Probiotics

   Always trust your gut! For that, you must have a healthy one. And probiotics are one of the many ways to get there. Though probiotics are having their moment only now, we have known them for thousands of years in the name of yogurt, wine, cheese, etc.
   In the light of gut health being the key to overall health, we are here to discuss more about probiotics.

ABCs of Probiotics:-
   ‘Pro’- promoting, ‘biotic’- life; Probiotics are beneficial food supplement which improves the intestinal microbial balance. Our body has both good and bad bacteria. Maintaining balance between these is necessary for optimal health.
   
   Prebiotics- a non-digestible carbohydrate that nourishes the probiotics & bacteria in the gut. This selectively stimulates the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics include banana, barley, onion, garlic, rye, soya beans, sugar beet, tomato, whole wheat, asparagus, and artichoke.
   

Even prior to our first breath, we are exposed to bacteria in the birth canal (normally delivered child).
Usefulness of probiotics:-

• Normalize the intestinal tract & help in digestion.
• Suppress the growth of pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria.
• Increase immunity against infection.
• Improves absorption & utilization of nutrients.
• Helps healing ulcers.
• Aids in digestion in lactose intolerant individuals.

Probiotics are nature's internal healers-
   Although many organisms cause fermentation, only specific living strains provide proven health benefits, which include-
If you wonder how exactly they benefit you, here are some points to note:

1. They outcompete the pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria for the nutrients.
2. They produce certain acids that can kill the pathogenic bacteria.
3. They can modify both the toxins produced by bad bacteria and the receptors (in intestine) those toxins act on.
4. Help stimulate immune response to pathogens. For the probiotics to exhibit these actions, they have to be alive when they reach your intestine. 
5. You should never take antibiotics and probiotics at the same time.

   If you are taking probiotics for therapeutic purposes, then you should know each bacteria has specific health benefits. You should consult a doctor before consuming them.
   Common products containing probiotics,

• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Sourdough products
• Sour pickles
• Kombucha
• Kimchi
• Kefir

   Apart from these natural probiotics, there are also commercially available supplements in the market.

'You are what you eat' is no joke. How your body handles the food it is fed, impacts the way you feel. So eat mindfully!

Follow us on