• Probiotics are friendly bacteria available in many organic foods.
• Probiotics help to balance the bacteria in our body, offering many health benefits.
• Here are the 5 best reasons to take probiotics, so you can improve your body’s efficiency and functioning.

With trillions of microscopic bacteria maneuvering throughout your body, it’s safe to say that not all bacteria is bad for you. In fact, beneficial bacteria resides within your body to help balance against infections and negative bacteria. Probiotics are a group of friendly bacteria that provide health benefits to your gut and overall digestive system. Subsequently, they provide relief during the bowel evacuation process as well and can help regulate the digestive process. 

Since more information links positive benefits to the existence of these living cultures within your body, it’s safe to say that supplementation could be a pretty great next step in supporting your overall health. But don’t just trust us. Trust the over 3.9 million people regularly supplementing with probiotics in the United States. Here are our top 5 reasons to take probiotics.

Probiotics boost gut health

Perhaps one of the most well-known reasons to supplement with probiotics is that they directly contribute to the health of your gut. Probiotics are used in tandem with a healthy diet to improve digestion and restore balance and normal activity of the gut flora. Most commonly, probiotics are prescribed to reduce diarrhea and irritable bowel symptoms in users. They can lead to immediate relief regarding bloating, constipation, intestinal issues, and more.

Try our Gut Health bundle to target various symptoms related to digestive function. Dive into different gut health probiotic options with Dr. Sam, and try our favorite probiotic for comfort here.

Probiotics decrease stress

The gut and brain are interconnected in many beautiful ways. Gut microbes drastically affect the nervous system and its functioning. According to a study published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health:

Emerging data suggests communication between the gut and the brain in anxiety, depression, cognition and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The development of a healthy, functional brain depends on key pre- and post-natal events that integrate environmental cues, such as molecular signals from the gut. Research over the past few years reveals that the gut microbiome plays a role in basic neurogenerative processes such as the formation of the blood-brain-barrier, myelination, neurogenesis, and microglia maturation, and also modulates many aspects of animal behavior.

In a 2016 study, probiotics showed effectiveness in improving symptoms of psychiatric disorders. It showed a marked response in patients with anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and memory capabilities. Having a balance of healthy bacteria in the gut can help regulate cognitive function, and allow your nervous system to properly respond to different circumstances.

Probiotics can prevent urinary tract infections

Not a fan of spending time in the bathroom? Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a huge concern, incredibly uncomfortable, and can be brought on by many factors. As many as ⅓ of women experience repeat infections and chronic symptoms. Though less common in men, 3% of the male population experiences difficulties due to a UTI each year. They happen when bacteria builds up in your urinary tract, so supplementing with probiotics is a natural first step in minimizing discomfort and preventing repeat occurrences.

Stress is also a large factor in triggering UTIs, indicated by the link between gut and brain function. Lower your risk for anxiety by engaging in physical activity and ensuring you get a full night’s rest.

Probiotics support vaginal health

There is evidence to support that probiotics could help in vaginal health and function, however it is still largely up for speculation. Still, women everywhere are flocking to purchase probiotics in case this is ultimately proven to be true. Vaginal infections are highly prevalent. 75% of women will get one or more yeast infections in their lifetime, with 8% of women experiencing chronic yeast infections. Common symptoms include general discomfort, pain during intercourse, burning during urination, vaginal discharge, itching, and burning.

It is advised to take probiotics that contain at least 1 billion colony forming units (CFUs) to support your body in its fight against vaginal health issues.

Probiotics support flawless skin

As if helping to regulate and optimize our internal bodily functions isn’t enough, probiotics show promise in restoring elasticity to the face, clearing the skin of unsightly blemishes, and creating an overall glow. This is because the bacteria are working as antioxidants to help rid your body of free radical and oxidative damage. Free radicals are responsible for accelerated skin aging, and can wreak havoc on your dermis. That’s right. Taking probiotics may help reverse the damage done to your body by circumstances and environments that haven’t totally been under your control.

Ready to take an easy supplemental step for your health? Check out our full list of curated probiotic options right here.