You probably already know that there are healthy bacteria living inside of you. As many as 100 trillion microorganisms (microflora), including more than 500 unique species, populate all healthy intestines. But don’t be grossed out. These “germs” are good for the human body. The bacteria that live in the gut can help people maintain good health. Enter probiotics.

First, What Are Probiotics?

The word is derived from the Latin word “pro” and the Greek word “biota,” meaning “for life.” Ingesting them is one way to keep a balance of good bacteria in the intestines. They are living organisms that naturally occur in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, kombucha, miso, traditional buttermilk, natto, sourdough bread, pickles, and some cheeses including cottage cheese, gouda, mozzarella, and cheddar.

Probiotics are available in dietary supplements, too. Probiotic capsules make it easy to make sure people get enough probiotics to be beneficial. They make it simple to control the amount and type of probiotic used and the frequency and timing.

Good bacteria contribute to the body’s health in several ways. In addition to aiding in food digestion and helping the body absorb nutrients, probiotics can create vitamins, boost the immune system, and destroy cells that cause disease. Research has revealed they may help alleviate some health issues, including tooth decay, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, H. pylori (the source of ulcers), urinary tract infections–not to mention a reduction of children’s allergies and even eczema in children.

Probiotics are comprised of various organisms. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two of the most common; yeasts like Saccharomyces boulardii also function as probiotics.

Yogurt is one of the most popular ways to get a daily dose. Depending on the brand, a serving can contain between 90 billion and 500 billion CFU (colony forming units), which refers to how many bacteria can divide and create new colonies. The phrase “live and active cultures” refers to this characteristic.

Probiotics and the Skin

One of the most exciting uses of probiotics is in the treatment of many skin conditions. They may be capable of relieving the symptoms of acne and rosacea. Companies are investigating the effectiveness of including extracts or strains of probiotics in skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, and peels. They can be consumed in foods, taken as supplements, or applied topically. They may not be capable of treating skin conditions on their own. They can be utilized by patients in conjunction with medical treatments to enhance their effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions.

For those incorporating antibiotics into the treatment of acne, probiotics can enhance the effectiveness of replenishing the good bacteria in the gut. L. acidophilus, Lactobacillus, and B. bifudum have demonstrated they may be useful in decreasing the number of active skin lesions. When applied to the skin, they might aid in treating acne by creating a protective buffer that stops destructive bacteria from creating pimples. It accomplishes this by preventing the bacteria from reaching the skin, thus irritating the immune system, which results in painful and embarrassing inflammation.

The treatment of eczema in infants shows promising results. During the research, scientists in Finland observed pregnant women who took probiotic supplements (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) for two to four weeks before giving birth and after delivery if they were breastfeeding. Adding the probiotic to infant formula for at least six months was included in the study. The results showed a reduction in the incidence of eczema in infants with a significant family history of the irritating skin condition. The protection lasted until at least age two and, sometimes, longer.

Studies have shown that rosacea symptoms, including the small red bumps and pimples as well as the redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead, can be reduced. These are the result of inflammation. Probiotics may assist in controlling flare-ups and reducing symptoms. They can also decrease the redness and improve and strengthen the skin barrier to ease the dryness, burning, and stinging.

The use of probiotics to protect skin from the effects of aging is an exciting new area of investigation that shows early promise but needs more research. There’s some evidence that probiotics may help the main protein in the skin that affects its tone and texture. Using skin scrubbing techniques and tools like a konjac sponge in tandem with probiotics and treatment of eczema can have incredible results. Increasing good bacteria may also result in improved hydration, which should reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

There’s no doubt that probiotics contribute to the well-being of the human body.