The Good Bacteria: What Are Probiotics?

What is probiotics? We often hear or see this word in health commercials and products; it is deemed beneficial to human health. Probiotics derived its name from two Latin words: Pro meaning for and biotic meaning life (for life). From this etymology, we are at least given an idea on what are probiotics and how they work. Probiotics are composed of live bacteria believed to be beneficial to humans or other host organisms. Products which are called probiotics contain the right amount of these microorganisms, which in one way or another wield a certain benefit to the human health. Microorganisms that have health benefits include bifido bacteria and lactic acid bacteria. These two are commonly incorporated in yogurt products and other health supplements.

How Does Probiotics Work?

In the human world "bacteria" is one term that doesn't have a very good reputation. Bacterium is the main culprit for many infectious diseases that causes illness and even death among humans. Because of this, humans wage every possible measure in order to eradicate these microorganisms. We use antiseptics, alcohols, sanitizers; we purify our water sources and cook our food so we will not be infected by bacteria. Though bacteria have that very potent ability to cause illness and death, it also has the potential to be beneficial to human health. How? This depends upon the number and the type of bacteria. What most people do not understand is not all types of bacteria are harmful; furthermore their potential to cause illness is also dependent upon their number. Probiotics contain the types of bacteria that are not harmful, and they are present in controlled amounts. Lactobacilli, a very common microbe used in probiotics, have been found beneficial to improving digestion among humans. These microbes convert lactose into lactic acid. The presence of lactic acid inhibits the growth of other harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus is actually found in the gut and vagina. These areas in the body need an acidic environment in order to function well.

Potential Health Benefits of Probiotics

1. Gastro intestinal health

Lactobacillus is a microbe naturally found in the gut. It produces lactic acid in order to maintain an acidic environment and to prevent harmful bacteria from proliferating; this then improves a person's digestion and resistance to gastrointestinal infections. Probiotics with lactobacillus and bifidobacteria have also been found to manage diarrhea. Diarrhea is caused by harmful microorganisms that invade the gut. With the presence of these probiotics, the harmful agents cannot proliferate and cause damage.

2. Lactose intolerance

The use of probiotics can also help people with lactose intolerance. This condition happens because the person lacks the necessary enzyme to convert lactose into lactic acid. Probiotics such as lactobacillus aids in this problem because they are the ones that do the conversion. This helps people become more tolerant to lactose than they previously were.

3. Prevention of colon cancer

Certain studies reveal that the use of probiotics may help prevent the formation of colon cancer. Certain strains of lactobacilli have been found to exert an anti-mutagenic effect. Anti-mutagens prevent a cell from mutating and turning into a cancer cell. Preventing the cell from mutating prevents the formation of cancer. We may think bacteria only cause illness and harm, but we have to remember that we cannot also survive without them. The question: what is probiotics reminds us of this fact.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com