Probiotics: small bacteria, big impact on your health (and your laundry!)

You may have seen them in the supermarket, in ads, or heard about them through others: probiotics. It might sound strange, but these bacteria can have a very positive effect on your health. They help keep the balance between “good” and “less good” bacteria.

What many people do not know is that probiotics are also used in products other than food, such as laundry or cleaning products. Curious how these smart microorganisms work and how you can fit them into your daily routine? Read on!

What exactly are probiotics and what do they do in your body?

Probiotics are living bacteria. That may sound exciting, but there is no need to worry. On the contrary: they are very useful in your diet and in other products, such as laundry detergent. They are active ingredients that take on so-called “bad” bacteria.

The name says it all: “pro” means for, and “biotics” refers to life. Together, the word means “for life.” They occur naturally in fermented foods, but they are also used in products like probiotic laundry detergent. There, they help break down dirt and unpleasant odors in a natural way.

Probiotics are also a truly natural option to upgrade your daily lifestyle. These helpful bacteria are fully biodegradable and contain no harmful chemicals. That is not only better for the environment, but also for your skin: they irritate less than regular cleaning products and are safer for your skin.

Want to experience how probiotics can give your lifestyle a natural upgrade? Order the probiotic laundry detergent from Grace is Green now.

Your microbiome: why bacteria are not always bad

When people hear the word bacteria, many immediately think of illness or dirt. Yet your body contains more bacterial cells than human cells. Everyone carries around about 30 to 38 trillion (!) of them. Luckily, because without these microorganisms your body would not function properly.

The microbiome is the collective name for all microorganisms on and in your body. These can be many small living things, such as bacteria, but also fungi. Most of these so-called “microbes” live in your gut, in your intestinal flora. But they are also on your skin, in your mouth, and even in your airways.

Those trillions of bacterial cells help digest food, produce vitamins, and support your immune system. Want to learn more about how probiotics work in your body? Take a look at this helpful guide from Zorgwijzer.

Probiotics vs. prebiotics: what is the difference?

Probiotics and prebiotics are often confused, but in reality they are very different and they need each other. Probiotics are the living microorganisms themselves. You can get them from fermented products, such as sauerkraut with your mashed potatoes, kefir, or your daily bowl of yogurt. They help your gut flora with digestion.

Prebiotics are not bacteria, but fibers that serve as “nutrients” for your probiotics. You could say that prebiotics encourage the probiotics in your gut to work extra hard. Together, these two make an excellent team for your health.

Why your skin also has a microbiome

Not only your gut, but your skin also has its own microbiome. This layer helps prevent harmful particles from penetrating your skin and gives your skin time to build its ability to recover. If your microbiome becomes unbalanced, you notice it right away. It can show up as dryness, irritation, or redness.

This disruption in your skin balance can come from many factors, such as stress and weather, but also harsh cleaning products used in your environment or on your clothing. That is why more and more people choose milder alternatives, such as probiotic laundry detergents that are less harsh on the skin. You can order probiotic laundry detergent at a great price from Grace is Green!

The impact of laundry detergents on your skin and health

Your clothes are in constant contact with your skin. Yet we rarely think about what can remain in the fabric. Detergent residues often stay behind in textiles, which can cause irritation or itching. This is especially true if you wash at low temperatures or have sensitive skin.

Probiotic laundry detergents use good bacteria to fight unpleasant odors and stubborn stains. This is not only beneficial for your skin, but also very effective. In addition, washing with probiotics is better for your clothes: colors, fabric, and texture are better preserved compared to contact with chemical detergents.

Curious about all the benefits of probiotics in your laundry detergent? Check out our Byoms probiotic laundry detergent. No perfume, and with a wonderfully soft scent!

What is in conventional laundry detergents?

Regular detergents from the drugstore, supermarket, or online often contain synthetic perfumes, optical brighteners, and aggressive surfactants. These ingredients provide a thorough wash at first, but in the long run they are bad for your skin and your clothing. They are also not always kind to the environment.

That is because some substances do not break down well in water. When they end up in wastewater, they have a negative impact on the environment. They reduce water quality and are harmful to aquatic life.

Many common detergents also irritate your skin due to aggressive surfactants that are meant to remove dirt from your clothes, but then remain in the fabric. Especially for children, this increases the risk of contact allergies. Want to learn more? Read our blog about allergy-friendly products.

Natural washing as part of a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is not only about food, supplements, and enough exercise. Your skin is a huge part of your health and is constantly in contact with many products. By choosing mild laundry detergents with probiotics, you reduce exposure to harmful substances.

See all Byoms probiotic laundry detergents here.

Frequently asked questions about probiotics

How long does it take for probiotics to work?

That differs from person to person. Your body is a system that needs time to adapt. Some people notice a difference within a few days, while for others it can take several weeks before probiotics have a positive effect on the skin or gut flora.

Are probiotics safe for daily use?

A lot of research is currently being done on the effectiveness and safety of probiotics. Products with probiotics are always approved for use. So you can incorporate them into your daily lifestyle with peace of mind. In general, probiotics have a beneficial effect in healthy people.

Small probiotics, big impact on your well-being

Probiotics may seem like small bacteria. But in reality, together they can have a very large and positive impact on your health. They support your gut flora and can work as a natural active ingredient in laundry or cleaning products.

What you put on your skin and what you wash your clothes with is just as much part of your health. By consciously choosing mild and natural detergent, you create a skin-friendly environment for yourself, and you will definitely benefit from it. Check out our selection of Byoms probiotics here.

Source references: Mayo Clinic, Healthline, National Institutes of Health, Waarzitwatin.nl, Byoms.dk