What are
Probiotics?
Probiotics are the
“friendly” bacteria that live
within our bodies and assist us to live and lead a
healthy life.
Probiotics were defined as
"live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts
which assists in establishing a beneficial health effect on the host".
Most probiotics are
bacteria and such are usually small, single-celled organisms. Probiotics are the living beneficial bacteria that
support our digestive, vaginal and urinary tracts. Most
debilitating and degenerative diseases start in the
intestinal tract. Having a healthy level of beneficial
bacteria are one the body's primary deterrent against
undesirable, disease-causing bacteria.
In addition to its
protective role, microflora helps to synthesize
important vitamins, nutrients and enzymes, such as
the lactase needed to digest lactose in milk and
dairy products.
It also allows for the removal of heavy metals and
other harmful ingested substances in our food, such
as from the metal lining of drink boxes and canned
foods.
Besides the digestive tract, microflora reside in
other areas where mucous membranes are exposed to
the environment, such as the skin, respiratory tract
and genital-urinary tract.
Billions
of Microbes
Human
beings, like all animals, play host to many types and
very high numbers of microbes on our skin, in our
mouths, in women's vaginal tracts, and all the way
through our gastrointestinal tract. In addition to this
very large number of bacteria, there also is a very
large diversity of bacteria. It has been estimated that
more than 400 different species, or types, of bacteria
make their homes on humans.
Most of
these bacteria are not harmful, and in fact contribute
positively to normal human growth and development.
Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the;
-
intestinal microflora balance,
-
inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria,
-
promote good digestion,
-
boost immune function,
-
and increase resistance to infection.
People
with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial
bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of
disease-causing bacteria. Lactobacilli and
bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal
flora by producing organic compounds such as lactic
acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid that increase
the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the
reproduction of many harmful bacteria.
Who
is likely to be deficient?
People
using antibiotics, (short term and lung term use),
eating a poor diet, diets high in processed foous,
refined sugars, people suffering from diarrhoea are
more likely to have depleted colonies of friendly
bacteria. Also people that are aware of the need for
the best overall health are taking Probiotics.
How
much is usually taken?
The
amount of probiotics necessary to replenish the
intestine varies according to the extent of
microbial depletion and the presence of harmful
bacteria. One to two billion colony forming units (CFUs)
per day of acidophilus is considered to be the
minimum amount for the healthy maintenance of
intestinal microflora. |
