Probiotics; how does it work benefits and side-effects

Contrary to what you may think not all bacteria are harmful and must be eradicated, modern evidence has shown that actually many bacteria can be essential to improve the functions of the healthy human body. The Probiotics, which can be found throughout the body are believed the improve health.

The World Health Organization's 2001 definition of probiotics is "live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host". The probiotics are available in supplements and food. The human digestive system is home to more than 500 different types of bacteria. They help keep the intestines healthy and assist in digesting food. They are also believed to help the immune system.

Talking about probiotics, we can list the Lactobacillus, a genus common in the human gastrointestinal tract known to produce a lactic acid environment that inhibits growth of some harmful bacteria. there also the Bifidobacterium, helping in the decomposition of the carbohydrate and proteins.

Probiotics to improve the immune system

it s believed that probiotics can improve the immune system. For instance, it is now known that certain bacteria in the gut influence the development of aspects of the immune system, such as correcting deficiencies and increasing the numbers of certain T cells. Nowadays, because the immune system isn’t being properly challenged by pathogenic organisms, introducing friendly bacteria in the form of probiotics is believed to challenge the immune system in healthy ways.”

Benefits of probiotics

According to experts at Yale University, probiotics are most effective for:

• 1- Treating childhood diarrhea
• 2 -Treating ulcerative colitis
• 3 -Treating necrotizing enterocolitis, a type of infection and inflammation of the intestines mostly seen in infants
• 4- Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea
• 5- Preventing pouchitis, an inflammation of the intestines that can follow intestinal surgery
• 6- Treating and preventing eczema associated with cow’s milk allergy
• 7- Helping the immune system

The Yale University panel of experts concluded that probiotics may be helpful in other ways, although the evidence is less convincing. These include:

• 1- Treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
• 2- Treating vaginitis
• 3- Treating diarrhea caused by C. difficile bacteria
• 4- Treating Crohn's disease

Probiotics may also be useful in unexpected ways. A study published in 2010 suggests that probiotics may lower the risk of common childhood illnesses such as ear infections, strep throat, and colds.

Cautions About Probiotics

For the most part, taking probiotics is safe and causes few side effects. “People in cultures around the world have been eating yogurt, cheeses, and other foods containing live cultures for centuries,” says Martin Floch, MD, a professor of gastroenterology at Yale University, co-author of Probiotics: A Clinical Guide, and a consultant for the Dannon Company.

Still, probiotics may be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or serious illnesses. One study found that patients with severe pancreatitis who were given probiotics had a higher risk of death.