What is A Probiotic Supplement?
Probiotics are supplements to help protect and maintain the health of the digestive system, especially the stomach and intestines. Probiotics are often referred to as “good” bacteria.
Probiotics are believed to have a variety of ways of working. One is by balancing the number of “good” and “bad” bacteria that live in the digestive system. This way of working is believed to be able to relieve diarrhea caused by infection or due to the use of antibiotics.
In addition, some studies also show that probiotics are useful to relieve complaints due to inflammation of the digestive tract (inflammatory bowel disease) or irritation of the digestive tract (irritable bowel syndrome).
In addition to supplementing form, probiotics can be found fermented food or beverage products, such as tempeh, kefir, pickles, or yogurt.
There are several bacteria and fungi that are included in probiotics, namely:
- Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus is a type of good bacteria that can be found in fermented food products, including yogurt. This probiotic is often used to treat diarrhea and impaired lactose absorption.
- Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic derived from yeast or fungi. Aside from fermented products, these probiotics can also be found on mangosteen and lychee peels. These probiotics are believed to be beneficial for relieving diarrhea, inflammation of the digestive tract, or irritation of the digestive tract.
- Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium is a probiotic that can be found in processed dairy products, such as cheese. These probiotics are often used to relieve complaints of indigestion, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Probiotic supplement benefits
Because it has various functions, of course, there are benefits for health.
What are the benefits of probiotics that we can feel? Here’s the explanation:
Balancing Gut Bacteria
Probiotics are included in good bacteria. That is, the benefits for the body are balancing other bacteria in digestion.
Studies in the National Center for Biotechnology and Information explain that bacterial imbalances can occur and it can be fatal to health.
A number of characteristics of a person experiencing bacterial imbalances, namely:
- Excess weight or obesity
- Indigestion
- Having allergies
- Mental health disorders.
The main factors can be triggered from a history of disease, consumption of drugs such as antibiotics, and a poor diet.
Maintaining Heart Function
Other probiotic benefits are that it can help maintain heart health.
It is known, consuming good bacteria regularly can lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. These are especially bacteria that contain lactic acid.
Of course, these benefits will prevent a person’s risk of heart problems.
Because, cholesterol is high in the body, it can cause blocked blood flow and trigger a heart attack.
Increases the Body’s Immunity
Probiotics can help boost the immune system. Because of this, it inhibits the growth of harmful gut bacteria.
Studies in ASM Journals found that taking probiotics can also boost immune cells, such as IgA-producing cells, T lymphocytes, and free radical binding cells.
The benefits can certainly prevent various chronic diseases in the body such as:
- Cancer growth
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
So never pass the intake of probiotics every day.
Maintaining Vagi**nal Health
Good news for women. The benefits of probiotic foods are that they can maintain the health of the inti**mate organs.
The role of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus can maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagi**na.
It is also known to help prevent vagi**nal health disorders such as bacterial vaginosis, fungal infections, and urinary tract infections.
Symptoms of a person experiencing vagi**nal problems are:
- Discoloration and unpleasant aroma in vagi**nal discharge
- Redness or itching of the vagi**na
- Continuous bleeding after se**x
- There’s a lump in the vagi**na.
- Pain during se**x
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.
Overcoming Mental Disorders
Do you know? In fact, according to JNM Journals, probiotics for health can improve a number of mental health disorders.
A number of people who consume 100 grams of probiotic yogurt per day can prevent mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
This also applies to those who take probiotic supplements, you know.
So, if the mood is messy, try to consume yogurt.
Probiotic supplement side effects
When you first take probiotics, you may experience symptoms such as bloating, headaches, or skin rashes. Generally, these symptoms will decrease over time. You can take probiotics indefinitely. Unless you have an allergy to milk. If you have an allergic reaction to lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, or Streptococcus thermophilus, then you need to think again about taking probiotics.
You still need to consult a doctor when deciding to take probiotic supplements. Talk to your doctor if you have any health problems that might cause probiotics to react negatively in your body.
If you have a weakened immune system, you usually won’t be advised to take probiotics because it can increase your risk of certain infections.
