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Probiotics: helpful to guts everywhere!
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Many of us know probiotics are good. Few of us, however, know what the heck they are. While a true definition of probiotics is hard to come by, one that seems to be somewhat agreed upon in the scientific community is “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” (USProbiotics.org). With a vague description like that, it’s no wonder people remain in the dark about probiotics.
Because there isn’t great evidence on what exactly happens with probiotics in the human body, much of the information out there is limited. There are a few things that are certain. Our bodies are filled with microorganisms like bacteria that keep a good balance going, fighting disease, regulating chemicals, and keeping things functioning normally. Probiotics seek to restore and strengthen that balance.
By introducing live microorganisms into the stomach through ingestion, you are replenishing naturally occurring bacteria that has been lost or you are beefing up the bacteria already at work in your system. Many of the probiotic supplements and ingredients in food represent already existing bacteria in our system. They also can bear similarities to the helpful bacteria in the stomachs of breastfed infants.
Bacteria in the body can get thrown off that delicate balance through illness, administration of antibiotics, and by excessive other “bad” bacteria. When the microorganisms in the gut are thrown off balance things like diarrhea, Candida (yeast infections), inflammation, and colitis are more likely to occur. Maintaining the balance of bacteria can ward off some of these afflictions and has also been shown to positively impact the immune system.
Probiotics can be found in dietary supplements on the shelf of nearly any drug store. According to MedicineNet.com, the sale of probiotic supplements in America tripled from 1994 to 2003. However, probiotics can also be found in yogurt with “live cultures”, kefir, some soft cheeses, and even sauerkraut. Many people use probiotics as a daily supplement, while others only begin a probiotic regimen after a round of antibiotics.
Because studies of probiotics and their affects on the body are still being done, there is limited and conflicting information out there about them. There is no doubt that they can positively affect the balance of naturally occurring bacteria in the body. How far reaching the benefits are is not completely clear.
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