If someone asks us what the most important dietary supplement is, our answer would probably be probiotics.
Probiotics contain healthy gut bacteria
Healthy gut bacteria play a major role in overall health. Not just for digestion but also for regulating the immune system, vaginal health, hormone balance, metabolism stabilization, fighting allergies, detoxification, and even emotional health.
Probiotics can also help with weight loss, acne problems, and make hair and skin healthier.
Why is it important to include probiotics in your diet?
In an ideal world, we would probably get away with just eating right.
But that would be a world where food doesn't contain preservatives and artificial additives. It would be a world free from toxins in air and water.
And perhaps most importantly, it would be a world where we weren't exposed to various medications and other less pleasant things that can cause chaos for our gut bacteria.
Good Bacteria
Probiotics help support the daily function of the trillions of bacteria living in the gut. Our bacterial friends have a well-defined role in digestion, enabling us to break down and absorb important nutrients such as magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
Probiotics also play an important role in maintaining vaginal health. They do this by helping to maintain a slightly acidic environment, which helps reduce the overgrowth of bacteria that could otherwise be harmful. This is particularly important because there are many common events that can negatively affect the vaginal environment, including the use of antibiotics and contraceptives. Finally, it's important to recognize that healthy gut bacteria help regulate hormones.
The 5 Most Important Probiotic Strains to Include in Your Diet according to Dr. Perlmutter
Different strains of gut bacteria and probiotics offer various health benefits.
David Perlmutter, M.D is an American expert on brain health and human microbes. He is also a certified neurologist and a New York Times bestselling author. After extensive research, he created these powerful probiotic products in collaboration with Garden of Life. According to Dr. Perlmutter, these five probiotic strains are among the most important:
1. Lactobaccilus plantarum
Found in kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented vegetables, this is one of the most beneficial bacteria in your body. It survives in the stomach for a long time and performs many functions that help regulate the immune system and control inflammation in the intestines. It also helps strengthen the intestinal wall and ward off potential invaders that could compromise the intestinal wall and sneak into the bloodstream. In fact, L. plantarum's positive impact on the gut is perhaps its most important characteristic, as it reduces intestinal permeability and thereby decreases the risks of leaky gut. Additionally, L. plantarum can quickly digest protein, which has the ultimate effect of preventing food allergies and even treating such allergies when they occur. Finally, L. plantarum has an incredible ability to absorb and maintain important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. All these benefits make L. plantarum suitable for combating infection.
2. Lactobaccilus acidophilus
L. acidophilus is a key player in fermented dairy products, including yogurt. It maintains the balance between good and bad bacteria, thereby supporting your immune system. In women, it helps cure the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause yeast infections. L. acidophilus has also been praised for its ability to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. In the small intestine, L. acidophilus also produces many beneficial substances that fight pathogenic microbes, including acidolfilin, acidolin, bacteriocin, and lactocidin.
3. Lactobaccilus brevis
This is found in sauerkraut and pickles and improves immune function through increased cellular immunity. It also effectively fights vaginosis, a common bacterial infection in the genital area. L. brevis also works to inhibit the effects of certain intestinal pathogens.
4. Bifidobacterium lactis (B. animalis)
Fermented dairy products like yogurt contain this gem, which is well-documented for having a powerful effect in preventing digestive problems and boosting the immune system. It is also known for eliminating pathogens in food such as salmonella that cause diarrhea.
5. Bifidobacterium longum
One of the 32 species belonging to the genus bifidobacterium, this is one of the first bacteria to colonize our bodies at birth. It has been associated with improved lactose tolerance and prevents food allergies and the spread of pathogens. Bifidobacterium longum is also known for having antioxidant properties and therefore the ability to clean up free radicals. In laboratory mice, B. longum has been shown to reduce anxiety. Like L. acidophilus, B. longum also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Learn more about how you can optimize your microflora for better gut health!
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