{this article was submitted by Anna Mischio. For a chance to be a guest author click here! Feature image credit @annamischio}
Probiotics — you’ve most likely heard of them, but do you really know how beneficial these magical little pills really are?
Today we’re getting specific and diving deep into why you absolutely need to incorporate a probiotic into your daily routine!
Your digestive system and gut are responsible for A LOT when it comes to your overall health and disease prevention.
When our gut and digestive system are not working optimally, it can create larger problems with our health later down the road.
Here are 8 + reasons why you need a daily probiotic and how you can incorporate them into your own healthy lifestyle!
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Why You Need A Daily Probiotic
@annamischio // Anna Mischio
My Story
Let’s get personal for a sec. As a kid, I was on antibiotics A LOT. I just had a weak immune system, and that was the doctor’s go-to solution.
After taking so many antibiotics, my skin started to break out, and I noticed all of these crazy digestion issues (major bloating and stomach pain). As I got older, these issues stuck with me, and I became more and more frustrated.
It wasn’t until I talked with my doctor and nutritionist that I was introduced to probiotics. They explained how probiotics work, and that I needed to incorporate them into my daily life.
A month or so in, I started noticing a huge difference. I was digesting foods a lot easier, and my skin only broke out during my period.
Let’s Get Scientific for a Second
Think of your gut as the control hub for your body. When your body experiences an influx in bad bacteria, it piles up in the gut causing the gut to not work properly. (1)
You’d be surprised how easy it is for this bad bacteria to build up in your gut. It’s probably happening to you right now!
Do you have a weak immune system? What about skin troubles, yeast infections, digestive issues?
Maybe you just finished taking an antibiotic. These are all major signs that you NEED to get some good bacteria in your gut! (2)
To learn more about how you can change your diet for healthier skin check out this article here!
Healthy Gut = Properly Functioning Body
It’s so important to keep a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, so it can function properly and keep you feeling fantastic!
Enter: Probiotics. These are live microorganisms that work to properly balance the bacteria in your gut.
Properly balancing your gut is such a game-changer, and can lead to so many health benefits.
Metabolism and Weight Loss
There have been loads of studies connecting probiotics and weight loss. Specific strands in probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, are responsible for increasing metabolism and weight loss.
In one study, women who were dieting as well as taking a daily probiotic for 3 months lost 50% more weight than women who didn’t take a probiotic. (3)
Immune Health
Immune health is so important, especially these days! Some probiotics can boost the production of antibodies in the body.
Probiotics can also increase immune cells like:
- IgA-producing cells – an important first line of defense in the resistance against infection.
- T lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell that is an essential part of the immune system.
- Natural killer cells – which play a major role in the rejection of virally infected cells.
Optimal Digestion
A healthy gut means a healthy digestive system, which is so important! Better digestion means less bloating and pain, and major relief for any digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis or IBS.
Mental Health
It seems pretty crazy that your gut health can change your mental health, but there have been a ton of studies on this!
An analysis of 15 human studies found that supplementing with Bifidobacterium and Lacto
Lower Cholesterol
Probiotics can also keep your heart healthy by lowering bad cholesterol. Taking a daily probiotic can also lower blood pressure. 9 different studies found that probiotic supplements slightly reduced blood pressure. These studies were done using extremely high-quality probiotics, so it’s important to get the correct kind.
How To Get More Probiotics
@annamischio // Anna Mischio
You can incorporate probiotics in your diet by eating fermented foods. There are plenty of delicious ways you can incorporate probiotics into your daily diet.
Probiotic foods include:
- Yogurt
- Kombucha
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Miso
Probiotic Supplements
If you’re truly looking to make a difference in your gut, try taking a daily probiotic pill. Taking probiotic pills along with incorporating more fermented foods in your diet will guarantee maximum benefits.
There are so many on the market, but you want to make sure you’re getting the best quality.
Here’s what to look for:
- Multiple strains of bacteria – studies prove that multi-strain probiotics are more effective than single-strain probiotics.
- CFU Guarantee – CFUs (AKA colony-forming units) measure how potent the probiotic is. You want one that guarantees CFU at expiry!
- Allergen-free – I mean this just makes sense. The fewer allergens we put in our body (dairy, wheat, shellfish, etc..), the better!
Probiotics VS Prebiotics
If you’re curious about probiotics, you may have heard of prebiotics. They both play important roles, but they have a different job.
Probiotics are a live bacteria that works in the gut, that we can get through either food or supplements. They are substances that we get from certain fiber-filled carbs as well.
Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are not alive. Humans cannot digest prebiotics, so they make their way down to the gut, where helpful bacteria eat the prebiotics.
Prebiotic supplements are not necessary, but it is extremely important to have a diet filled with prebiotic foods.
This is important, especially if you take a probiotic supplement because it will help maintain the balance of bacteria in your gut.
Prebiotic Foods
Any food that is high in fiber will give you all the prebiotics you need to balance out your gut. Think things like leafy greens, artichokes, beans, walnuts, almonds, apples, and bananas!
Magical Probiotics?
All in all, probiotics have some pretty insane health benefits.
There’s no cure-all pill that you can take to fix your health entirely, but probiotics are pretty close!
Increasing your gut health and improving your digestive system is a huge step towards a healthier life.
It’s so important that you do your research and use the right kind of probiotic that will actually give you results!
All the best, Anna.
About the Author: Anna Mischio is a professional dancer with a passion for health/wellness. You can find articles like this and more on her blog Bringing Out Beauty Within.
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Author: Rebecca
Hi, my name is Rebecca and I am the face behind Everything Abode! I am a lifestyle and wellness writer based out of Vancouver Island. When I’m not writing or exploring mountains and beaches with my furry rescue, I love spending time learning creative ways to manifest a healthy home. Thanks for stopping by!
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