Growing longer hair often feels like infinity waiting game. Even reaching those fuller dos or lustrous locks isn’t a one-minute job. We now know that your diet plays a crucial role in keeping your hair healthy, but did you know that probiotics can also have a positive effect on your locks?
Probiotic bacteria: what are they anyway?
Glowing skin and shiny hair are signs of good health. Yet little is known about the origin of this beautiful incandescence. The researchers have now lifted a small corner of the veil. They found that a certain type of bacteria has a rejuvenating effect on the skin and hair, namely probiotic bacteria.
Probiotic bacteria are microorganisms that live in our intestines and together with fungi and yeasts form our intestinal flora. Your intestinal flora is extremely important for good health. The mix of microorganisms in your largest organ not only affects digestion and bowel movements, it also affects weight and mood. Just like your stamina.
If your gut flora is in balance, this is generally reflected in good health. By taking probiotic bacteria you can contribute to a balanced intestinal flora and therefore have a beneficial effect on your health.
The effect of probiotics on the hair
Research proves this probiotics it also has a positive effect on your locks. The researchers fed probiotic bacteria to the older mice, and the animals developed a thicker, shinier coat. According to the scientists, this phenomenon can be explained by the increase in the number of active sebaceous glands and hair follicles in mice. The sebaceous glands keep hair and skin supple and protect against dehydration and external invaders. Active hair follicles make hair grow.
The researchers also saw changes in the skin of the animals. Their skin appeared to have the same self-healing ability as the skin of many younger animals. Their skin, for example, healed faster. A special bacterium has been found to be primarily responsible for this beneficial effect on hair and skin. This is the Lactobacillus reuteri. The changes occurred after eating probiotic yogurt and drinking water with L. reuteri. These are the same bacteria that you find in breast milk. It is also one of the first bacteria a baby can develop in the gut. This already indicates how important bacteria are.
What does this mean to you?
If you want a thicker hair, you would say that you are immediately on Lactobacillus reuteri must. But before you order a supplement right away, it’s important to know that whether the bacteria will work for you depends primarily on the health of your gut. If your gut is not functioning optimally, you can expect a small effect. However, to take full advantage of probiotic bacteria, your gut must be in good shape.
So it is first of all important to take care of your gut. You do this with a healthy diet and enough exercise. Healthy foods are packed with nutrients for your gut. Plus, these products aren’t processed, so they don’t burden your sensitive digestive organs.
Exercise improves blood flow, which is also good for gut health. You can also pay more attention to the fiber. Fiber is the food for bacteria in the gut. You can find them in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains. Even the popular glucomannan it is a good source of fiber.
Fermented foods also contribute to gut health. They contain beneficial bacteria that can supplement your intestinal flora in a positive way. For fermented foods, think yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh.
If your gut is healthy, you probably already notice it on your skin and hair. If you still want thicker hair, you can think of a supplement that Lactobacillus reuteri contains.
Sources: Tatiana Levkovich, t. et al. (2013). Probiotic bacteria induce a “health glow”. PLoS One, 2013; 8 (1): e53867 | Text: health blogger Annemiek van der Krogt | Image: BrunoPress
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