What are the benefits of probiotics for digestion?
This informative article will take you into the fascinating world of probiotics, and how they affect digestion. In my role as a dietician and nutritionist, I am often asked what the benefits of probiotics are for digestion. This article will give you a comprehensive understanding of how probiotics work, what they are, and how to incorporate them in your diet daily for optimal digestion health.
Probiotics are important for digestion
The probiotics bacteria are good bacteria which live in the gut. They play an important role in digestion and our general health. Probiotics help in digestion, absorption of nutrients and fight off harmful bacteria. Human Microbiome Project of the National Institutes of Health has stressed the importance of a healthy balance of bacteria.
Regular intake of probiotics is associated with numerous digestive benefits such as reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. As with any supplement, side effects are possible. Probiotics can cause upset stomach, gas or bloating for some. It is best to begin with a small dose, and then increase it gradually. This will allow your body time to adapt.
Probiotics: How to Start?
There are some things you should know before introducing probiotics to your diet. First, all probiotics do not work the same. It's crucial to select the correct strain of bacteria for you. Probiotics can be used by most people. However, if your immune system is weakened or you are seriously ill, it's best to consult with your doctor before beginning a probiotic regime. Probiotics are useful for gut health but they do not cure everything. For digestive health, it is important to maintain a healthy diet.
Probiotic Foods Examples
- Yogurt is a great source of probiotics.
- Sauerkraut is a fermented dish of cabbage that contains bacteria lactic acid.
- Kefir is a fermented drink of milk rich in lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and other bacteria.
- Kimchi is a spicy Korean side dish that's made of fermented vegetables. Lactobacillus Kimchii is the lactic acid bacteria that makes it.
- Miso is a Japanese condiment made by fermenting soy beans with salt and the koji mushroom. The probiotics are plentiful.
- Pickles: Cucumbers that have been fermented with salt and water contain Lactobacillus bacteria.
- Buttermilk is a fermented milk product that contains probiotics.
- Natto is a fermented soy bean product that's popular in Japan. It contains Bacillus subtilis - a powerful probiotic.
- Gouda cheese: Due to its fermentation, some types of cheeses, such as Gouda contain probiotics.
- Sourdough Bread - The lactic acids bacteria that are used during the sourdough fermenting process act as probiotics.
Other Tips
Consider taking probiotic supplements if your diet is not enough to provide you with the necessary amount of probiotics. Keep your gut healthy with a variety of food, by staying hydrated and reducing stress, as well as getting adequate sleep. Avoid artificial sweeteners, as these can affect your gut bacteria.
Conclusion
Probiotics are essential for maintaining and supporting our digestive system. Probiotics help in the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and protection against harmful bacteria. Probiotic foods can have a variety of benefits on your digestive system. Probiotics can be beneficial but they are only one piece of the puzzle for optimal digestion health. Balanced diets, regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits are all equally important.
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