If you have been digging the net recently excavating the well of healthy options, you must have come across the word ‘Probiotics’. It is often touted to be the best thing for the gut! Probiotics are revered to boost healthy digestion and strengthen the body’s immune system. But not much has been said and shared about The Ayurvedic lineage of probiotics!
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms like bacteria and yeasts that are great for the gut. Our body is a host of microbes – both good and bad. The microbes in the lower intestinal tract help in digesting food, fight harmful bacteria and regulate the immune system.
Though microorganisms are mostly perceived as germs, some of them are actually beneficial for the body. The good bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, and aid in producing vitamins.
Ayurveda states that probiotics in the form of natural food help in restoring the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in your body. Though a number of supplements are available in the market, their efficacy and safety are under the scanner. Even FDA recommends consuming probiotics in the form of food and not supplements.
5 ways probiotics help your health
- Digest food
- Absorb nutrients
- Break down medications
- Kill some of the bad bacteria that lead to infections
- Prevent illness
Types of Probiotics
Different types of probiotics are classified depending on the different types of bacteria. The most popular of them are –
- Lactobacillus. The most common probiotic, found in yogurt and fermented foods, this probiotic is helpful in treating diarrhea.
- Bifidobacterium. This too is found in some dairy products and it helps in easing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast that helps fight diarrhea and cure other digestive problems like gas and bloating.
5 Benefits of Probiotics
- Probiotics can help restore the bacteria balance in the body.
- Research reveals that probiotics help in reducing gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Probiotics are the best home remedy for diarrhea and constipation.
- Probiotics can cut down the harmful effects of antibiotics.
Probiotics may help with:
- eczema
- obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Best natural sources of probiotics
“It’s always best to obtain the necessary nutrients from nature”
Supplements should be the last resort to offer the body what it requires. It is always better to obtain the daily dose of probiotics from natural food sources which are loaded with multiple nutrients. The best natural sources of Probiotics are curd, buttermilk, kefir, a tangy dairy drink, or fermented tea or vegetables such as pickles or sauerkraut.
Supplements may not be as good as natural sources.
The gut flora of every individual is unique so one single formula of supplement cannot suffice the needs of every individual! It can rather disrupt the existing proportion of the good bacteria and cause more trouble than good!
When it comes to probiotics there is no real quick fix, no real single pill. That’s why probiotic supplements are often tagged with side effects like upset stomach or digestion problems or bloating. It is best to alter eating habits, practice healthy living, and include probiotic foods in the diet.
Wise Words of Advice
Probiotics are best consumed in the form of food and to get better results it is recommended to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can gauge your body’s current status and its requirements.
Though probiotic supplements are flooding the markets with attractive ads, it is best to stick to natural sources or doctor’s advice!!
Also Read: Natural Ways To Maintain Gut Health
