stress and anxiety, while reducing risk of depression. Some experts believe this could be because of the gut-brain axis in your body, which signals between your nervous system and your gastrointestinal tract.
4. Probiotics help improve digestive disorders
Over a million people in the US suffer from IBS (inflammatory bowel disease), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers have found that taking certain probiotics are just as effective as drugs in diminishing effects of ulcerative colitis. Research also indicates that the daily intake of probiotics can effectively improve symptoms of IBS symptoms and common digestive issues (for example gas, diarrhea, bloating and constipation.
Additional steps to improve your gut health
Our digestive systems are continuously extracting nutrients and water from an astounding amount of food we consume throughout our lifetimes. It is therefore important that we protect our gut flora and ensure that our digestive tract health is maintained. Probiotics are great at doing this, but you can take a few additional steps to make your digestive system care more solid.
Consuming leafy greens, complex carbs instead of simple carbs such as white flour and sugar, and having plenty of fiber-rich foods are great ways to ensure that your gut is in superb condition. Additionally, you can consume soothing herbs and spices such as mint, caraway, cardamom and cinnamon – which are also beneficial in elevating your mood and energy levels.
However, diet alone cannot help. Stress is a huge culprit when it comes to poor digestive system health. Therefore, it is essential that you get enough sleep each day and also work-out regularly, to promote positive energy and mood - both at work and at home.
