supplements_worradmu_free_digital — Dietary Supplements (image courtesy of worradmu/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Probiotics are slowly becoming one of the most popular supplements in America. Here’s a few good reasons why they may be worthy of consideration for some folks.

1. Probiotics Offset the Detrimental Effects of Antibiotics.

Nutrition Now PB 8, Probiotic Acidophilus — PB 8 Probiotic is vegetarian friendly and offers a larger variety of healthy bacteria than many others.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacteria related illnesses and infections resulting from various causes such as tick bites, abscessed teeth, strep throat, etc. But, once taken, they kill all forms of bacteria, including essential healthy bacteria of the gut, which can sap your energy and leave your digestive system in chaos. According to consumer reports, varying doses of good-for-you bacteria (probiotics) were linked with a 42 percent lower risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in a review of 63 studies in the May 9, 2012, Journal of the American Medical Association.

2. Probiotics Affect Brain Activity

A study shared by medpage today found that after 4 weeks of eating a probiotic-infused yogurt, normal volunteers showed a muted brain response in a region associated with stressful gut signaling compared to controls consuming yogurt without the probiotics or no product. This study demonstrates a link with emotional behavior and gut central signaling, which may play a role in mental health. Since depression is so rampant in America, research related to the relationship of gut and brain health continue to grow.

3. Probiotics Decrease Anxiety and Depression

While some may dispute this claim, a study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, shared how a team or researchers describe how mice given the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus, showed signs of being less anxious and depressed and even had lowered levels of stress hormones. This gives credence to the notion that probiotics may help alleviate anxiety and depression.

Key Take Away:

Based on my research and personal experiences, probiotics seem to offer many health benefits from digestive to mental health. I personally take one periodically and have found it to be helpful. If you’re considering taking probiotics, check out my article on them to learn more…click here.