What Is Pro Biotics?

Probiotic yogurt

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that reside in the human gastrointestinal tract. They include bifido-bacterium bifidum, lactic acid bacteri and other types of bacilli. Probiotics help cure intestinal diseases, prevent pathogen-related diarrhea, atopic diseases and various urogenital infections. They are added to live cultures (yogurt) or consumed as dietary supplements.

Benefits

Proboitics produce special proteins that behave as antigens and protect the body against foreign invaders. These antigens form part of the body's reserve immune system, which comes into action when a harmful microorganism (bacteria, virus or yeast) or contaminant has to be neutralized. Probiotics attach to the intestinal walls and produce an acidic environment, which is not conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria. They form symbiotic relationships with organ cells and tissues, to help eliminate toxins from the body and metabolize proteins. Probiotics produce enzymes that increase the bodies ability to synthesize calcium, essential fatty acids, Vitamin K and Vitamin B. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus GG decrease the rate of diarrhea and rotavirus, improve constipation and regulate bowel movement. Acidophilus (a type of probiotics) enhance the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon and prevent the bile from converting to cancer-causing carcinogens.

Probiotic Side Effects

Most probiotics are considered harmless and not associated with serious side effects, but certain strains are potentially harmful when administered to critically-ill patients. They may potentially, but rarely, over stimulate the immune system or cause excessive metabolic activities. Other probiotics may increase the sensitivity of children to allergens. Side effects are generally mild (bloating or gas) and require no medical attention.

Types of Probiotics

The four major families of probiotics include Lactobacillus species (L reuteri, L bulgaricus, L johnsonii, L paracasei, L lactis and L fermentum), Bifidobacterium species (B infantis, B adolescentis, B breve, B longum and B lactis), Saccharomyces species (S boulardii), the Streptococcus species (S salivarius subsp and S thermophilus) and other bacterium (Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Escherichia coli, Entercoccus).

Foods Containing Probiotics

Food items that contain probiotics (either naturally or artificially added) include yogurt, frozen yogurt, kefir (fermented beverage containing probiotics, made from coconut, rice, soy or milk) and cultured dairy products (acidophilus milk -- milk fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus) and sweet acidophilus milk. Other products include certain juices, fermented salted gherkins, brined olives and cabbage, and organic sauerkrauts. Probiotic supplements include freeze-dried powders (which are added to unchilled water), capsules and liquids.

Factors that Harm Probiotics in the Body

Factors and stresses that directly or indirectly affect friendly probiotics include antibiotics, birth control pills, horomonal drugs, fluoride, chlorine, coffee/tea, carbonated drinks, radiation, preservatives, additives, pesticides and fertilizers.

References

• Medscape Today: The Mechanism of Action of Probiotics.: Effects of Probiotics on Various Types of Lymphoid Cells
• MedicineNet: Probiotics
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Probiotics. Some Evidence of Their Effectiveness.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Probiotics and Prebiotics: Where Are We Going?