What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, and in most cases bacteria, similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. Also called friendly bacteria or good bacteria, the good bacteria exist in contrast to bad bacteria in the body that can harm health.
What causes imbalances between good and bad bacteria?
The balance between good and bad bacteria can be compromised for many reasons.
- Long-term use of antibiotics and other medications, including oral contraceptives and hormone therapy
- Weakened immune system
- High sugar and starch diet
- Lack of anti-fungal foods such as garlic, coconut, cinnamon, turmeric, and foods with probiotics
- Unfriendly microorganisms such as disease-causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites
- Elevated heavy metals
What are some types of probiotics?
Probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements such as capsules, tablets, and powders. Foods containing probiotics include yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, as well as some juices and soy beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation. Effects found from one species or strain of probiotics do not necessarily hold true for others, or even for different preparations of the same species or strain.
The bacteria often come from two groups: Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, different species are present such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus. Within each species, different strains or varieties exist. A few common probiotics, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, are yeasts, which are different from bacteria.
What are the potential benefits of probiotics?
Probiotic are used to prevent and treat certain illnesses while supporting general wellness.
- Supports the immune system
- Protects against unhealthy intestinal bacteria associated with cancer
- Aids digestion and absorption of food and nutrients
- Releases enzymes to help alleviate symptoms of intestinal malabsorption
- Supports detoxification
- Helps elicit anti-tumor effects1
What is the history of probiotics?
Some probiotic foods date back to ancient times, such as fermented foods and cultured milk products.
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Reference
- Kumar M, Kumar A, Nagpal R, Mohania D, Behare P, Verma V, Kumar P, Poddar D, Aggarwal PK, Henry CJ, Jain S, Yadav H. Cancer-preventing attributes of probiotics: an update. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Feb 26. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 20187714.
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