Latest Research: 6 Health Benefits Of Probiotics
Do you live in Ottawa? Are you looking at the potential benefits of probiotics for your health?
If so, you are in the right place.
Today, based on the latest scientific research, I will talk about the six health benefits of probiotics.
Let’s start with recent research showing the benefits of probiotics on memory.
Memory
A 2023 randomized controlled trial looked at the effect of probiotics on 43 participants with major depression and poor cognition or memory.
After one month, the probiotics led to improved short-term memory.
There was no change in long-term memory. However, it would have been interesting to see the effect of the probiotics over three months, which is the optimal length of time.
The researchers also found reduced hippocampus activity in participants based on MRI findings.
Commonly, the hippocampus appears hyperactive in patients with major depression.
The hippocampal deactivation over time in the participants taking the probiotics is assumed to reflect the benefit of probiotics on depression-related poor memory.
This study again highlights the strong association between gut and brain health.
Let’s now look at the benefits of probiotics on Autism.
Autism
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), totalling 268 kids, looked at the effect of probiotics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The overall effect was not significant; however, a closer look at the results showed that multi-strain probiotics did improve behavioural symptoms in children with Autism.
Let’s now look at the benefits of probiotics for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
A 2023 meta-analysis of 21 RCTs with 1,037 participants looked at the effect of probiotics on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The results showed that the probiotics led to the following:
- Reduced fat content in the liver
- Reduced liver enzymes, including ALT and AST.
- Reduced Triglycerides
Furthermore, the researchers found that probiotics improved liver function significantly during treatment for over three months.
The above finding reiterates that the optimal time to benefit most from probiotics is three months.
We know from research that 35% of people with SIBO have NAFLD, which is thought to be because SIBO causes a leaky gut and the release of toxins into the bloodstream, which the liver cleans up.
Let’s now look at the benefits of probiotics on muscle mass and strength.
Muscle Mass And Strength
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 RCTs examined probiotics’ impact on muscle mass and strength.
The results showed probiotics led to improved muscle strength and mass.
The researchers also found that the probiotics were more effective over three months.
Reduced muscle strength as you age correlates with an increased risk of death.
Furthermore, muscles release chemicals with anti-inflammatory and immune regulation properties, so increased muscle mass is associated with an increased release of these beneficial chemicals.
Let’s look now at the benefits of probiotics on COVID-19 infections.
COVID-19 Infections
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs with 1027 participants looked at the effect of probiotics on patients with COVID-19.
Results showed that probiotics reduced the risk of the following:
- Respiratory symptoms by 63%
- Diarrhea by 39%
- Adverse events of COVID treatments by 38%
Researchers believe probiotics help because they block the ACE-2 receptor to which the COVID-19 infection attaches.
This is why Vitamin D has the same benefits for COVID-19 symptoms.
Finally, let’s look at the benefits of probiotics on oral health.
Oral Health
A 2023 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial looked at the effect of Lactiplantibacillus Plantaram on the number of oral pathogens and the oral microbiota in children with dental caries.
After a month, the probiotics reduced oral dysbiosis, notably Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.
The researchers believe the reason why probiotics help is because of the numerous probiotic anti-microbial properties.
Now It’s Over To You
Do you take probiotics?
In which ways have they helped you?
Leave me a comment below.
Do You Need Help?
If you need help, I suggest you book a free functional medicine discovery session with me to determine whether my functional medicine approach fits your child’s needs.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please do not apply this information without first speaking with your doctor.