The Tiny Heroes of Our Health: Probiotics
Nowadays, the interest in probiotics by consumers and researchers is constantly increasing. A growing number of studies support the health benefits of probiotics. What are these beneficial microorganisms? Let’s begin with the terminology of probiotics. The probiotic term was first used in the 1960s and means the Greek word “for life” [1].
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”. The recommended dose of probiotics is 106-1010 CFU/g or 106-1010 CFU/mL. This appropriate probiotic dose provides countless health benefits. The main benefit of probiotics is managing the digestive system by protecting the balance of the gastrointestinal tract.
TThe Tiny Heroes of Our Health: Probiotics
Our gut flora is normally balanced with beneficial microorganisms and bad ones. However, the balance can be disrupted by antibiotics, irradiation, immunosuppressive drugs, and surgery. At these times, probiotics can restore the microbiome structure.
Moreover, their substantial health benefits make them a necessity for daily consumption. For instance,
- the improvement of digestion,
- supporting the immune system,
- prevention of infection in the digestive,
- prevention of infection in the urogenital tract,
- prevention of irritable bowel syndrome,
- prevention of allergies,
- prevention of oral diseases,
- prevention of lactose intolerance,
- prevention of cystic fibrosis,
- reducing the risk of some cancer types [1,2].
Dr. Emeran Mayer
University of California, Los Angeles
Author of The Mind-Gut Connection
Probiotics are found in our body, fermented foods, and also Probiyotek®. The bacteria strains in Probiyotek® regulate the mood by controlling anxiety and stress in addition to general health benefits.
The most known main probiotic species are Lactobacillus including reuteri, brevis, plantarum, rhamnosus, casei species, and Bifidobacterium including infantis, bifidum, longum, breeve species. Each species has different specific properties that impact to consumer’s health positively.
References
[1] Williams, N. T. (2010). Probiotics. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 67(6), 449-458.
https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp090168
[2] Bodke, H., & Jogdand, S. (2022). Role of Probiotics in Human Health. Cureus, 14(11). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31313
