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GUT HEALTH AND PROBIOTICS

Gut health and probiotics People are paying greater attention to their gut health and how it affects their overall health, which is leading to a rise in the popularity of the issue of gut health. Trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms reside in the gut, commonly referred to as the digestive tract, and they are crucial for digestion, immunity, and mental health. This article will take a closer look at gut health, the importance of probiotics, and how they can help maintain a healthy gut. INTRODUCTION OF GUT HEALTH
  • The mouth is the beginning and the rectum is the end of the intricate digestive system. It is essential for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and getting rid of waste.
  • A varied bacterial population known as the gut microbiome, which is vital to our health, also resides there.
  • The gut microbiome aids in digestion, extracts nutrients from food, and guards the body against hazardous bacteria.
  • An unbalanced gut microbiome can cause digestive disorders, immune system abnormalities, and even mental health problems.
  • A healthy gut microbiome is defined as a diversified and well-balanced community of bacteria.
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
  • Using probiotics is one method for keeping your gut microbiome in good shape. Live microorganisms known as probiotics are comparable to the good bacteria in the stomach.
  • Probiotics have been demonstrated to improve the immune system, lessen digestive issues including constipation and diarrhoea, and even lessen depressive and anxious symptoms.
  • They can be consumed as supplements or are frequently found in fermented foods.
ADVANTAGES OF PROBIOTICS:
  1. The fact that probiotics support a balanced population of bacteria in the gut is one of their main advantages. The balance of bacteria in the stomach can be upset by antibiotics, stress, and a diet high in processed foods, which can result in digestive disorders and other health concerns.
  2. By raising the proportion of healthy bacteria and decreasing the proportion of harmful bacteria in the gut, probiotics can aid in the restoration of equilibrium. Enhancing digestion and boosting immunity, makes it simpler for the body to resist illnesses.
  3. In addition to maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria, probiotics can also help improve digestion by breaking down food and extracting nutrients.
  • Probiotics can also help improve the absorption of nutrients, such as calcium and iron, making it easier for the body to get the nutrients it needs.
  1. Probiotics can also assist to lessen stomach inflammation, which is another advantage. Although persistent inflammation can cause a variety of health difficulties, including digestive problems, skin disorders, and even heart disease.
  2. By increasing the production of anti-inflammatory molecules and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory compounds, probiotics can help reduce inflammation. This can assist to enhance gut health and lower the risk of developing chronic health issues.
  3. Finally, Probiotics can also aid in improving mental health.  Probiotics have been demonstrated in studies to have a favourable impact on stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • This may be the case because the stomach and the brain are intertwined, and modifications to the gut microbiome may have an impact on the brain.
  • By lowering gut inflammation, controlling hormones, and boosting the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are essential for mood regulation, probiotics may aid in mood improvement.
PROBIOTIC SOURCES:
  1. Fermented Foods: Some of the most common sources of probiotics are fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. These foods contain live, beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
  2. Supplements: Probiotics are also available in supplement forms, such as capsules, powders, and liquids. These supplements can be a convenient and easy way to get a high dose of probiotics, especially for people who don’t consume fermented foods regularly.
  3. Dairy products: Dairy products, such as cheese and buttermilk, can also contain probiotics, especially if they are made from raw or fermented milk.
  4. Pickled vegetables: Some pickled vegetables, such as pickles and cucumbers, can also contain probiotics, depending on the preparation method.
  5. Soy-based products: Some soy-based products, such as miso and tempeh, can also contain probiotics, especially if they are made using traditional fermentation methods.
Point to remember:
  • It’s important to keep in mind that Probiotics can be found in some fermented foods and supplements but not all, and their types and concentrations can vary substantially. It is advisable to choose probiotic sources that have undergone independent testing and contain particular bacterial strains that have been proven to have positive effects on health.
 

Dietician Neelam Dhanagar

Dietician & Nutritionist | Weight loss Diet | Weight Gain Diet | Therapeutic Diet