Probiotics - Helpful Bacteria That Keep Our Gut Healthy

Introduction:

The definition given by the World Health Organization (WHO) for probiotics is "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."

Most people think that bacterias are always harmful and cause diseases; however, it is not completely true because some bacteria are needed by the body for digesting certain kinds of foods, making vitamins, and killing disease-causing cells.

Probiotics are called good and helpful bacteria. The meaning of probiotics is "for life" (pro-biota). Probiotics have been in our system right from the moment of formation of the fetus in the birth canal. Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts that are good for health, especially the digestive system, to keep our gut healthy.

Where Are Probiotics Found?

Probiotics are found naturally in the body and are also available as food supplements in the form of capsules, liquids, chewable, and skin creams.

It is the third most commonly used dietary supplement after vitamins and minerals.

What Are the Types of Probiotics?

There are many types of probiotics available. The most important and commonly used probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

1. Lactobacillus:

The most common probiotic found in yogurt helps with diarrhea and lactose intolerance.

2. Bifidobacterium:

It is found in some dairy products and helps with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome which is characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation) and other conditions.

Which Food Contains Natural Probiotics?

Probiotics are found naturally in some food products. Examples are listed below:

• Pickles.

• Yogurt.

• Kimchi.

• Sauerkraut.

How Do Probiotics Work?

A problem in the digestive system affects every physiological system in our body. Many toxins we are subjected to in our current environment can affect the function of the digestive system and our ability to utilize nutrients. Our gut has approximately 85 % good bacteria and 15 % bad bacteria. When the ratio gets out of balance, probiotic-rich food and supplements help improve the ratio.

Excessive intake of antibiotics, a high carbohydrate diet, non-organic meat, sugar, tap water, GMO foods (genetically-modified foods), grains, emotional stress, etc., can kill the probiotics in our body. Over a period, the damage to the digestive tract increases the need for probiotics supplements.

What Are the Uses of Probiotics?

The uses of probiotics are discussed below:

• It will help move food through the gut in IBS, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease - inflammation in some parts of the intestine), diarrhea, fight food-borne infections, and Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection.

• It also helps in conditions like eczema.

• Probiotics are helpful in maintaining urogenital health and restoring the balance of microflora of the vagina (yogurt is used as a folk remedy with limited support) and are also helpful in urinary tract infections.

• It can reduce the risk of certain recurrent common infectious diseases.

• It will reduce crying time in colicky babies.

• It is beneficial for brain function, and it improves immunity function.

• Lactobacillus probiotics are very useful in reducing bad cholesterol levels that is LDL and blood pressure.

• It also prevents allergies and colds and maintains good oral health.

What Are the Side Effects of Probiotics?

Probiotics are not all alike. The effect of probiotics varies from person to person. Although some probiotic formulations have shown scientific evidence to support the uses of probiotics, for most conditions, it is lacking. Information on long-term safety is limited. The common side effect of probiotics is diarrhea. The risk of serious side effects may be higher in people who have underlying health conditions. Though considered safe, there is a theoretical risk for people with impaired immune function.

What Is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms found in certain foods and supplements that are meant to maintain or enhance the body's normal microflora, or good bacteria. Prebiotics are diets that feed the human microbiota, often high-fiber meals. The goal of using prebiotics is to enhance the balance of these microbes.

To conclude, probiotics are good microorganisms that can be found in some meals or supplements. Prebiotics provide food for the good bacteria in the digestive system, and these are usually those fibers that are found in vegetables, fruits, and legumes. These types of fiber are digested by the good bacteria of the digestive system.

In addition, there are some products available called synbiotics which are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics.

Is It Good to Take Probiotic Supplements?

Probiotic supplements are nowadays gaining popularity, and everyone wants to take them. These supplements are available in the form of tablets, powders, or liquids. Recently chewable gummies have been introduced into the market. These chew gummies are a good option for those kids who do not like to take tablets, powder, or liquid.

According to a survey, the third most popular dietary supplement among adults, after vitamins and minerals, was probiotics.

However, while taking these supplements, one should be aware of the fact that not all the probiotics supplements available on the market contain the same concentration of bacteria. All the prebiotic supplements do not work the same way. If individuals feel uncomfortable after taking this supplement, they should discontinue it.

On the other hand, the probiotic supplement should be taken on the advice of a healthcare professional only and should not be taken on their own just by getting fascinated with a probiotic advertisement that claims to improve health. This is because not everyone requires a prebiotic supplement, and not every supplement contains the same strain of bacteria.

Conclusion:

To conclude, probiotics are considered to be a good health supplement for improving health conditions; however, more research still needs to be carried out to prove their efficacy. Some studies have shown that these supplements have improved some medical conditions, but it has not been proved that all probiotics supplements are good. Therefore, a healthcare provider should be approached before starting these supplements.