5 Health Benefits of Adding Probiotics to Your

Diet
Think probiotics are only helpful for those with stomach or digestive issues?Think
again. Experts say that 70% to 80% of our immune systems are located in the gut, so a healthy
gastrointestinal tract is important not just for our digestive systems but for our overall health.
That is where probiotics can come into play. These live microorganisms, known as "good bacteria"
may improve and maintain the health of your gut and therefore your health.
My son has a gastrointestinal disease and recently began taking a daily probiotic to restore his gut
health. After learning about their potential benefits, I have begun taking one as well.
Probiotics may come in the form of tablets, powders, drinks, or in some fortified foods, such as
yogurt. The most commonly used bacteria in probiotics are: lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and
saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotics are generally considered safe since the bacteria in probiotics are
already present in small amounts in the body. With that said, it is still important to use a probiotic
from a reputable manufacturer. You may wish to speak with your pharmacist and/or healthcare
provider before starting on a probiotic.
The potential benefits of probiotics have become a hot topic for medical researchers. Evidence now
suggests that you may be able to treat, prevent, or lessen the effects of some illnesses with daily
probiotic use. Here are some of the other potential advantages of probiotics:
1. Female Urinary Tract Health
The urinary tract can be disturbed by the presence of antibiotics, birth control pills, and even
spermicides. Researchers believe that probiotics may restore the system and help fight off common
and extremely uncomfortable urinary tract issues, such as: bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and
urinary tract infections. If you have any of these types of infections recurrently, you may want to talk
with your healthcare practitioner about giving probiotics a try.
Related: 7 food additives you should think twice about before eating
2. Crohn's Disease & Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A large scale study is needed to determine the definitive benefits of probiotics for those with Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Those who have these gastrointestinal
disorders know that they can be painful and difficult to treat. A few small studies have suggested that
certain probiotics may help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis and prevent relapse of Crohn's
disease, as well as a recurrence of pouchitis (a complication of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis).
Though more large-scale research is needed, some patients are already using probiotic supplements
with relief. If you think that probiotics may be helpful for you, speak with your healthcare
practitioner.
3. Oral Health
It is believed that replacing bad bacteria with good can also help with oral issues such as: foul
smelling breath, periodontal disease, tonsil stones, and other oral health issues. A recent study
released by the International Journal of General Medicine found that the probiotic BLIS K12 is
effective in preventing reoccurring infections in the mouth and throat in children, while a second
study found the same potential benefits for adults. BLIS (bacteriocin-like-inhibitory substances) is a

specific strain of streptococcus salivarius that may help promote healthy bacteria in the mouth when
taken on a daily basis.
4. Strep Throat & Tonsillitis
It should be no surprise (based on the last slide) that researchers have found that probiotics can be
helpful for reducing recurrent issues with throat and ear infections, both of which are also associated
with the BLIS and K12. A small study of adults with a history of recurrent throat and ear
infectionsshowed an 80% reduction in episodes of streptococcal pharyngeal infection (strep throat)
and a 60% reduction in pharyngitis when given a BLIS K12 probiotic. Another study showed
that BLIS K12 may reduce the recurrence of throat infections and tonsillitis by up to 90%.
5. Emotions & Brain Activity
A small study out of the University of California Los Angeles shows some evidence that probiotics
can actually modulate brain activity. Fascinating, is it not? Studies in animals have shown that
changes in gut flora led to changes in affective behaviors, so researchers wanted to determine
whether similar results could be found in humans. Using functional MRI, the research showed that
women who regularly consumed yogurt fortified with probiotics showed altered activity of brain
regions that control central processing of emotion and sensation. This study shows some exciting
promise for the future, though more extensive research is certainly needed.
- By Jessica Cohen