The Benefits Of Bugs: Probiotics
Probiotics are live micro organisms, mostly bacteria
, that are similar to the micro organisms found in the human gut. They are also called the friendly or the good bacteria. Medical experts believe that consuming these probiotics or healthy bacteria improves your body's overall balance of good versus bad microorganisms.
Friendly bacteria are important to your immune system and to the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. However, each person has their own mix of bacteria. On the other hand, this bacterial balancing act can be thrown off by antibiotics which kill friendly bacteria along with the unfriendly bacteria. In addition, unfriendly bacteria can upset the balance themselves. They can suppress friendly bacteria growth in conditions such as infectious diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Nutritionists warn, however, that not all products that contain probiotics provide the health benefits claimed on the labels.Probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements such as capsules, tablets and powders. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, some juices and soy beverages, fermented and unfermented milk. As more companies seek to attract the health conscious consumer they are putting probiotics in products as strange as pizza and muffins.
The problem is that pasteurization has eliminated much of the flora once found in modern foods. The emergence of all these probiotic foods is an effort to re-introduce bacteria believed to be good for our general health. A range of health benefits are touted for helping the digestive system to boosting the immune system to preventing cavities. Some of the claims are based on reliable studies; many are not.
In addition, the quality of the probiotic supplements varies widely. Again, it is consumer beware.
Scientific understanding of probiotics and their potential for preventing and treating health conditions is just beginning. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) some of the uses of probiotics for which there is positive evidence are:
To treat diarrhea
To prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract
To treat irritable bowel syndrome
To reduce recurrence of bladder cancer
To shorten how long an intestinal infection may last
To prevent and manage eczema in children.
On the other hand, scientists also agree that in studies of probiotics as cures, beneficial effects were usually low. The studies noted that a strong placebo effect often occurs. Obviously, more research is needed to draw firmer conclusions about the benefit of priobiotics.
Side effects from probiotics seldom occur, but when they do they tend to be mild and digestive such as gas or bloating. Some people are known to have more serious side effects which is why you will always be told to consult your physician first. No CAM therapy should be used in play of conventional medical care or delay you in seeking care.
by: Ruthan Brodsky
Conquering the Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs