Let’s start by understanding what probiotics are. Probiotics are good bacteria that is similar to what you already have in your body.

Your digestive tract is full of these bacteria. It is undoubtedly valuable for your digestive system.

Probiotics are the good bacteria and yeast that already lives in your system that helps it function properly. Now the probiotic supplement they sell on the shelves mimics that good bacteria.

If you suffer from digestive issues, mental issues, or even skin issues probiotics may help. Researchers have found probiotics could prevent or treat these problems.

Here are four reasons to start taking probiotic supplements.

1. Digestive Disorders

I have suffered from digestive issues on and off since I was a teenager. My problem was constipation. People who have diarrhea can benefit as well.

Having these stomach issues can subside tremendously by changing your diet and by exercising of course in a perfect world. The average American has a poor diet and lacks even the necessary exercise recommendation (30-60 minutes of physical activity at least three days a week) for the week.

In the case that you don’t always get in that physical activity and eat poorly, **raises a hand and lowers head in shame**, LOL, taking a probiotic will surely help.

Now if your issue is constipation, probiotics can make your bowel movements regular and more comfortable to pass. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that showed “probiotics may improve whole gut transit time, stool frequency, and stool consistency.”

Some people may suffer from diarrhea problems. For example, say you are coming off of taking an antibiotic or have travelers diarrhea. Your intestinal balance can become thrown off course, and probiotics can bring back the balance to the normal flora of your intestines.

If constipation or diarrhea is your pain in the butt, literally, probiotics can help.

2. Vaginal Health

If you are prone to UTI’s or yeast infections, probiotics may be of some assistance. Things such as birth control pills and spermicides can throw off a woman’s ph.

To keep your lady parts at low risks for infections, discharge, and even sexually transmitted diseases, your vagina should always be at acidic levels.

The bacteria in probiotics can support the stability of your internal environment. According to ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, a double-blind study trialed 57 women who either followed a probiotic treatment or placebo treatment. The women that followed the probiotic treatment showed 25% less vaginal issues than the ones who did the placebo study.

The main takeaway is probiotics may support healthy ph levels in your vagina resulting in fewer lady problems. The less you have to worry about, the better.

3. Weight loss

As you may now know, probiotics help regulate the bacteria in your gut. An overweight persons’ intestine will look different from a person who is not overweight. The people who are overweight have fewer of one out of the two good bacterias that the non-overweight person has.

Majority of people want to lose weight, now how can probiotics help with that?

Probiotics support a healthy gut. It may hinder the amount of fat your body absorbs, and you poop out more of that fat instead. You are therefore taking in fewer calories.

Some studies have found that probiotics may release a specific hormone in your body that’s called GLP-1. This hormone may slow the feeling of you being hungry, and assist in you burning more calories and fat.

Your gut is the main priority to take care of for your body to function correctly. If your stomach is performing at optimal levels, you will reap all the benefits probiotics have to offer.

4. Mood Disorders

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders are becoming more prevalent as time goes on. Many people go through life with these mental problems without actually being diagnosed.

It’s hard to tell when you have a mood disorder or just had a bad day or two. Either way, research has shown probiotics can lighten your mental load.

Multiple studies carried out on humans and how the gut, with the use of probiotics, can lessen the symptoms of mental disorders. Lactobacillus casei, which is one of the probiotic strains, was the one that was used most frequently in these studies.

Results for effects on anxiety and depression for people that are diagnosed and not diagnosed showed improvement in adults younger than 60. Unfortunately, there were no meaningful effects for the patients older than 60.

At the completion of the studies, research showed that probiotics could aid in supporting positive mental and emotional function.

Recap

In short, probiotics can help with digestive problems, vaginal issues, weight loss, and mood disorders. If taken regularly, probiotics can be very beneficial for your body mentally and physically. Not only for the four things discussed above, but many more.

Now how can you get some of these good bacteria in your system? Here is a short list:

• Probiotic supplements over the counter
• Yogurt with active or live cultures
• Kefir
• Kombucha
• Fermented tea
• Tempeh
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Live Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Fermented vegetables
• Miso

These are just a few foods named where you can eat and get the probiotic effects. Just be sure to read labels and look for fermented, unpasteurized, and live cultures.

Healing your body begins with healing your gut. Including probiotics in your diet won’t disappoint you. Renew Life is the brand I take. It’s dairy-free, soy free, and gluten free.

If you’ve tried probiotics or have any questions, let me know in the comment section below.

Talk to you soon

Andie 😀