What Are Probiotics and What Are Their Benefits?
You may have heard your friends and family members talk about probiotics (saying things like, “Yogurt is full of probiotics!” or, “I drink kefir for the probiotics!”). Still, you might be scratching your head, wondering what are probiotics, really? What does this buzzword actually mean? And are probiotics good for you?
If you’re not sure what a probiotic is, here’s the scoop: Probiotics are microorganisms that add to the beneficial bacteria in your gut.1These tiny organisms are types of bacteria that are good for you (it’s strange — but true!).2 So why take probiotics? Why not! Below, discover the benefits of probiotics and what they do.
The Benefits of Probiotics
- The “good” probiotic bacteria help your digestive system to run smoothly by helping digest the food you’ve eaten absorb nutrients.3
- Another benefit of probiotics is that they can help promote a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn helps your body absorb nutrients.3
- Another probiotic benefit? They compete for space with other microorganisms or “bad” bacteria in your gut that may cause problems like infections or inflammation.3
- Probiotics may help with two troublesome gut issues — diarrhea and constipation — and might even help people with Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.3
- Probiotics are beneficial for more than just your gut.3 For example, probiotics can help improve vaginal health as well as acne and gum disease.3
Why Take Probiotics?
To get probiotics’ benefits, you’ll want to opt for foods with probiotics, like yogurt (the most common food to eat to get probiotics) and other fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir (a fermented milk drink).3 You can take probiotic supplements, too.3.
You’ll also want to keep these probiotics flourishing with prebiotics.4 A “prebiotic” is food for probiotics and helps them grow and thrive in your gut.4 Benefiber is a plant-based prebiotic fiber *— plus, it’s clear and taste-free. Talk about a convenient wellness enhancer! There are many different ways you can take Benefiber fiber supplements. For example, you can take it as a caplet or try stick packs that dissolve in food and beverages.†
A good wellness routine can include eating foods with probiotics, as well as taking a prebiotic supplement that helps support those “good” microbes.3 Then, sit back and enjoy all of the health benefits!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
†Not recommended for carbonated beverages.
- What are probiotics and prebiotics? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065. Accessed 6/4/2024.
- What’s the deal with probiotics? Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/whats-the-deal-with-probiotics. Accessed 6/4/2024.
- Probiotics. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics. Accessed 6/4/2024.
- Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics: Safe options for next-generation therapeutics. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8749913. Accessed 6/5/2024.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Men, Women and Everyone
The Benefits of Probiotics for Men, Women and Everyone
Probiotics For Women
Probiotics For Women
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