Probiotic bacteria are microorganisms found in the human digestive tract and some foods. They can help with digestive disorders and increase folic acid content. Studies show they can relieve diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Supplements are available, but effects can vary. Side effects are usually mild, but consult a physician before use.
Probiotic bacteria, often called “friendly bacteria,” are living microorganisms similar to those found in the human digestive tract. They occur naturally in some foods and beverages, such as fermented cheese and some types of yogurt, and can be manufactured separately as a dietary supplement. Probiotic bacteria are also used in complementary and alternative medicine to help with digestive disorders.
Several types of foods contain probiotic bacteria. Some occur naturally and some are added during production. Naturally occurring probiotic bacteria date back to ancient times, when they were found in cultured dairy products and fermented foods. Other foods that may contain the friendly bacteria include miso, soy drinks, yogurt and milk.
Élie Metchnikoff, a Russian immunologist, is credited with discovering the benefits of probiotic bacteria in modern times. He has developed a theory that B. acidophilus, lactic acid bacteria typically found in dairy products, could extend life by preventing fouling in the large intestine. Spurred on by Metchnikoff’s research, other scientists began looking into different types of lactic acid bacteria. One of those scientists, Henneberg, proposed using Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in the human intestinal tract, which became popular worldwide.
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of probiotic bacteria in helping relieve digestive system ailments. The results of these studies indicate that probiotics are helpful in treating diarrhea, particularly if it is caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics work by destroying bacteria and rarely discriminate between good and bad. Getting the good bacteria back into your system can help ease the negative symptoms associated with antibiotic medications.
Fermenting food with probiotics has also been shown to increase the folic acid content of that food. Folic acid, a B-complex vitamin, is an important nutrient, especially during pregnancy. It plays a role in preventing birth defects, including spina bifada, a condition that occurs when the spine doesn’t close around the spinal cord. Folic acid may also play a role in keeping the heart healthy and preventing cancer-causing changes in cells.
Although foods are considered the best source of probiotic bacteria due to the synergistic nature between food ingredients and bacteria, over-the-counter supplements are also available. Dietary supplements, however, may not be standardized and effects can vary from brand to brand. There has been less research done on the long-term effects of these types of food substances than on the effects of probiotics found in foods.
Side effects from probiotic bacteria are usually mild and can include gas or bloating. In rarer cases, patients with underlying medical conditions can develop an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. Overstimulation of the immune system or metabolic changes may also occur. Those considering using probiotics as an alternative medical treatment should consult a physician first.
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