Other Health Benefits

There are many other benefits of probiotics. They affect: 

• Inflammation: Probiotics reduce systemic inflammation, a leading driver of many diseases.
• Depression and anxiety: The probiotic strains Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in people with clinical depression. 
•  Blood cholesterol: Several probiotics have been shown to lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. 
• Blood pressure: Probiotics may also cause modest reductions in blood pressure. 
• Immune function: Several probiotic strains may enhance immune function, possibly leading to a reduced risk of infections, including for the common cold. 
• Skin health: There is some evidence that probiotics can be useful for acne, rosacea and eczema, as well as other skin disorders. 

This is only a small slice of probiotics’ total benefits, as ongoing studies indicate a wide breadth of health effects. 

Safety and Side Effects 

Probiotics are generally well tolerated and considered safe for most people. However, in the first few days, you may experience side effects related to digestion, such as gas and mild abdominal discomfort. After you adjust, your digestion should begin improving. 

In people with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV, AIDS and several other conditions, probiotics can lead to dangerous infections. 

If you have a medical condition, consult with your doctor before taking a probiotic supplement. 

The Bottom Line 

Maintaining a healthy gut is about more than taking a probiotic supplement. Day-to-day diet and exercise are just as important since many lifestyle factors impact your gut bacteria. 

However, probiotic supplements offer a wide range of benefits with few side effects — so if you’re interested in improving your gut health, they could be worth a shot. 

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-101#what-they-are