Studies show that probiotics have therapeutic potential for diseases such as allergies, viral infections, eczema and several other immune responses diseases. Studies suggest that they have the ability to regulate the functions of intestinal epithelial cells, systemic immune cells and mucosal immune cells
The evidence from the studies shows that probiotics can contribute a lot to your health and well being. They play an important role in achieving and maintaining good health.
What are Probiotics
Probiotics are strains of live microorganisms mostly found in fermented foods. Regular consumption of probiotics help to improve. restore and balance gut flora ( gastrointestinal microbiota ).These beneficial bacteria are linked with good health and are under clinical studies for its health benefits.
World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as live microorganisms that, "when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."
How Probiotics Favorably Act In the Gastriintestinal Tract
The human gastrointestinal track is a complex ecosystem colonized by different types of microorganisms which include beneficial as well as harmful bacteria. The activity of these microorganisms inside our gastrointestinal track is necessary for an improved health condition.
Beneficial intestinal bacteria helps to prevent infections caused by intestinal pathogens, modulate normal immunological response and produce various nutrients for their host.
The presence of probiotics in the diet is favourable for the intestinal microbiota and they modifies the microbiota in order to achieve, restore and maintain favourable balance in the ecosystem for improved health.
Nobel laureate Ele Metchnikoff postulated that yogurt consuming Bulgarian peasants lived longer lives because of that custom. According to him, the dependence of the intestinal microbes on the food makes it possible to adopt measures to modify the microbiota in our bodies and to replace the harmful microbes by useful microbes.
Probiotics In Food
Most probiotics foods are fermented and the process of fermentation creates probiotics The science of fermentation is known as zymology.
Many foods are fermented naturally as part of the souring process. Other fermented foods are simply processed with brine, vinegar, or another acids such as lemon juice.
Foods Rich in Probiotics.
Below is a helpful list of foods that are naturally loaded with probiotics
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kefir
- Kimpchi
- Tempeh
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Natto
- Pao Cai
- Soy sauce
- Buttermilk
- Vinegar free pickles
Types of Probiotics
There are defferent types of probiotics and each strain of probiotics perform differently in terms of their health benefits. For example, L. acidophilus has been shown to support healthy digestion and immune function, while B. longum blocks unfriendly bacteria and yeast.
Probiotic Supplements
If you’re not a fan of fermented foods, you can still enjoy the health benefits of probiotics by taking a probiotic supplement But before starting supplementation, check with your doctor and make sure supplements are right for you.
Probiotic supplements varies in terms of quality and quantity of the bacteria. The types of strains contained in each supplement are also different.
Source:
Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health by Paulina Markowiak* and Katarzyna Śliżewska*
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