We’ve all heard doctors and health experts throw the term “probiotics” around. But not everyone understands what they are and what they do.
In the simplest terms, probiotics are live bacteria. You may be thinking, “Isn’t bacteria supposed to be bad?” But there’s actually both good bacteria and bad.
In fact, there’s an abundance of good bacteria naturally found in our intestines. This bacteria supports not only our digestive system but the immune system and the brain. But every now and again, the levels of bacteria in our gut can get thrown off.
That’s where probiotics for adults come in. So, what exactly are the benefits of probiotics that adults can reap?
Read on to discover 8 bacteria benefits adults can experience with probiotics!
1. Stabilize the Good Bacteria in Our Gut
The main role of probiotics is to help food pass along the digestive tract. They help digest nutrients that we consume. They also prevent bad bacteria from colonizing in the gut while multiplying on their own.
Sometimes, however, they’re overpowered by bad bacteria. This can result in a number of symptoms, which we’ll explore later. But the bottom line is this:
When the levels of good bacteria in our bodies are off, we can take probiotics to replenish them.
2. Provide Post-Antibiotic Protection
Most people with a healthy immune system are able to fight off viruses like the common cold or flu. But when certain infectious microorganisms invade our bodies, we need antibiotics.
Antibiotics are medicines that stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. They’ve helped save humans from a number of detrimental – even deadly – diseases.
Unfortunately, these powerful drugs can strip our bodies of good bacteria. And as a result, it’s not uncommon for people to get sick after taking them.
Where Do Probiotics Come In?
Luckily, supplementing with probiotics can replenish the friendly bacteria in our bodies. But there are only some probiotics that work simultaneously with antibiotics.
Adults can take spore probiotics while prescribed antibiotics, for example. Spore bacteria can withstand the antibacterial chemicals found in antibiotics. Non-spore bacteria, such as Lacto and Bifido, cannot.
Those who need a probiotic for antibiotics should look into gut commensal strains. The strains in Just Thrive probiotics, for example, allow users to take them before, during, and after antibiotics.
3. Treat & Prevent Diarrhea
Bad bacteria, like E. coli and Salmonella, can cause inflammation in the stomach and gut. Viruses and parasites can also cause gastrointestinal inflammation.
When there are not enough good bacteria to combat the harmful kind, diarrhea is often the result. Because antibiotics can strip away the good bacteria, they can also cause diarrhea.
When probiotics replenish our system with good bacteria, it relieves diarrhea. In fact, probiotics can reduce diarrhea within 25 hours of taking them.
4. Provide Relief from IBD-Related Symptoms
There are several types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They include Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.
The causes of these diseases are, for the most part, unknown. But there are correlations between them and imbalances in the gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome consists of the friendly microorganisms found naturally in our bodies. Probiotics are capable of repopulating the microbiome. Because of this, they relieve many of the symptoms of IBD, such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
5. Improve Mental Health
When we physically feel well, our mental health is often at its best – and vice versa.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can produce adverse symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Probiotics for adults not only help to alleviate these symptoms. They can simultaneously improve certain mental health disorders.
One study shows that probiotics relieve depression. They also decrease the levels of an inflammatory protein known as C-reactive protein.
6. Help You Lose Weight
The bacteria in our guts collect energy from the foods we eat. Some of the friendlier kinds gather more energy than others. This can increase a person’s metabolism and help them burn more calories.
The weight loss benefits of bacteria from probiotics not only stem from metabolism. The good gut bacteria also regulate certain hormones that control blood sugar. They can also make people feel fuller and more satisfied longer.
You may be familiar with a term known as “leaky gut”. This refers to when a person’s gut releases toxins into the bloodstream. Obesity and blood sugar abnormalities can often result from a leaky gut.
Probiotics not only improve blood sugar levels but decrease gut leakiness overall.
Not all probiotics have these benefits, however. One study shows that Lactobacillus acidophilus led to weight gain in some individuals.
7. Support the Immune System
The immune system is present everywhere in the body. But it works closely with the digestive tract to protect us against infection.
The immune system helps destroy harmful pathogens that we ingest. That way, the digestive tract is able to absorb the nutrients that we need.
Probiotics can boost the immune system by way of stopping the growth of harmful gut bacteria. But they can also help produce natural antibodies our bodies need to fight off infection.
8. Promote a Healthy Heart
Probiotics for adults can help lower bad LDL cholesterol.
Some friendly bacteria promote the production of lactic acid. The lactic acid then helps reduce bile in the gut. This prevents it from entering the bloodstream as cholesterol.
Some studies suggest that probiotics can also lower blood pressure. But these results vary.
Improve Your Health with Probiotics for Adults
The benefits of bacteria that we get from probiotics are paramount. We can simultaneously support our immune and digestive systems. All while promoting our hearts, our body weight, and our mental health!
Probiotics come in the form of several dairy products and fermented foods. But there are also probiotics for adults that we can take daily. That way, we’re giving our systems the friendly bacteria they need to thrive.
Taking probiotics every day is a great start to better health. To learn about more ways you can promote your health, check out our blog today!
