The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live micro organisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Probiotics are also referred to as microflora. These microorganisms work primarily by inhabiting the colon, maintaining a healthy digestive environment and crowding out harmful bacteria that may find their way into the intestines.
What kind of Probiotic Bacteria are Naturally in our Gut?
A healthy digestive system basically depends upon more than 400 types of beneficial, symbiotic bacteria that live in our digestive tract. The good bacteria are predominantly two varieties: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are further sub-divided into different strains; the most beneficial being Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus.
Why Do We Need to Supplement Them?
Naturally occurring probiotics are a vital part of our digestive and immune system, keeping them strong and healthy. But, unfortunately the gut flora can be reduced through bad nutrition, chlorinated drinking water, tension, illness and the overuse of antibiotics, which can weaken the digestive system by destroying good bacteria and allowing bad bacteria to flourish. Therefore, regular intake of probiotics, either natural or in supplement form is necessary to maintain a sufficient balance of bacteria in the digestive system to boost the immune system further and live a healthy life.
Signs & Symptoms of Bacterial Imbalances
Here are the most common warning signs of a bacterial imbalance:
- Chronic yeast problems
- Sleeping poorly, night sweats
- Allergies and food sensitivities
- Frequent colds, flu or infections
- Frequent constipation or diarrhea
- Acne, eczema skin and foot fungus
- Painful joint inflammation, stiffness
- Frequent fatigue, poor concentration
- Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms
- Bad breath, gum disease and dental problems
- Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders
- Difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving
Benefits of Probiotics
Nutritionist students will learn that ailments caused by the body’s failure to digest food correctly can be alleviated by using probiotics that help to alleviate these symptoms, since they support the digestion process. In fact probiotics play such an important role for the proper functioning of the body that some research has even associated autism to a probiotics insufficiency. Probiotics are equally important to children and adults; hence there is no age restriction on taking probiotics. And after taking advice from a proper doctor, even pregnant and nursing women can take them.
Probiotics can help to:
- inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that cause digestive disease/stress
- improve digestion of food and absorption of vitamins
- stimulate the body’s natural immune systemmake vitamins needed by the body
Today’s Research shows that probiotics are beneficial for:
- Strengthening the Immune System
- Improving Digestion
- Lowering Cholesterol
- Protecting against Food Poisoning
- Assisting with Allergy Relief
- Preventing Yeast Infections
- Fighting Aging – Longevity
Natural Probiotics
Natural probiotics are found in cultured dairy products such as aged cheeses, Japanese Miso, Tempeh, Kefir and yogurt; consumption of spices, tea, red wine, berries, apples and beans encourage probiotics from these dairy products to multiply even further. Probiotics are stimulated into action by foods such as bananas, garlic, and human breast milk stimulate, and prebiotics. The probiotic bacteria can also be found in a variety of supplements that are as good a source of probiotics.
Probiotic Supplements
Various probiotic supplements are also available in the market in the form of:
- Pills
- Powders
- Drinks
Experts recommend that a single dose of probiotic supplement should deliver at least a minimum of 10,000,000 live bacteria to the digestive system. It is very important to investigate all the products for organic probiotic levels before choosing one for yourself, in order to find the best probiotic for your individual needs.