There has been a growing hype about the use of probiotic supplements around the globe because of their effectiveness in promoting the fitness and wellness of the users. Basically, probiotics are live microorganisms that resemble the qualities of live and beneficial microorganisms which thrive in the human gut. Probiotics are considered as friendly and good bacteria. According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are live microorganisms which can either be a virus, bacteria or fungi, that provide a number of health benefits to the host when taken in adequate amount only. Scientists believe that probiotics are helpful in keeping healthy people healthy. So what are the benefits of probiotics?
Many health professional strongly recommend probiotic therapy in treating a number of illness such as vaginal infection, urinary infection in women and in delaying allergies among children. Probiotic therapy is also beneficial in lessening the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
When there is an imbalance between the amount of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract, probiotic play a major role in alleviating the discomforts which the imbalance can bring about. Inappropriate intake of antibiotics can kill good and bad bacteria in the gut which can lead to a number of side effects such as diarrhea, cramping and gas. Many people take probiotics to offset these adverse effects. Probiotics can also help in improving the symptoms of lactose intolerance which is characterized by the absence of enzyme that digests milk.
Probiotics suppress the growth of fungi, yeasts, disease-causing bacteria and parasites that trigger the onset of infectious diarrhea, skin infection, stomach infection, irritable bowel syndrome, tooth decay, periodontal disease, infection caused by Helicobacter pylori, vaginal infection, and respiratory infections. Probiotics are even known to be effective in eliminating parasites and viruses that can trigger illness.
Results of scientific researches show that probiotics enhance the immune system of an individual. Probiotics produce a mildly acidic environment which is unfavorable for disease-causing bacteria to thrive into. They also stimulate the production of antibodies such as B-lymphocyte that helps the body fight against different kinds of infection. Furthermore, probiotics stimulate the body’s natural capacity to produce alpha-interferon that regulates the body’s immune response.
These beneficial microorganisms also play a major role in helping the patients cope with the adverse side effects of antibiotics and in reducing the risk of developing cancer. Probiotics are considered to be effective in easing the symptoms of certain medical conditions such as hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol level, weak immune system, oral health, necrotizing enterocolitis and kidney stones.
Other benefits of probiotics include treatment of urinary tract infection, diarrhea caused by rotavirus, and pouchitis that may require surgery in order to remove the colon. These microorganisms are also beneficial in reducing the recurrence of bladder cancer, in treating an intestinal infection triggered by Clostridium difficile and in preventing the recurrence of atopic dermatitis or eczema among children.
Probiotics also break down hydrocarbons into quantities which can be absorbed by the human digestive tract. This can improve cellular growth and development and at the same time provide additional nutrition for the human body. These microorganisms are also responsible in cleaning the digestive tract and in getting rid of any unwanted substance and accumulated decay out of the body.
Furthermore, probiotics significantly increase the availability of essential vitamins and minerals in the body such as Vitamin K, fatty acids, lactase, Vitamin B and calcium. Probiotics are even capable of strengthening the immune system which reduces the risk of an individual to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies and systemic candida.
