How many of us haven’t heard that doctors recommend probiotics? But do we really know what its impact is on our health? Probiotics are good bacteria that when administered in an adequate dose have multiple benefits for the health of those who consume them. Whether in food supplements, foods (kefir, soft cheese, pickled gherkins) or drinks (yogurt, kombucha tea), the consumption of probiotics has gained momentum in the market since in recent years science has discovered that these microorganisms are important even to prevent diseases of the immune system. Wow!

Digestive system

The consumption of antibiotics, the age of the people, stomach diseases and poor food hygiene are factors that affect your intestinal flora. For this reason, for many years, doctors have recommended the consumption of probiotics to promote the growth of good bacteria, as well as to prevent and control stomach infections, lower cholesterol levels, stimulate enzyme activity and combat acute diarrhea, caused due to antibiotics or the well-known traveler’s diarrhea. In addition, there are some groups of bacteria that can even help reduce colic in babies or improve the absorption of lactose in little ones.

Immune system

It is said that 80% of our immune system is found in our intestines and although not all groups of bacteria have the same function, there are some such as Lactobacillus spp and Bifidobacterium ssp that help modulate the response of the immune system and decrease the incidence of infectious, inflammatory and allergic diseases. That is why it is very important to take care of your intestinal flora! In some studies, it has been observed that people who consume probiotics for a certain time have a lower incidence of developing allergic reactions and this has been of such relevance in the scientific community that the use of some strains of bacteria has even been considered to prevent or treat diseases that currently have no cure.

Vaginal Health

Vaginal infections are very uncomfortable and can be caused by different factors, among them the presence of harmful bacteria and fungi. To prevent them there are multiple soaps, shampoos and other pharmaceutical forms (even oral capsules!) That contain probiotics, since it has been shown that some strains of Lactobacillus create a suboptimal environment for the development of infectious agents. An example of this is L. acidophilus, which prevents the growth of Candida sp., A very common fungus that causes vaginal infections.

Sports health

The wear and tear that some athletes undergo can make them more prone to developing respiratory diseases, especially during cold seasons. However, several studies have shown that athletes who supplement their diet with probiotics perform better and have a lower incidence of upper respiratory diseases. We are left with the square eye! Who knew that some bacteria would be our best friends after all? The research never ceases to amaze us and it is likely that in a few years probiotics will play an even greater role in people’s health. Now that you know some of the many benefits of taking probiotics, what are you waiting for to integrate them into your diet?

Author: Nerissa Álvarez

Review by: Betzabe Guido

References

Arribas Arribas, M. B. (2009). Probiotics: a new strategy in the modulation of the immune system. Exposito, P. (2016). Probiotics and athletes.

World Training the sport under scientific evidence. Guarner, F., Khan, A. G., Garisch, J., Eliakim, R., Gangl, A., Thomson, A., … & Fedorak, R. (2011).

Probiotics and prebiotics. World Gastroenterology Organization Practical Guide: Probiotics and Prebiotics, 1, 1-29. López, M. M., Jiménez, S. P., & González, S. V. (2007). Probiotics: potential to prevent and cure. Complutense Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 1 (2), 573. Ramiro-Puig, E., Pérez-Cano, F. J., Castellote, C., Franch, A., & Castell, M .. (2008).

The intestine: a key part of the immune system. Spanish Journal of Digestive Diseases, 100 (1), 29-34.