Probiotic Benefits - What Does it Entail?

Live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer good health – is what WHO describes probiotics.

Although people tend to think of bacteria as something harmful, there are many types of bacteria that are good for our health. Our gut contains trillions of bacteria that are important for helping us stay healthy. In fact, there are 10 times more bacteria in the gut than there are cells in our body and if you have gathered together all of your gut bacteria they would weigh approximately 1 kg or 2.2 lb.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics, being ‘good’ bacteria, can be used to supplement those already resident in the gut. The principal behind this is that by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the colon the harmful ones are kept at bay, providing many benefits for the well-being of the body. These are introduced into the digestive system by being combined with certain foods such as yoghurt.  Examples of foods having probiotics are fermented and unfermented milk, yoghurt, tempeh, miso, soy beverages and some juices etc. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation. However, the storage, distribution and shelf conditions required to maintain the viability of the live probiotic cultures can be difficult. Moreover, the acidity of the stomach and the secretions of the small intestine may prevent the live bacteria from reaching the large intestine (colon) and thus reducing their beneficial effect.  If, however, enough live bacteria reach the gut, they increase the levels of beneficial bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This in turn leads to a healthier gut balance with a positive effect on the body’s natural defences.

How can probiotics help?

Most medicines that we use today treat existing ailments – they serve a reactive role when we are in poor health. Preventative initiatives, such as taking this friendly bacteria to boost gut health and the immune system, tend to play more of a minor role because the benefits are not always immediately noticeable.  However, the latest research shows that pro and indeed prebiotics may have widespread health benefits including the treatment and prevention of acute diarrhoea and antibiotic-induced diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile colitis, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections in children, dental caries, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, allergic disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have also shown that this friendly bacteria can also help protect people from getting diarrhoea when they take antibiotics.