Probiotics - Definition and Overview

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria. The manufacturers of these supplements, which are typically presented as yogurt or milk, recomend that they are used to improve general well being as well as digestion.

Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to change the balance of bacterial species in the digestive tract in favour of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus in yogurt. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system.¹

The rationale of probiotics is that our body contains a miniature ecology of microbes. This can be damaged and thrown out of balance by a wide range of circumstances including the use of antibiotics, use of other drugs, excess alcohol, stress, disease exposure to toxins or even the use antibacterial soap . When this happens, the bacteria that work well with our bodies (see symbiosis) decrease in number which allows harmful competitors to thrive to the detriment of our health.

The introduction of probiotics theoretically provides a larger number of symbiotic bacteria to reinstate the natural flora and re-establish the body's heathy ecology.

The maintenance of a healthy gut flora not only aids digestion and boosts the immune system but also prevents constipation, reduces insomnia and is believed to have beneficial impacts on stress related illnesses. The improvement in normal gut function may also help to reduce the risks of colo-rectal cancer.

Although use of probiotic formulatons may well help in achieving these benefits, it is also possible to increase and maintain a healthy bacterial gut fora by increasing the amounts of prebiotics in the diet such as Inulin, raw oats, unrefined wheat etc. This is likely to be a more effective mechanism since without appropriate food sources in the gut, probiotic organisms will die Some common probiotics include:

• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus GG

Some products containing probiotic bacteria include:

• Kefir
• Raw milk

References

1. Benefits of exposure to bacteria and danger of antibacterial cleaners (http://www.cbc.ca/story/news/national/2000/07/17/Consumers/soap000717.html)