Benefits of foods containing probiotics

Despite their many health benefits, the role of probiotics in boosting the performance of athletes still remains unclear. Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria, which are beneficial to the body. They are found in fermented food products such as yoghurt, cabbage kimchee, and soybean-based miso and natto (fermented traditional Japanese health foods). Numerous health benefits have been attributed to probiotics, including effects on gastrointestinal tract function and diseases, immune function, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, and allergic conditions. They also secrete enzymes that aid in digestion, and may enhance the workings of immune-system cells in the digestive tract. It is said that consuming probiotics helps maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract. To assess the benefits of probiotic foods, researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, examined the potential performance boosting effects of probiotics on athletes. The results indicated that probiotics might provide athletes with secondary health benefits that could positively affect their performance through enhanced recovery from fatigue, improved immune function, and maintenance of healthy gastrointestinal tract function. Though it cannot be proven if these agents have any direct effects upon improving athletic performance, it can be said that they might aid it indirectly. By boosting the immune function, probiotics can help athletes recover more quickly from intense training and competition. As a lot of athletes are prone to gastrointestinal problems, probiotics might help them avoid these digestive woes.