Probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms ingested for various health-related reasons. Their structure and functions are very similar to beneficial microorganisms already found in the human stomach and intestines. They are sometimes referred to as good or friendly bacteria strains. The most common probiotics used in popular supplements are: lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, some yeasts, and bacilli. Oftentimes natural probiotics are ingested in partially fermented foods with live cultures added such as certain yogurts and nutritional products.

If we break down the word probiotic into its root meaning, we get “pro,” which is the Latin prefix meaning “for,” and “biotic,” which is a greek adjective meaning “life.” By definition they sound great and could possibly help with various bodily processes and functions. Studies are currently being conducted to try to prove their effectiveness by testing and documenting the results. Proposed benefits of such studies include alleviating of chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, reducing lactose intolerancy, lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, reducing bladder cancer, to prevent and treat pouchitis after the removal of the colon, eczema in children, urogenital infections, atopic diseases, preventing and treating pathogen-induced diarrhea,and many, many more. It is difficult to prove their effectiveness as there are various levels of quality and “stacking” of various strains to possibly produce non-studied results.