ProbioticsProbiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal
microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful
bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune
function, and increase resistance to infection.
Individuals with flourishing intestinal colonies
of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to
fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.
Acidophilus 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. Probiotic bacteria also produce
substances called bacteriocins, which act as
natural antibiotics to kill undesirable
microorganisms.
Regular ingestion of probiotic bacteria may help
prevent vaginal yeast infection A review of
theresearch concluded that both topical and oral
use of acidophilus can prevent yeast infection
caused by candida overgrowth.
Diarrhea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of
the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the body
vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
Replenishing the beneficial bacteria with
probiotic supplements can help prevent new
infections. The incidence of traveler's diarrhea,
caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or
undercooked foods, can be reduced by the
preventive use of probiotics.
Probiotics are also important in recolonizing the
intestine during and after antibiotic use.
Probiotic supplements replace the beneficial
bacteria, preventing up to 50% of infections
occurring after antibiotic use. Probiotics also
promote healthy digestion. Enzymes secreted by
probiotic bacteria aid digestion. Acidophilus is a
source of lactase the enzyme needed to digest
milk, which is lacking in lactose-intolerant
individuals. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are
naturally occurring carbohydrates that cannot be
digested or absorbed by humans but support the
growth of beneficial bacteria.
Where are they found?Beneficial bacteria present
in fermented dairy foods, namely live culture
yogurt, have been used as a folk remedy for
hundreds if not thousands of years. Yogurt is the
traditional source of beneficial bacteria;
however, different brands of yogurt can vary
greatly in their bacteria strain and potency. Some
(particularly frozen) yogurts do not contain any
live bacteria. Supplements in powder, liquid
extract, capsule, or tablet form containing
beneficial bacteria are a source of probiotics.
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