Does kefir cure IBS? Is kombucha safe during pregnancy? Is yogurt a natural remedy for acid reflux? Kefir, kombucha, and yogurt are all part of the food type called probiotics. Many have claimed that probiotics are beneficial to one’s health, but there’s still a good number of skeptics out there who’d still prefer to play it safe when it comes to using them for medical treatment. Here’s a look at what probiotics are and how they affect the human body.
Probiotics by Definition
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are known to be good for your digestive system. They are also called good bacteria that can fight the bad bacteria that everyone has in their bodies.
Benefits and Disadvantages
Probiotics can help balance both good and bad bacteria in the body. This balance helps your body work the way it should. If you’ve been taking antibiotics that have flushed out your bodies good bacteria, probiotics can help replenish them. If ingested in right amounts, they are safe and do help with digestion as it breaks down food and helps the body absorb the right nutrients from it.
Because it’s still considered bacteria, common bacteria-host interactions can occur, especially if taken in large doses. If you’re trying to treat a digestive problem, it may worsen it, or cause pain due to the imbalance of bacteria in the body.
Conclusion
Probiotic products have multiplied on grocery shelves over the past 18 years, and it’s safe to say that many people have benefited from it as well. If you want to use it as a medical treatment, it’s always a good idea to ask a professional about your condition and how probiotics can help. Chances are he’d have a reasonable explanation for you concerning whatever medical condition you have, and you won’t have to go experimenting. But if you’re in good shape, you can make it a part of your daily diet to keep your gut happy and your whole body healthy.
