Wednesday, February 25, 2009

What Are Probiotics And Why Are They Good For You?

By Ricardo Reeves

Probiotics are a kind of supplements that are given to humans or animals because they contain bacteria and yeast that help the dietary system. These supplements help the good bacteria in our bodies regenerate, and a reduction in these bacteria may cause our stomach to become upset. Probiotics thus strengthen our immunity and help us combat illnesses.

The most familiar type of Probiotic is Lactic Acid Bacteria, and it is usually used in most food we eat for the reason that it converts carbohydrates into lactic acid. In addition this is used to give yoghurt and other fermented diary items their sour taste, and controls the PH level in these foods to lessen the possibility of bad bacteria growing in them.

As previously discussed Probiotics, could help us in fighting many diseases. For this reason they are used in majority of packaged foods. They are beneficial because they allow lactose intolerant people consume more lactose, as Probiotics convert lactose into lactic acid. Some trials have also shown that Probiotics bond with the carcinogenic substances contained in meat, and as a result potentially prevent cancer of the colon. On the other hand, although this has been tested on rodents, human trials have been unconvincing up till now.

Probiotics could also be helpful in lowering cholesterol, because it breaks down bile in the human gut, which prevents it from being reabsorbed and entering the blood in the form of cholesterol. Probiotics have also proven to reduce blood pressure in some experiments. Even though the change in blood pressure is negligible, this is an indication that the supplements may be useful for people suffering from high blood pressure.

Probiotics will also help build up the immune system. They do this by competing with other bacteria for growth and wiping them out in the process. Supplements given to trial patients have shown a decrease in respiratory tract infections as well as dental problems. They have also been used to treat and prevent travel-related diarrhoea in adults as well as children. Patients with diarrhoea caused by the intake of antibiotics have also been successfully treated by Probiotics. They also help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the intestine during times of stress.

Foods and supplements with Probiotics have also been known to control inflammation and hypersensitivity. Clinical tests have proven that these can also be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics may also be helpful in reducing mal-absorption of minerals, mainly in foods that have a high phytate level.

Finally, a Probiotic supplement called Align has been found to cure irritable bowel syndrome in women. This is also now available under other names in the market, and there is one supplement (VSL3) that has been used to effectively treat ulcerative colitis.

Probiotics, same as other supplements, would assist you to stay healthy, so you should ask your doctors advice about them and find out if they might help any of your existing conditions. If you are a frequent traveller, you should ask your doctor about taking some with you to protect you against diarrhoea. - 16004

About the Author: