Did you know that there are billions of bacteria in your body? This bacteria is critical when it comes to our overall well-being, our immunity, as well as our longevity. Probiotics are a great way to ensure you’re filling your body with healthy bacteria. In this article, we will talk about what a probiotic is, what they’re good for, and where you can find probiotics.
What Are Probiotics Good For?
When you hear that probiotics are packed with bacteria, you may immediately think that they’re something you should avoid. While we tend to label anything associated with bacteria as unhealthy, our body is loaded with good bacteria that helps keep us going on a day-to-day basis. You want a high level of good bacteria in your body in order to fight off bad bacteria. These probiotics are part of a larger picture concerning bacteria in your body - the microbiome. A microbiome is a diverse community of organisms that work together to help keep your body healthy. Here are some of the things required for a microbe to be labeled as a probiotic:
- Be isolated from a human
- Survive in your intestine after ingestion
- Have a proven benefit
- Be safely consumed
What are the Benefits of Taking Probiotics?
To illustrate just how important probiotics can be, all we need to do is take a quick peek at some of the healthiest areas in the world. People in these areas eat foods that are high in healthy bacteria. Here are some probiotic benefits and why they can help increase our health and longevity:
- Better digestion
- Increased energy
- More regular bowel movements
- Better mood
- Improved immunity
- Lower anxiety
Unfortunately, simply eating foods that are high in probiotics or taking probiotic supplements on their own won’t solve all of your health issues. The best way to maximize the benefits of probiotics is by pairing them with a healthy lifestyle. This includes a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.
What are the Side Effects of Probiotics?
We have gone over some of the benefits of probiotics. With that being said, negative side effects aren’t necessarily uncommon. This is because people with serious illnesses or compromised immune systems may experience more severe complications. Here are some probiotics side effects:
- Unpleasant digestive symptoms
- The amines in probiotic foods can trigger headaches
- Some strains can increase histamine levels
- Some ingredients may cause adverse reactions
- They can increase induction risk for some
If you are experiencing side-effects after consuming probiotics, it’s best to consult with your doctor. Your body rejecting probiotics can be a sign of overarching health issues you may be dealing with. Although side-effects are possible, it should be noted that experts believe that side-effects are rare.
What is the Best Probiotic On the Market?
Most of the bacteria that reside in your gut contain vitamin K and certain B vitamins. These vitamins can help break down fiber, which your body can’t digest, turning it into beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Most experts agree that bodyweight seems to be related to the balance of good bacteria and bad bacteria in the gut.
Of all the probiotic bacteria studied to date, Lactobacillus gasseri shows some of the most promising effects on weight loss. In fact, research has found that probiotic strains of the Lactobacillus family can help you lose weight and body fat. Strains of the Bifidobacterium strain have also been found to help with weight loss and gut health.
What Food Has Natural Probiotics?
Most Americans get their probiotics through supplements. However, it’s possible for you to get all the probiotics you need through your diet. Best of all, the foods that are high in probiotics provide other health benefits that can help improve your longevity. Here are some of the foods you should add to your diet if you’re looking to boost the number of probiotics in your diet:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Kombucha
- Pickles
If you’re considering adding these foods to your diet, make sure you do not have an allergy to any of these foods. You can check with your doctor to see if you have an allergy to any of the foods mentioned above.
What Are the Best Probiotic Drinks?
You can also get the probiotics that you need through tasty beverages that can be easy to make. More often than not, the ingredients you need to whip up these drinks are already in your pantry or refrigerator. Here are some of the probiotic drinks you can add to your daily routine to boost the amount of healthy bacteria in your body:
- Lemon detox drink - Lemon is a common ingredient when it comes to gut health because it’s high in vitamin C and other antioxidants
- Mint cucumber detox drink - All you need for this drink is mint and cucumber and it can help you manage weight and maintain fluid and mineral balance in the body
- Coconut water detox drink - This drink is easy to make and can also be good for your skin and hair
- Chia seed and aloe vera detox drink
You don’t need to consume these drinks daily to experience their health benefits, but the more gut-healthy foods you add to your diet the better.
Supplements Can Help
One supplement that can help encourage positive gut health is spermidine. This is because spermidine helps induce something called autophagy. This is the body’s process of replacing old and potentially damaged cell parts with newer, healthier ones. Autophagy literally means ‘self-eat.’
This process helps keep you feeling and looking young while also dramatically lowering your chances of developing aging diseases such as Parkison’s and Alzheimer’s. While it is possible to get your recommended daily intake of spermidine through your diet, it’s recommended to take supplements so you ensure you get the right dose. Simply taking your supplements with your dinner is a great way to remember to take spermidine supplements every night.
