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Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast found in your digestive system. They are perfect for your health. We typically think of bacteria as something which causes harm, but the fact is there are good and bad bacteria found in your body. The harmful bacteria in the wrong place causes problems, but the right or helpful bacteria in the correct place have benefits.
In this case, we consider probiotics as good bacteria since they aid in keeping your gut healthy. Although there are good bacteria currently in your body, you need to maintain and replenish probiotics through dietary supplements, foods, and even beverages.
What Are The Benefits of Probiotics?
Probiotics provide substantial health benefits. Not only are probiotics helpful in relieving digestive issues such as digestive upsets, constipation and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), but they also support mood, immunity, urinary health, and vaginal health.
Probiotics are one of the ideal supplements for women, especially if you have issues with urinary and vaginal health. Lactobacillus species and Bacillus Coagulans are the most common types of bacteria in this region of the body.
These two bacteria are very prolific producers of lactic acid, hence helping to maintain the PH level of the urinary tract and vagina. This is essential for women’s health since yeast, and other unwanted bacteria have a hard time thriving in the acidic environment.
Ways Probiotics Are Killed or Affected In Our Systems
1.) Fermentation
Fermentation happens when the friendly bacteria are taken over by disease-causing microbes including the Candida fungi. These bacteria eat away at the wall of your gut making it porous. Hence, allowing toxins and waste to leak into the bloodstream which eventually makes you sick.
2.) Deficiency
Deficiency happens when a number of helpful bacteria in the gut start to dwindle. This tends to occur with the use of antibiotics.
3.) Putrefaction
Putrefaction is the rotting of the poorly digested food and usually happens when you eat foods high in protein, high in fats, and low in fiber. A diet such as this only encourages harmful bacteria to thrive, causing an increase in the development of tumor-causing particles.
How Do You Get More Probiotics in Your Body?
Here are some foods you can eat to increase probiotics in your body:
1.) Yogurt
Yogurt comprises helpful bacteria, including the streptococcus thermophiles, L.acidophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Research shows that yogurt contains positive effects on your gut microbiota and is associated with reduced risk for gastrointestinal disease.
2.) Kefir
Kefir is very similar to yogurt. This fermented dairy product is a combination of fermented kefir grains and milk, but since it’s fermented with yeast and more bacteria, it tends to be higher in probiotics.
3.) Kombucha
It is a slightly tasty and fizzy liquid that results when the sweet black tea is fermented with the mushroom-like colony of the bacteria known as a SCOBY. Its primary health benefits are increased energy, digestive support, and liver detoxification.
4.) Cultured Vegetables – Sauerkraut and Kimchi
It is made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables. Sauerkraut is high in organic acids that provide food for its sour taste and support the growth of the good bacteria.
5.) Miso soup
Probiotic filled miso is usually used to prepare a salty soup that is low in calories and high in B vitamins as well as protective antioxidants.
Other Foods That Increase Probiotics in Your Body:
- Aged soft cheese
- Sour pickles,
- Sourdough bread,
- Tempeh,
- Khalpi (fermented cucumber)
- Sinki (indigenous fermented radish taproot food)
- Soidonis
- Apple cider vinegar
- Kvas
- Natto
- Coconut
Depending on your taste preference, budget, and health need, probiotic capsules may be an option.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Probiotics?
For most individuals, taking foods that consist of probiotics or probiotics supplements usually do not experience any side effects other than better digestive health and higher energy. But for some, especially if your gut bacteria and yeast has been out of balance for quite some time, there might be a transition period when existing issues like bloating and gas, get aggravated.
1.) Bloating refers to the feeling which your stomach is swollen, tight, or full. It can be associated with a pain which sometimes might be sharp and mistaken for the pain in the appendix, or heart. Bloating can be persistent and unpleasant.
2.) Another side effect is the allergic reactions from the fermented foods, especially the commercial ones – which contain biogenic amines, which may cause a headache, depression, migraine, stomach problems, itching, and other symptoms.
3.) Burping is very common while consuming probiotics, particularly when starting. When the probiotics bacteria enters your gut, they tend to encounter waste and harmful microorganism. And gas is yielded as the side effect when the helpful bacteria tend to improve the gut environment.
4.) Other side effects include blood pressure changes, constipation, heartburn, and others.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of what probiotic consumption method you are thinking about, talk with your physician to discuss what approach may be right for you. For Your Health – Get Your Gut Out of a Rut.
–Shameka Renee
Results may vary. Information and statements made are for general purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Her Own Health does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Her Own Health are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
