Probiotics are known as friendly or good bacteria. Definitions of the term probiotic have evolved over the years leading to today's consensus, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations:” Probiotics are live bacteria which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. Probiotics contain live cultures similar to those found in some probiotic yogurt drinks and fermented milks. The word probiotic means "for life." Probiotics are supplements just like vitamins and minerals.
WHY SHOULD WE TAKE PROBIOTICS
Probiotics supplements are just like vitamins and minerals that contribute to a balanced gut flora by enhancing your health and well-being
Best probiotics support and strengthen our body’s immune system
They help in suppressing putrefactive processes in the intestine and maintain normal gastro-intestinal micro flora
Daily probiotic consummation supports peristalsis and good functioning of the intestine
Promote correct digestion and absorption of food nutrients
Help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels
Help overcome skin problems and allergies
Most effective probiotics improve nutrition balance by providing necessary amino acids and natural vitamins
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS
The dietary use of probiotics to support gut health and health in general is becoming well established. Probioticsare found in infant formula, supplements and as components of food and beverages.
Studies confirm that regular consumption of probiotic foods and probiotic pills inadequate amounts may provide overall health benefits for people of all ages.
Daily consumption of probiotics may be beneficial in one or several ways. Some types of probioticspositively change the gut flora to correct an imbalance in the ratio of good -bad bacteria. Other types of probiotics promote good digestion and help with common digestive upsets and stimulate the local immune function.
According to the joint report of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,the following six criteria are required for good bacteria to meet the definition of a probiotic and provide a benefit to the host.
Resistance to gastric acidity ‐ most immediate and greatest hazard for the probiotic bacteria is the extreme acid environment of the human stomach. The ability to survive gastric acidity is the first requirement for the type of probiotic bacteria,if it is to provide a benefit to the host.
Bile acid resistance ‐bile acids are steroid acids, found predominantly in the bile of mammals and other vertebrates. The ability to survive in environment with bile acids, is the second criteria for the bacterial species to be defined as probiotic.
Adherence to mucus and/or human epithelial cells and cell lines – probiotic cells that attach themselves to the surface of the intestines have a continuous benefit to the host for few days – not only during food transit time.
Antimicrobial activity against potentially pathogenic bacteria ‐the potency of a probiotic bacteria to inhibit the pathogenic bacteria is what creates a positive health benefit to the host.
Ability to reduce pathogen adhesion to surfaces ‐ by attaching itself to the intestinal wall, probiotic bacteria eliminates the possibility for pathogenic bacteria to attach themselves to the same surface.
Bile salt hydro-lase activity ‐the ability for probiotic bacteria to alter the bile salts in the Intestines makes them more competitive in the intestines and creates greater benefits to the host.
If you want to learn more read all about probiotics and their characteristics in depth.
