5. Oral Health
Scientists have found that probiotics are an effective, natural means of fighting gum disease, plaque and bad breath. Probiotics are also more cost effective than dental treatments to solve these problems. Research around the world has shown that a probiotic can reduce bleeding gums due to gingivitis. Another study saw plaque decrease by a whopping 20% because of a probiotic mouth rinse. Other studies found that probiotics help bad breath by inhibiting the bacteria that causes it. Not only that, probiotics can even whiten your teeth by releasing a continuous low dose of hydrogen peroxide. Talk to your dentist about which probiotics will work best for your mouth.
6. Memory
The same study that showed men who used probiotics for one month felt less stressed also showed that they performed better on memory tests. It was, however, one study and a small one at that. Although, animal studies achieved similar results. In 2014, British researcher John Cryan said, “We have unpublished data showing that probiotics can enhance learning in animal models,” he told BBC Future. One potential explanation for how probiotics could help memory is because certain bacteria can stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This is a protein that supports memory and learning by enabling the formation of new neural connections.