Probiotics are the “friendly” bacteria that live within our bodies and assist us to live and lead a healthy life.
Probiotics were defined as “live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts which assists in establishing a beneficial health effect on the host”. Most probiotics are bacteria and such are usually small, single-celled organisms.
Probiotics are the living beneficial bacteria that support our digestive, vaginal and urinary tracts. Most debilitating and degenerative diseases start in the intestinal tract.
Having a healthy level of beneficial bacteria are one the body’s primary deterrent against undesirable, disease-causing bacteria.
In addition to its protective role, microflora helps to synthesize important vitamins, nutrients and enzymes, such as the lactase needed to digest lactose in milk and dairy products.
It also allows for the removal of heavy metals and other harmful ingested substances in our food, such as from the metal lining of drink boxes and canned foods.
Besides the digestive tract, microflora reside in other areas where mucous membranes are exposed to the environment, such as the skin, respiratory tract and genital-urinary tract.
Billions Of Microbes
Human beings, like all animals, play host to many types and very high numbers of microbes on our skin, in our mouths, in women’s vaginal tracts, and all the way through our gastrointestinal tract.
In addition to this very large number of bacteria, there also is a very large diversity of bacteria. It has been estimated that more than 400 different species, or types, of bacteria make their homes on humans.
Most of these bacteria are not harmful, and in fact contribute positively to normal human growth and development.
Probiotic Bacteria Favorably Alter The;
•intestinal microflora balance,
•inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria,
•promote good digestion,
•boost immune function,
•and increase resistance to infection.
People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.
Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria.
Who Is Likely To Be Deficient?
People using antibiotics, (short term and lung term use), eating a poor diet, diets high in processed foous, refined sugars, people suffering from diarrhoea are more likely to have depleted colonies of friendly bacteria.
Also people that are aware of the need for the best overall health are taking Probiotics.
How Much Is Usually Taken?
The amount of probiotics necessary to replenish the intestine varies according to the extent of microbial depletion and the presence of harmful bacteria.
One to two billion colony forming units (CFUs) per day of acidophilus is considered to be the minimum amount for the healthy maintenance of intestinal microflora.
