Question

What are the beneficial effects of probiotics to our body? (Please give a detail explanation on this and also references used, Wikipedia is not acceptable, thanks)

Answer 1

Probiotics are live microorganisms, basically bacteria, which are consumed through supplement or fermented foods. The health benefits of probiotics are described herewith...

• Help in balancing good bacteria im digestive tract : The imbalance of bacterial flora in digestive tract means the increase in the number if disease causing bad bacteria and decrease in the number of good bacteria due to illness medication, antibiotic consumption, poor diet etc. Probiotics are generally comprised of good bacteria, and when consumed restore the natural balance of gut bacteria and provide health benefits.
• Prevent and treat diarrhea : ​​​​​Diarrhea is a commom side effect of antibiotics which occurs because antibiotic imbalance the natural flora of good and bad bacteria in gut. Probiotics prevent the risk of diarrhea by balancing that natural flora and increasing the number of good bacteria in digestive tract.
• Improve mental health condition : Studies have suggested that mood and mental health are somewhat related to gut health. A good gut health contributes to good mental health. Consumption of probiotics reduce anxiety, depression, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder and thus contribute to good mental health.
• Keep the heart healthy : Probiotics keep the heart healthy as it reduce LDL cholesterol level by breaking down bile in the gut so that it cannot be reabsorbed in the gut and cannot reach the heart by entering bloodstream. Probiotics also lowers the blood pressure. In this way keep the heart healthy.
• Reduce the severity of allergies and eczema : Though the studies are still insufficient and evidences are not enough but it has been found that probiotics may also reduce inflammatory responses in people with milk or dairy allergies. It has also been found that consumption of probiotics reduce the severity of eczema in children and infants.
• Reduce symptoms of digestive disorders : Studies have found that probiotics can reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
• Boost the immune system : Probiotics may boost the immune system by inhibiting the growth of disease causing harmful bacteria in the gut. Moreover the probiotics promote the production of natural antibodies in the body and boost the function of immune cells e.g. B cell, T cell and NK cell. Probiotics also reduce the risk of urinary tract infection and lowers the severity of respiratory infections.
• Helps in losing weight :  Probiotics may help in losing weight by preventing the absorption of dietary fat in intestine and help in excreting the fat through feces. Here a point should be noted that not all probiotics helps in loosing weight. Certain probiotics can also results in weight gain.