Who would have thought that a collective of micro-organisms could deliver wellness in giant proportions? Many are touting probiotics as nature’s gift to health, and there is no better journey than self-care. By using probiotics as part of a personal daily wellness regime along with exercise and a healthy diet, for example, the positive contribution to an individual’s health can be highly beneficial. There is no better gift to share with yourself and your loved ones than the very best version of yourself. But, can probiotic products can help you get there?

Probiotics are commonly taken with antibiotics to replace the natural bacteria that the medication damages during a course. But there is so much more to these powerful, natural organisms. According to experts, the benefits of supplementing regular exercise and diet with probiotics can have a very positive impact on our overall health and well-being.

Releaf Pharmaceuticals offers a range of probiotic products that include Releaf Probiotic Active 12-strain and Releaf Probiotic 12-strain. Probiotic supplements like these are beneficial because they can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in our gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as poor diet, stress, and antibiotic use. When the balance of good bacteria in our gut is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of health issues such as digestive problems, a weakened immune system, and even mental health issues.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in our gut and play a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. In recent years, research has shown that probiotics can also have a positive impact on mental health. The connection between the gut and the brain, also known as the gut-brain axis, is a complex and bidirectional communication system that can affect both physical and mental health. If you feel better, and bear less of a weight on your shoulders due to an unwell gut, it may impact relationships and the way we interact interpersonally.

According to some experts, probiotics can also improve overall health and quality of life, even to the extent that some relief is gained for people with autoimmune diseases and irritable bowel syndrome.

“There are benefits across the entire body, from improved skin health to benefits for your heart; it also improves the absorption of calcium for better bone health and gives immune systems a well-deserved boost,” explains Willco Janse van Vuuren, Managing Director of Releaf Pharmaceuticals.

However, just like in relationships, things work better in pairs. Good gut health needs more than just a probiotic supplement. It requires a commitment to exercise regularly.

Also read: Herbal tea has been proven to have great health and sleep benefits. Find out more here.

Regular exercise can improve gut health by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing inflammation. It can also help to improve the balance of bacteria, which can help to protect against certain gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, exercise can also help to reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on your gut health. It all works in tandem with one another to combine into a powerful wellness journey.

Interesting quick facts about probiotics:

  • Probiotic supplements have been proven to have a wide range of benefits, including improved skin health by reducing inflammation and improving the barrier function of the skin.
  • Probiotics have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Probiotics help with weight management: Probiotics can help to regulate appetite and metabolism, which can lead to weight loss.
  • Improve oral health: Probiotics can help to improve oral health by reducing the build-up of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
  • Improve respiratory health: Probiotics can help to improve respiratory health by reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
  • Improve bone health: Probiotics can help to improve bone health by increasing the absorption of calcium and other minerals.
  • Improve heart health: Probiotics can help to improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • Improve the immune system: Probiotics can help to improve the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and white blood cells.
  • Improve sleep quality: Probiotics can help to improve sleep quality by reducing inflammation and regulating the production of neurotransmitters.

How to pick the best probiotic

With so many probiotic products on the market, finding the best probiotic for your needs at the best price can be tricky. So how do you find the best price on probiotic products that are suited to your needs? Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping for the best probiotics.

When searching for the best probiotics to improve the function of your gut microbiome, you’ll want to pay close attention to:

  • Colony-forming units (the number of bacteria per dose).
  • Types of bacterial strains that are used.
  • How your probiotics need to be stored.
  • Which strains and/or brand names have been studied for their effectiveness?

A general recommendation is to choose probiotic products with at least 1 billion colony-forming units and containing the genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, or Saccharomyces boulardii, some of the most researched probiotics.

Probiotic skincare?

Even better news, probiotics are not just for the gut, your skin can benefit from them too. Many brands are adopting probiotic skincare as the way forward to healthy skin.

For example, many of the products in the range of Esse skincare products contain probiotic extracts and prebiotic nutrients to support a state of equilibrium in the skin’s microbiome. The Esse Sensitive Mist features BIOME+ Level 2 & 3 probiotics and prebiotics to support a balanced skin microbiome.  The mist also contains gentle, moisturising ingredients to improve skin hydration and can be used throughout the day to calm and hydrate sensitive skin.

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