(NaturalHealth365) Do you eat probiotic-rich foods? These microorganisms – found in fermented foods and supplements – offer a wide range of health benefits.  At a fundamental level, they help to restore a healthy balance of friendly bacteria in your gut.  But, the really good news is what happens next.

A new study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology reveals a perfect example of why probiotics are so important for us.  According to the August 2019 paper, the United States economy (and taxpayer funded healthcare system) could save a tremendous amount of money simply by encouraging more people to take probiotics – which have been shown to help protect us against the flu and other respiratory tract infections.

Stunning NEWS: Probiotic foods could save U.S. taxpayers $1.4 billion

As so-called “flu season” fast approaches and the media begins their annual push toward mass medication, health-conscious consumers are going to be looking for natural ways to avoid serious illnesses and respiratory infections.

A new study gives great hope.  A team of researchers created an economic model to estimate the impact of greater probiotics-use among the U.S. population. Based on their calculations, they projected that if everyone in the country took probiotics, the economy would see at least $1.4 billion in reduced costs from direct healthcare dollars and missed work.

The country would also see significantly less suffering, since so fewer people would contract respiratory illnesses!

It’s a lofty goal, considering that less than 2% of the American population (about 4 million people) currently take probiotics in any given month, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.  But with rising healthcare costs, the idea that something as simple, safe, and affordable as probiotics could make such an impact is quite promising.

Protecting against the flu and flu-like illness isn’t the only thing probiotics do. Various studies also show that probiotics are effective for:

• Treating diarrhea
• Boosting immune and heart health
• Alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders
• Managing symptoms of eczema and allergies
• Assisting with fat loss

Ready to add probiotics to your daily diet? Try these 5 natural sources

Unlike man-made antibiotics – which are known to destroy gut health – foods that have rich probiotic content are natural and actively promote better digestive health.

To ensure you’re getting enough probiotics, take a high quality supplement with at least 1 to 10 million colony-forming units (although some health experts recommend taking over 10 million CFUs).

In addition to a great supplement, be sure to eat foods that are naturally rich in probiotic material, including:

1. Kimchi (the national dish of Korea, this is a spicy pickled cabbage)
2. Kombucha (fermented tea)
3. Brine-cured olives or fresh dill pickles
4. Sauerkraut  (fermented cabbage)
5. Kefir (fermented milk)

Lastly, do your gut and friendly gut bacteria a favor by avoiding things like excessive amounts of mental (and emotional) stress, simple (processed) sugars, and bad sleep habits – all proven to damage your gut health and weaken your immune system.

Not only will you feel better, but you’ll be more likely to avoid everything from the flu to the common cold in these upcoming winter months.

Sources for this article:

Eurekalert.org
Sciencedaily,com
Healthline.com
Harvard.edu
Frontiersin.org
Medicalnewstoday.com
NIH.gov