Probiotics are considered as marvelous wonders which are being discussed and used mostly nowadays. Most of us are aware of the health benefits they claim to provide, such as relief from bowel problems like, diarrhea, to recover the normal flora after antibiotic administration, constipation, etc. This idea was put forth first by Eli Metchnikoff who received the Nobel Prize for the same.
They are actually microorganisms, that provide a healthy state of being of the individual who consumes it in the correct amount.The human body is living in an environment which is going through constant stress and strain in various forms, which indirectly disrupts the balance of the body. These probiotic bacteria, which are living bacteria, when administered help to balance the body activities thereby maintaining a well being state.
When the body is in a healthy state, the nutrients required for the body will be filtered and taken in by the digestive tract and the toxins and pathogens are kicked out. But once the body becomes unhealthy, there starts the chances for the onset of various diseases like tiredness, urinary infections, muscular cramps, etc. The probiotic bacteria are naturally administered to a human body during the time of a normal birth from the body of the mother. This will help the child to fight allergies and to have an improved immune mechanism. The probiotic bacteria help to keep a healthy intestine which aids in proper digestion.
Commonly administered probiotics uses bacteria and yeasts in them. The type of probiotics is selected based on the work they perform inside the gut and also on the health benefits obtained from them.Lactobacillus (acne, cancer, UTI), Bifidobacterium (prevents dental cavities, improves glucose tolerance during pregnancy), Streptococcus thermophilus (prevent lactose intolerance), Enterococcus faecium, Leuconostoc (used in food processing), Saccharomyces boulardii (reduce the side effects for the treatment for Helicobacter pylori) are some commonly administered ones.
Common diseases like ear infections, common cold, and serious issues such as vaginitis, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation of intestine as a result of surgery, colitis, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, etc. are all effectively managed by the probiotic administration. Some of them even prove to trim down the level of serum cholesterol, blood pressure. Vitamins such as K, B12 and folic acids are manufactured by some probiotics.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus helps to maintain the pH of the vagina and help to prevent vaginitis induced by bacteria. Considerable reduction in dermatitis has been reported in certain patients who administered probiotics.Even though the positives are more, their administration should be properly monitored as they can cause harmful effects on people with lowered immune system, asthmatic patients, and also for cases with pancreatitis.
Some probiotics has been reported to develop tenderness towards allergens. When administered to severely ill personnels, it can prove to be harmful. Lactobacillus septicemia was reported in patients who had reduced immunity. If yoghurt is consumed uncontrollably, that may lead to other health risks such as obesity. Orally administered probiotics may not show good effect at times because they might be degraded by the acidic stomach conditions.
