Probiotics are live microorganisms and promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. In fact, they have been linked to a wide range of health benefits for weight loss, digestive health, immune function, and more.
Are Probiotics Good for You?
Yes, for they might lower the number of "bad" bacteria in your gut that can cause illness or inflammation. They can also replace those problem germs with good or helpful bacteria.
Some of the health benefits of probiotics are as follows:
Taking in sufficient amounts can help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria. As a result, health benefits may follow.
Probiotics can lessen the risk and severity of diarrhea from a number of different causes.
Studies show taking probiotics may help improve symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, and memory, among others.
They may help protect the heart by reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and modestly lowering blood pressure.
Probiotics may lessen the risk and severity of certain allergies, such as eczema in infants. However, more research is needed.
Probiotics may help lessen the symptoms of bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis, IBS, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Probiotics may help boost your immune system and protect against infections.
They may lose weight and belly fat. But, other strains have been linked to weight gain.
Are there any risks related to probiotics?
Probiotics are generally considered safe. However, there are some risks linked to supplements. Risks that may increase if you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system like have recently had surgery, or other serious medical conditions.
Unlikely, but possible, risks can include:
Developing an infection.
Developing resistance to antibiotics.
Developing harmful byproducts from the probiotic supplement.
Does a person need to take probiotics after taking antibiotics?
Antibiotic medications are often needed to fight infection. But, while antibiotics are killing the bad bacteria, they are also knocking out the good bacteria in your body. Some people experience diarrhea after taking an antibiotic, while other people, this may allow for really bad bacteria to take over and populate the gut, such as with C. diff. Some research has shown a positive connection between taking probiotics after an antibiotic and relief from diarrhea. This hasn’t been proven yet and doesn’t work for everyone.
The thought behind adding probiotics back into your body after taking an antibiotic is that it can repopulate the good bacteria that was destroyed by the antibiotics and re-boot your system. The extra good bacteria help repopulate your gut and fight off any remaining bad bacteria. Many people feel that adding in probiotics won’t hurt, might help you feel better a little faster and prevent diarrhea.
How Probiotics Might Be Bad for You?
Because these good bacteria already exist in the body, they’re considered safe for most people. But there are some things to consider.
They can trigger an allergic reaction. They might cause mild stomach problems, especially the first few days you start taking them. A person might have stomach upset, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually disappear after their body get used to them.
If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues. In some reports, probiotics linked to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Always talk to your pediatrician before giving probiotic supplements to your child. If you're pregnant or nursing, you should also talk to your doctor before you try one.
Probiotics have lots of health benefits. They may lessen the risk and severity of certain allergies; the symptoms of bowel disorders; may help a person lose weight and belly fat and may help improve symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, and memory, among others, yet it is still recommended to ask a doctor which probiotics are the right ones for you. Make sure to stop taking them if you have any problems.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-health-benefits-of-probiotics
https://www.health.harvard.edu/vitamins-and-supplements/health-benefits-of-taking-probiotics
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/probiotics-risks-benefits#1
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