Health Benefits Of Probiotics: Probiotics 101, Part 2

Hello, friend. If you haven’t read part 1, click here. It’s where I answer the questions, “Should I take probiotics” and “What do probiotics do for you”. If you’ve done that, awesome! Then we will explore the many health benefits of probiotics today.

By now, you would already know probiotics do more than keep out harmful microorganisms. And they also reduce inflammation and provide your body with vitamins. But that’s not all!

Here are 3 More Health Benefits of Probiotics.

1. Probiotics can prevent and treat diarrhea

More specifically, antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Which is a common side effect from antibiotics.

And while scientists are not entirely sure why this happens, there is one possible reason.

It may be caused by a takeover of C. difficile. Because antibiotics kills off many of the good bacteria and causes an imbalance in the gut.

This bacteria produces a toxic substances that causes diarrhea and colon inflammation. And may even result in a life-threatening emergency known as “toxic megacolon”!

Several studies show that probiotics can help counter this effect. But that the effectiveness varies on type and dose of probiotics used. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

2. Probiotics can improve some mental health conditions

Interestingly, research has found that gut health affects your mood and mental health.

Wouldn’t have guessed it, right?

This is because your gut is directly linked to your brain. They call this the gut-brain connection.

And because contains about 100 million neurons. That’s why it’s also known as your “second brain”.

Which allows us to “feel” our insides, guts and all. This helps us digest and break down food, absorb nutrients, and expel waste. And also pulsing to move everything through your body.

This second brain affects our state of mind in many ways. From “butterflies in our stomach”, as a stress respond. As well as stimulation of the vagus nerve to manage depression.

3. Probiotics can help you lose weight and burn belly fat

I know. Benefits of probiotics? Weight loss? What’s the link?

While most people attribute weight loss to diet and exercise only… Your gut bacteria plays a bigger role than you think.

Because bacteria help digest fiber, which your body is incapable of digesting. And it helps to produce short-chain fatty acids, which your body uses for fuel.

This SCFA also helps to burn belly fat stores and block excess fat storage. And that’s just one of the mechanisms that it helps you slim down. There are a few other ways as well (8)

Some probiotics prevent absorption of fat in the intestine. Causing you to secrete it rather than store it.

And some probiotics also help to regular hunger and fullness hormones, such as GLP-1 or leptin. (9, 10)

Many studies show the result of probiotics on weight management (11, 12)

Ultimately, The Health Benefits Of Probiotics Are Undeniable

Now that you know the benefits of probiotics, you may have other questions. And I will cover the most common questions I’ve been asked in part 3 (the next article). Including…

• What’s the best types of probiotics? Probiotics tablets or drinks?
• Are there probiotics side effects?
• And, more pressingly, do probiotics make you poop more? (This is a common one)

And if you want to start getting the amazing benefits of probiotics, you may be wondering what foods have probiotics. It’s a good question. And you can find the answer by checking out our recipes for good gut health.

Don’t forget to share this article if you found it informative. Get the knowledge to your friends and families and promote good gut health for a better body. See you in part 3!