The Benefits Of Probiotics

We see references to probiotics all the time in items such as yogurt but what can they do besides make us “regular”? As it turns out, quite a lot. Probiotics can alleviate internal problems, like digestive issues, and external skin issues, such as acne. When taken orally, probiotics have a positive effect on both the skin and body.

Internal Benefits:

Improves Digestive Problems
One of the most frequent uses for probiotics is to prevent diarrhea, especially when antibiotics cause it. Probiotics can also help alleviate lactose intolerance and IBS.

Fights Certain Infections
Some experts believe that Bifidobacteria can hinder the growth of some types of bacteria, like salmonella and E. coli, by lowering the pH level of the intestines so these strains can’t grow.

Treats the Common Cold
Researchers at the Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition in Germany tested probiotics as a way to cure the common cold and found a reduction in colds in those who took a daily dose of probiotics and vitamins.

Beauty Benefits:

Clears Up Acne
Since acne is partially caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, probiotics work in treating blemish-prone skin. The theory is that probiotics rebalance bacteria in the stomach, creating and overload of good bacteria.

Alleviates Eczema
Since eczema is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the skin that causes a deficiency in the function of the skin barrier, probiotics can help the good bacteria and allow them to continue to release oxygen. The skin can then breathe better as blood flows to put the skin in a healthy state of balance.

Slows Down Aging
Destruction of the skin barrier-from factors like the sun and pollution, amongst others-leads to a greater dispersion of harmful bacteria, which can cause inflammation, infection, loss of elasticity and collagen and wrinkles.