8 Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics

Probiotics refer to a certain number of live microorganisms that can have a beneficial effect on the health of the host. At present, there are more than 20 kinds of probiotics used in China, mainly including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Clostridium butyricum, Saccharomyces boulardii, Enterococcus, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus cereus. Probiotics have eight major functions. 1. Maintain normal intestinal functionrn rnThe intestine is the human body's largest immune organ and the largest micro-ecological system. The human body interacts slowly with the outside world through the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Through its growth and various metabolic effects, the human body promotes the normalization of the intestinal bacterial community, inhibits the production of putrefactive substances in the intestine, and maintains the normal operation of the intestinal function. 2. Relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance, promote digestion and absorption Lactose intolerance means that the human body lacks the enzyme that metabolizes lactose. After ingesting dairy products, there will be bloating, abdominal pain and other adverse reactions. Globally, 75% of adults show signs of weakening lactase activity, and in some Asian countries it exceeds 90%. Studies have found that Lactobacillus has galactosidase activity, which can significantly reduce the concentration of lactose and produce lactic acid, which is beneficial to human digestion and absorption. 3. Enhance human immunity Probiotics enter the intestine, on the one hand, they can colonize in the intestine to maintain the balance of intestinal microflora. On the other hand, probiotics can directly act on the host's immune system to induce intestinal immunity. By enhancing the responsiveness of B and T lymphocytes to antigen stimulation, it exerts specific immune activity, thereby enhancing the body's immune function. 4. Prevent cancer and inhibit tumor growth Probiotics can produce some metabolites that inhibit tumor growth, such as polysaccharides, bacteriocins, and lactic acid. By inhibiting the production of enzymes that transform carcinogens, it activates the body's immune system, especially the activity of macrophages, NK cells, and B lymphocytes, and inhibits cell mutations, as well as lowers the pH value in the intestines, and stimulates intestinal peristalsis. In this way, the pathogenic toxins and carcinogens in the intestinal tract are excluded from the body and the possibility of carcinogenesis is reduced. 5. Relieve allergic reactions Studies have found that the more probiotics there are in the intestines of normal people, the lower the chance of suffering from allergic diseases. Probiotics can inhibit the production of Ig E and effectively prevent the occurrence of allergies. 6. Lower serum cholesterol Probiotics mainly reduce cholesterol content and inhibit the activity of cholesterol synthase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate CoA reductase) through assimilation. Through the action of the bile salt hydrolase of probiotics, the hydrolyzed bile salt in the small intestine can co-precipitate with the cholesterol in the food, reduce the body's absorption of cholesterol, and promote excretion from the feces. 7. The effect of probiotics on obesity Disorders of intestinal flora play a very important role in the occurrence and development of obesity. A large number of experiments have confirmed that through the intake of probiotics, obesity can be effectively prevented. 8. The effect of probiotics on diabetes Studies have found that there are also disorders of intestinal flora in diabetic patients. Probiotics can adjust the intestinal microflora, and beneficial bacteria can attach to the intestinal epithelial cells. Probiotics absorb glucose into the bacteria body, reduce the absorption of the host, thereby lowering blood sugar levels, and achieving the purpose of preventing diabetes.