Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate quantity. Probiotics can coexist with yeast, viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. They possess unique characteristics, including the ability to survive stomach acid and reach the intestines, providing health benefits while being safe for consumption. Probiotics help maintain a healthy microbial balance by eliminating excess harmful bacteria.
The Most Common Types of Probiotics
The most common probiotic bacteria in the body are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii, the most common yeast in probiotics. These beneficial microorganisms are typically present in the gut, mouth, skin, lungs, vagina, and urinary tracts.
Probiotics offer several benefits, including:
- Balancing the body's microbial environment by combatting harmful bacteria.
- Supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.
- Improving digestion.
- Contributing to vitamin production.
- Preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
- Strengthening epithelial cells, forming a barrier against harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- Enhancing metabolism and the absorption of nutrients and medications.
Research indicates that probiotics are helpful in various medical conditions, including constipation, antibiotic-induced diarrhea due to overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, sepsis in infants, ear infections, common colds, and sinusitis. However, the effectiveness of probiotics may vary among individuals.
Probiotics rich foods
In most cases, consuming probiotic supplements is unnecessary. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in high-fiber foods is sufficient to support a healthy bacterial balance. Foods like yogurt, buttermilk, sourdough bread, cottage cheese, kombucha, kefir, tempeh, fermented pickles, kimchi, and miso soup can increase probiotic intake. A well-rounded diet is essential to avoid the risk of malnutrition resulting from excessive consumption of a single food type.
For some patients, the doctors may recommend probiotic supplements available in various forms like drinks, pills, or powders. Some supplements also contain prebiotics, which serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, creating a symbiotic combination. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the vitality of probiotic strains, as they can be sensitive to light, heat, oxygen, and humidity. Expired probiotic supplements should be discarded.
Adverse Effects of Probiotics
Before introducing any dietary supplement, especially to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or children, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. Probiotic supplements can pose risks for immunocompromised individuals, those who recently underwent surgery, or those with health conditions, potentially leading to infections, antibiotic resistance, or the production of harmful substances by probiotic microorganisms.
FAQ
- Is it safe to give probiotics to children?
Probiotics can help alleviate various health issues in children, including acid reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and eczema. Introducing probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or cottage cheese to children is safe and can aid in managing symptoms of illnesses that require antibiotic treatment. - Should I take probiotics with antibiotics?
Antibiotic medications are usually prescribed for bacterial infections, but they kill both good and bacteria in the body. Probiotics can help relieve the symptoms of illness that require antibiotic medication.
