Probiotic benefits for digestive issues are well known by most people, but probiotics have abilities to help with health matters other than in the stomach.
The “friendly” bacteria work to improve the immune system, neurological factors, and even mental health,
according to Dr. Josh Axe, a best-selling author, doctor of natural medicine, and clinical nutritionist. Axe maintains that disorders ranging from thyroid problems and chronic fatigue to joint pain and psoriasis start in the gut.
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Probiotics keep a healthy balance of bacteria in the body, working to treat stomach ailments, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.
People can get healthy doses of probiotics in such foods as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha. Probiotic foods and supplements can provide protection for the gut, but also for the rest of the body.
Here are 20 ways probiotics reportedly help more than your stomach:
1. Strengthen the immune system.
2. Prevent eczema in children.
3. Treat or prevent urinary tract infections.
4. Prevent allergies and colds.
5. Maintain oral health.
6. Improve brain function while treating anxiety and depression-related disorders,
Medical News Today reports.
7. Reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels that clog the arteries and may lead to heart disease, according to a 2012 study under the American Heart Association.
8. Lower blood pressure through fermented milk.
9. Benefit patients with psoriasis.
10. Improve the condition of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to scientists at the University of College Cork, Ireland.
11. Protect against bacterial infection.
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Dr. Axe says that studies are being done on other promising probiotic benefits:
12. Treating kidney stones.
13. Treating colic.
14. Preventing cavities and gum disease.
15. Treatment of liver disease.
16. Fighting cancer.
17. Managing autism.
18. Improving acne.
19. Weight reduction.
20. Combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Side effects from probiotics might include diarrhea for people who take too much of it too fast, Axe notes. He advises starting off small with a tablespoon of kefir and one probiotic a day, and then taking more when feeling more comfortable for maximum probiotic benefits.
While there are no major drawbacks to taking probiotics, talking to your doctor about adding them to your diet is encouraged.
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