Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms, generally bacteria, similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. Probiotics are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria." Probiotics are found mainly in the form of our dietary supplements and foods. They can be used as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) but these probiotics have to be taken only following prescription from physicians.

Probiotic, which means, "for life," have been used for centuries as natural components in health-promoting foods. Probiotics are generally found in the form of pills or tablets. Probiotics, according to the definition adopted by FAO/WHO are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host". Probiotics are dietary supplements of live bacteria or yeasts that are healthy for the host organism.

Acidophilus is one of the best known probiotic pills, but there are others, sold under a range of brand names such as Culturelle and VSL3. These pills are easily available in all drug store or generic pharmacy. Normally probiotic pills have no side effects provided they are taken after proper prescription or taken in adequate proportion. The term 'Probiotics' was coined in 1953 by Kollath. Unlike antibiotics, Probiotics were defined as microbially derived factors that stimulate the growth of other microorganisms.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of microbes used as Probiotics. LAB have been used in the food industry for years, since they can convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This provides the characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, and also lowers the pH and creates fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow. Strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are the mostly used Probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics makes the immune system stronger to combat allergies, excessive alcohol intake, stress, exposure to toxic substances, and other diseases. First observation of the positive role played by Probiotics was first introduced by Russian scientist and Nobel laureate Eli Metchnikoff. Eli Metchnikoff in the beginning of the 20th century suggested that it would be possible to modify the gut flora and to replace harmful microbes by useful microbes.

Proteolytic bacteria like clostridia produce toxic substances including phenols, indols and ammonia from the digestion of proteins. Metchnikoff says these compounds were responsible for what he called "intestinal auto-intoxication", which caused the physical changes associated with old age. Probiotics are helpful for conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, infectious diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and atopic dermatitis in at-risk infants,

Since 1990s, clinical studies have proved that probiotic therapy can help treat several gastrointestinal diseases, delay the development of allergies in children, and treat and check vaginal and urinary infections in women. Probiotic therapy is extremely helpful in the treatment of diarrhea.