We often hear the word probiotic but do we know what is probiotic, and why it is important to us? Not to mention that we often hear claims that probiotics can help to reduce weight or even aid in digestion. Is probiotics that powerful? First of all, let’s learn more about probiotics and how they can help our body!
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms in our gut that have health benefits when consumed. Our gut contains bad and good bacteria; thus probiotics are the good bacteria that give us benefits mainly to Improve immune function, protect against bad bacteria to prevent infections, and improve digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.
The common strains of bacteria widely used as supplements belong to a group called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. One thing that people do not know is different types of probiotics may have different effects. For example, Lactobacillus may help prevent an illness, but maybe another kind of Lactobacillus strain or Bifidobacterium will not give the same effects.
Health benefits of probiotics
Balanced good bacteria in the digestive system
As we all know our gut is made of good and bad bacteria when too many bad bacteria can cause an imbalance in our gut and can lead to digestive issues, allergies, obesity, or even mental health problems. Sometimes, more bad bacteria in the gut are due to illness, medication such as antibiotics, and many more, the solution is to use probiotics to make it balanced and avoid those side effects!
Support nutrient absorption
Probiotics can improve gut lining, decrease inflammation in our gut as well as increase the production of certain digestive enzymes to facilitate nutrient absorption. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus found in yogurt are popular for enhancing nutrient absorption so look at the label carefully when choosing your probiotics in pharmacy!
Promotes good mental health! Please go away sadness~
Few people know the fact that our gut is actually connected to our brains through millions of nerves. That is why we often hear that a healthy gut leads to a healthy mind! Some species of good bacteria can help in the production of neurotransmitters, a chemical in the brain such as serotonin which is an antidepressant neurotransmitter that is mostly produced in the gut.
Promotes heart health
There is a study that found gut microbiome promotes good cholesterol - HDL cholesterol which is important for our body. Other than that, some bad bacteria also can produce chemicals that block our arteries and cause heart disease, thus producing more HDL cholesterol will help to absorb excessive cholesterol in the blood and carry it to the level then removed from the body. In short, prevention of cholesterol deposited in the blood vessels!
Promotes better blood sugar control
It was found out that probiotics can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate gut microbiota and this will help to control blood sugar levels. Probiotics increase GLP (glucagon-like peptide) in the intestines. GLP-1 has the function of stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Thus, probiotics are proven to help regulate blood sugar levels in our body.
Probiotic sources
We already know about the definition and what are the health benefits. Now, let’s take a look at the sources of probiotics that you can consume on a daily basis.
- Yogurt
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Cultured/fermented Milk
- Tapai
Probiotics are a simple, effective way to support your gut health, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or tempe that are easily found in Malaysia in your diet, or try supplements to experience their benefits.
Start today—your health will thank you!
