Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts that provide a beneficial health effect or effects on the host. Most probiotics are bacteria, and are not harmful—they contribute positively to normal human growth and development. Friendly bacteria are vital to proper development of the immune system, to protection against microorganisms that could cause disease, and to the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Interactions between a person and the microorganisms in his body, and among the microorganisms themselves, can be crucial to the person’s health and well-being. Probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements in capsule, tablet and powder form. Foods containing probiotics include yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, some juices and soy beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation. Certain probiotics can be a safe, cost-effective approach to fight against microbial infections. Probiotics can also be used to try to counteract side effects from antibiotics like gas, cramping or diarrhea. Antibiotics kill friendly bacteria and unfriendly bacteria in the stomach, which can offset the digestive tract. Probiotics can also be used to ease the symptoms of lactose intolerance–a condition in which someone lacks the enzyme needed to digest significant amounts of sugar in milk, causing gastrointestinal problems.
Probiotics continue to be studied and documented for usage to treat certain health conditions such as:
• Diarrhea
• IBS
• Bacterial infections of the stomach
• Tooth decay/periodontal disease
• Vaginal infections
