What are probiotics?
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that provide several health benefits. Signs you need probiotics include trouble sleeping, mood swings, frequent health issues, and other problems.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that provide several health benefits. Often, they are quite plentiful. A study found that the bacteria in your body are in the same quantity as your body’s cells at a 1:1 ratio. Bacteria usually live in your gut, and most of them are harmless. In fact, some are beneficial for your health.
Probioticsare often taken as a supplement to strengthen the gut’s microbiome. It is believed that good bacteria, like probiotics, provide numerous health benefits, including promotion of weight loss, enhanced digestive and immune systems, and healthier skin.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide several health benefits when ingested. However, scientists are not sure about the strains that give these benefits.
Specific yeasts can act as probiotics. Other gut microorganisms, such as fungi, viruses, helminths, and archaea, are also being studied.
You can consume probiotics from fermented foods or supplements. Some probiotic-rich foodsare kimchi, kefir, yogurt, and tempeh.
The most common probiotic bacteria areBifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Escherichia, Streptococcus, Bacillus,andEnterococcus.Every genus consists of different species, and every species comprises many strains. On probiotic supplements, you’ll see the specific strain, the species, subspecies, and the strain code.
Different probiotics cater to unique health conditions, so you must choose the right probiotic supplements. Some products also combine different species, becoming multi-probiotics or broad-spectrum probiotics.
Supplements that contain probiotics and prebiotics are known as synbiotics.
Bear in mind that probiotics and prebiotics are two different things. Probiotics are friendly and beneficial bacteria in your gut, while prebiotics are carbs in dietary fibers.
6 signs you need probiotics
Probiotics have symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms in your gut, urinary tract, mouth, and skin. They are associated with several health benefits, including enhanced cardiac health, regulated blood pressure, better skin health, reduced inflammation, and more.
Probiotics check unhealthy bacteria in your microbiome to keep them well-balanced. In the case of probiotic deficiency, harmful microbes can cause various health issues. These microorganisms include yeast and fungus.
You will notice the primary signs of probiotic deficiency on your skin and digestive system, but these are not the only indicators. Some signs you need probiotics are:
Difficulty sleeping
Your gut microbiome can directly interact with the brain through the vagus nerve. Most of this communication is from the gut to the brain. This brain-gut-microbiome axis looks after the secretion of the amino acid tryptophan. This compound assists in converting serotonin (relaxing hormone) into melatonin (sleep hormone).
Serotonin is primarily produced in the gut. Reduced probiotics levels in your body mean less serotonin production and high cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Suppose your body doesn’t have balanced melatonin levels. In that case, your brain can’t calm down or turn off at night, leading to sleeplessness. If you’re experiencing sleeplessness, it could be a primary sign of a probiotic deficiency.
Increased mood swings
Your gut health and probiotics level is also linked to mood disorders, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. A study found that the brain-gut connection can impact your mental health by interacting with mood-related hormones and neurotransmitters.
Serotonin and dopamine are the two primary hormones that keep your mood pleasant. However, since these hormones are secreted in the gut, an unhealthy microbiome may produce them in inadequate quantities.
Without enough serotonin, your body tends to release cortisol, which leads to anxiety and panic attacks.
A study showed that probiotics could help with mood disorders to a considerable extent. The probiotic supplements improved anxiety and depression-related symptoms in the participants.
Frequent health issues
A well-balanced and healthy gut microbiome relates to a strong immune system. The good bacteria in your body fight pathogens in various ways. Some outnumber the foreign element and stop them from growing, while others strengthen the gut.
Probiotics also tackle several pathogens that may invade your body. These bacteria regulate your inflammatory response to fight pathogens, preventing the immune system from attacking your body’s own systems and causing allergic disorders.
If you catch the flu or colds frequently, you may need to consume more probiotics-rich foods.
Bowel disorders
The apparent signs of an unbalanced microbiome are diarrhea, constipation, and infrequent elimination. Short-term diarrhea is usually caused by food poisoning or a gastroenteritis virus. However, it can also be a sign that your gut has fewer friendly bacteria.
Diarrhea makes it hard for you to eliminate waste from your body, which could be due to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your gut. Taking probiotic supplements helps treat all the major bowel issues, including diarrhea and constipation.
Probiotics are even considered a natural treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Weight gain
A research study found that obese people have different gut bacteria than lean ones. Although there is not much research available, specific probiotic strains are linked to weight loss.
Probiotics enable the body to break down fats into simpler forms that cells can utilize to gain energy.
If you’re continuously gaining weight, you may have disturbed probiotics levels in your body. Probiotic supplements are an excellent option to reduce your body weight, fat percentage, and fat mass. However, it’s better to consult with a nutritionist first.
Skin disorders
Your skin naturally contains several types of bacteria. The good or friendly bacteria in your skin prevent harmful bacteria from settling in your pores and causing different issues, like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
The best acne treatment is antibacterial products, since the condition is mostly caused by a specific group of bacteria. However, these products usually suppress or kill probiotics, leaving your skin prone to yeast and fungal infections.
Topical treatments of probiotics are found to be effective acne treatments. In addition, probiotic topicals can also help control rosacea flare-ups and eczema.
A study showed that babies are less likely to have eczema when their mothers consume probiotics before and after delivery.
If you notice frequent acne bumps or inflammation on your face, you can start taking probiotics at your doctor’s discretion.
Are probiotic supplements safe?
You may experience some probiotic side effects in the beginning. These could be abdominal issues, such as gas and difficulty in digestion. However, these symptoms will disappear when your body gets used to the supplements.
People with weak immune systems, such as HIV or AIDs, may face severe infections, so always consult your healthcare provider before taking probiotic supplements. They will diagnose any underlying health condition and will advise you accordingly.
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Medically Reviewed on 7/20/2022
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