What is Probiotics
Probiotics are living bacteria that give the host health advantages when given in sufficient doses. The term “probiotics” is derived from the Greek word “prolife.”
These are indigestible dietary ingredients that selectively stimulate the development and activity of one or more colonic bacteria, hence having a positive effect on the host.
They are good bacteria that maintain the intestinal microbiota in a balanced state. In addition, it helps strengthen immunity and eliminates genotoxins.
Benefits of Probiotics
- It keep the good bacteria in the stomach in balance. Numerous factors, including prolonged sickness, increased antibiotic use, obesity, mental health issues, and poor nutrition, can lead to an increase in bad bacteria. It has the potential to preserve the health of the gut in such a situation if taken in enough dosages.
- It may control the production of tumor in the animal.it also shows antifungal effect have been seen during chemotherapy of leukemia.
- Children who take probiotics are less likely to acquire rotavirus infections. It helps kids who are 4 or 5 months old who have diarrhea.
- Additionally, research indicates that It has lessen the adverse effects of treating the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is responsible for stomach illnesses.
- It also reduces the effect of the necrotizing enterocolitis which is a sever intestinal condition of the premature new born.
- Certain probiotics, especially those that produce lactic acid, have the ability to lower cholesterol by dissolving bile in the digestive system. It has the potential to lessen the severity of eczema and several allergies.
Food sources
- The best source of probiotics is yoghurt, which has lactobacilli and bifibacteria in it. There are visible bacteria in other fermented milk products, such as cottage cheese, sour cream, and cheese, which may have an unintentional probiotic impact.
- Kefir is another probiotic food. It is a fermented probiotic milk drink. To prepare it, kefir grains are put to cow or goat milk. These grains are not cereal grains but rather cultures of lactic acid bacteria.
- Kimchi is a meal made with fermented cabbage and other vegetables in Korean cuisine. Lactobacillus bacteria, which are good for digestive health, are abundant in it.
- Fermented milk is used to make the classic dairy beverage, buttermilk. Compared to cultured buttermilk, traditional milk prepared from leftover meals is more probiotic-rich.
- Fermented green tea is called kombucha. In Asia, this product is well-liked. Tea leaves are fermented with yeast and bacteria, which function as probiotics, to create this green tea.
- Pickles are foods that have undergone fermentation from various fruits and vegetables. It may be made with garlic, green chiles, amla, cucumber, and mango. It has a sour taste from being fermented for almost a month.
Safety and side effects
If probiotics are taken at the recommended dosage, the majority of people do not experience any negative effects. And if they do happen, they’ll be really little. However, some research also points to the negative effects of it , particularly in patients who are very sick.
It’s effects might differ from person to person. Plus, probiotics cannot take the place of meals that are scientifically shown to be healthy.
It’s regular consumption gives number of health benefits by those with chronic conditions, expectant mothers, and nursing women.
Are prebiotics the same as probiotics?
Prebiotics and probiotics are two different things. Non-digestible meals called prebiotics encourage the development of beneficial microorganisms. The bacteria that improve the health of the gut flora are known as probiotics.
Synbiotic
Probiotics and prebiotics together make up a Synbiotic. It contains probiotics, which are good bacteria, and prebiotics, which are carbohydrates that promote the growth of good bacteria. It encourages beneficial bacteria in the gut to proliferate and survive.