Probiotics are live friendly bacteria that are found in the digestive tract. Nowadays these so-called good bacteria are offered in the form of dietary supplements and foods and they have actually been a frenzied trend in the recent years. It could take the form of capsules, tablets and powder. They are also known to be present among yogurt, some milk, some juices and beverages.
Probiotics are the latest addition to the beneficial food list because the bacteria that are added to foods have been proven to cure several digestive problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance and diarrhea. It also prevents and able to treat infection of the urinary tract or those that are commonly affects women genital tract. Regular consumption of foods with probiotics are also known to reduce the recurrence of bladder cancer. Not only adults are known to benefit from probiotics, children are said to be prevented from acquiring and also aid in managing atopic dermatitis or eczema.
Actually There have been different views on how to define probiotics. There is actually one that has been endorsed by the biggest name in global health organizations. They have referred to probiotics as live microorganism or those that could only be seen through microscopic lenses that when consumed in prescribed amount could result in health upon its host.
Another type of bacteria is the prebiotics. This is should not be confused with probiotics because they are entirely differeny. The former refers to some indigestible food ingredients that enhances the development of other microorganisms that are already present in the digestive tract.
There is still no precise explanation on how probiotics work for the benefit of digestion. But they have definitely suggested that these good bacteria eliminates and replace bad bacteria in the digestive system. And there have been no reported history that these friendly bacteria have caused any illnesses to people. Although further studies should be done in this light.
However there is a slight downside from using probiotics and it refers to mild cases of gas and bloating.
Consumers should be aware that not all probiotics are the same. And since the health related agencies have a lax ruling to dietary supplements one must take great scrutiny on the product’s label. Choose only those that state live and active good bacteria which would mean that it has a greater number of bacteria present than others.
Another benefit is that those people who have always been troubled with their lactose intolerant condition, yogurt’s composition of good bacteria would aid in better digestion of milk.
Although probiotics are still subject for more clinical tests and research, most consumers have attested to its effectiveness and safety. But don’t be surprised if the result would vary because we also have to consider individual differences. Through increasing your probiotics consumption, you would also have great tendency to enhance the development of good bacteria in your system, immunity from sickness and a well perfoming digestive system.
Charles Volcolatte is a health and weight loss researcher for http://www.skinnyasap.com/weightlossprograms/. He writes and researches actively on Weight Loss Programs and shares his knowledge at http://www.skinnyasap.com/weightlossprograms/ where he works as a staff writer.