Probiotics – for maintaining the balance of the gut flora
History : It all began when Dr. Elie Metchnikoff, a Russian Nobel laureate hypothesized that the apparent longevity of Bulgarian peasants was because they consumed large quantities of fermented milk products like curd and buttermilk. He believed that the lactic acid bacteria in these products replaced the harmful organisms found in the intestines and thus reduced the production of toxins that lead to disease and infection.
He published the book “Prolongation of life” where he postulated the theory of longevity without aging.
Although later it was realized that the bacteria found in curd have many other health benefits but they do not reach the intestines live in large numbers to impart a significant health benefit. He however set ball rolling for the use of bacteria for improvement of health but none of the strains were ever exploited for their commercial use until Dr. Minoru Shirota discovered Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota in 1930.
Definition : The term Probiotics literally means “ for life” and was used for the first time by Lily and Stilwell in 1965.
FAO/WHO (2002) working group has defined Probiotics as “live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”
Different probiotic strains (Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species, Streptococcus thermophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii are being used in a variety of dairy products around the world.
Probiotics - Need :
The health of the human digestive tract is a much more important determinant of vitality than most people realize. Though it runs deep through the center of the body, the digestive tract is actually exposed to the outer environment through the intake of food.
Not only that, but through its connection with the liver, whatever is happening in the gut influences the health of the blood and lymph. In addition, the lymphatic system interfaces with the gut; throughout the small intestine are lymphoid tissues called 'peyer's patches,' which connect with the lymphatic system. If the microorganisms in the small intestine are out of balance, they can affect the health of the whole body.
Probiotics - Benefits : Several studies have shown that probiotics help to restore the imbalance of the intestinal microflora and their regular consumption can strengthen the body's natural defenses. Research also suggests that probiotic bacteria may mediate a variety of health effects such as alleviation of lactose intolerance, enhancing bowel function, prevention of several types of cancer, cholesterol lowering, lowering of blood pressure, improving immune function and reducing infections, reducing inflammation, improving mineral absorption, preventing growth of harmful bacteria, fighting off diseases like Candida and eczema, and many more.
Mechanism of action
- Reach the intestines alive and transiently colonize the gut
- Improve the intestinal barrier function
- Stimulate systemic and mucosal host immunity
- Suppress growth of pathogenic bacteria and inhibit the production of harmful substances
