How Cameron Diaz keeps her insides happy

Cameron Diaz is one of the most well-known Latina stars in Hollywood, and not only is her acting ability spoken highly of, so is her healthy, youthful appearance at the age of 42.

While Diaz has always been vocal about her health and women’s health in general, she writes in one of her bestsellers, “The Body Book,” that being healthy is more than just exercising and watching calories. Being healthy is about giving the body what it needs–and that includes parts of the body less talked about, like the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

SEE ALSO: 5 tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your probiotics

What is it that Cameron does to keep her GI system in working order? The actress takes probiotics regularly.

“When I take my probiotics regularly, I feel good, and I feel like I’m helping my body help itself,” Cameron writes in her book.

Probiotics are designed to balance the bacteria in the gastrointestinal system, improving immunity and helping to decrease intestinal upset symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. Recently, as understanding about the human microbiome has improved, the importance of gut bacteria has become well-known. Research suggests the bacteria in the GI system can do everything from impact weight gain/loss to influence human behavior.

“Bacteria within the gut are manipulative,” researcher Carlo Maley, PhD, said to the Epoch Times. “There is a diversity of interests represented in the microbiome, some aligned with our own dietary goals, and others not.”

“Microbes have the capacity to manipulate behavior and mood through altering the neural signals in the vagus nerve, changing taste receptors, producing toxins to make us feel bad, and releasing chemical rewards to make us feel good,” added fellow researcher, senior author Athena Aktipis, PhD.

Whether or not Cameron Diaz started taking probiotics for all the now-known reasons, she is likely reaping the benefits regardless. Probiotics in her routine can help her make the most out of the foods she is eating as well as improve her mood, improve her skin and promote a healthy weight.

SEE ALSO: Your digestive system is key to your weight loss journey