Close
Pictured Recipe:Homemade Kimchi
1. Balances Friendly Gut Bacteria
Back in high school biology class, you may have thought of all bacteria as bad-microscopic bugs that make us sick. The truth is, our bodies are teeming with both good and bad bacteria. In a healthy gut, the good bacteria outnumber the bad. Illness, a poor diet or taking certain medicines can throw that balance out of whack. Probiotics help out in the fight, boosting the number of friendly bacteria, improving digestion and helping our bodies absorb more nutrients.
7 Must-Eat Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut
2. Prevents and Treats Diarrhea
Multiple studies show probiotics can help with diarrhea, especially in children. An analysis of more than 60 studies involving more than 8,000 people (mostly children) found that those who were given probiotics-either in yogurt or supplement form-got over their diarrhea symptoms an average of one day faster than those who didn’t take probiotics.
Got the opposite problem? Some studies suggest probiotics may help with constipation, too. More research is needed, experts say. Still, eating more probiotic foods probably won’t hurt-and they may help get you going.
3. Boosts Immunity
Pictured Recipe:Korean Turkey Burgers with Kimchi
Turns out there may be some truth to the old saying, “Feed a cold and starve a fever.” A number of studies suggest eating probiotic foods may help strengthen the immune system, making us less susceptible to colds and other infections. In one small study, New Zealand athletes who had probiotics for four months had about 40 percent fewer colds and stomach bugs than those on a placebo.
4. May Help Ease Skin Problems
More research is needed, but evidence suggests probiotics may help with certain skin conditions like eczema. In one study, babies with eczema who were given probiotic-supplemented milk had improved symptoms compared to babies on plain milk. In another study, babies whose mothers took probiotics during pregnancy had a much lower risk of developing eczema early in life.
Other early research suggests probiotics may help treat acne, rosacea and sun damage. Experts say probiotics' ability to ease inflammation, hydrate skin and fight infection all play a role.
5. Improves Heart Health
Pictured Recipe:Miso Soup Cup of Noodles with Shrimp & Green Tea Soba
Eating more kraut and kimchi can help your heart in a number of ways. Regularly eating probiotic-rich foods may slightly reduce blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Certain strains of probiotics also help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Some research suggests probiotics may help raise “good” HDL cholesterol as well.
The Bottom Line
Watch: How to Make Kimchi
Related:
3 Surprising Reasons Your Gut Health Matters
Top Fiber-Rich Foods for Good Gut Bacteria
3-Day Meal Plan to Help You Poop
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
