With the high amount of consumption of antibiotics, inadequate fibrous content in the diet, formula feeding for infants, ingesting the harmful environmental toxins, the 'friendly bacteria and yeast' that grow in the intestines deplete rapidly. This may lead to developing infectious traveller's diarrhoea and also vaginal yeast infections.

There are numerous benefits of Probiotics. Some of them are listed below.

Benefits of Probiotics

• Help in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and the vagina

• Help in regulating the blood cholesterol levels

• Maintain normal blood pressure

• Suppress the growth of harmful bacteria

• Help in the production of vitamin K

• Enhance the strength of the protective barrier of the digestive tract

• Boost the strength of immune system

• Ease the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

• Decrease inflammatory bowels in adults

• Reduce the severe reactions of food allergies

• Decrease the possibility of colon cancer

• Promote lactose tolerance

• Prevent diarrhea

• Prevents the incidence of infections in the respiratory tract

• Prevent dental caries in children

• Reduce the risk of developing milk allergies and atopic eczema among children

• Reduce the severity of the symptoms following rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

• Correct malabsorption of trace minerals that are mainly found in high phyrate content diet like legumes, whole grains and nuts

Probiotics are found in certain foods and also in dietary supplements. Some refrigerated dairy products like Probiotic-rich yogurt, raw or fermented sauerkraut and kefir are rich in this supplement. They are also available as dietary supplements in tablet, capsule, powder and liquid forms. Acidophilus drinks are also good sources of Probiotics. However, the number of these directly fed live microbial organisms present in these products varies with production and processing methods. When they are ingested into the human body, they colonize the intestines and other parts of the body and remain active until they are destroyed by various factors. There are no recommended intake levels of Probiotics on a daily basis.

Patients having Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Pouchitis, Canker Sores, Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth and Allergic Rhinitis are advised to take Probiotics supplements. In addition, people suffering side effects of Radiation Therapy, constipation and severe cold should consume Probiotic rich diets and supplements in order to overcome these disorders.

To improve the balance of Probiotics in the intestinal tract, non-digestible carbohydrates called "Prebiotics" are very useful. They are the nutrients which the friendly bacteria feed on and hence these are important for their healthy growth. Prebiotics consist of fructo-oligosaccharides and are found in banana, onions, garlic, chicory, wheat, asparagus, pulses, some cereals and fruits. They are also available as dietary supplements and consumed along with the Probiotics supplements. They help in improving the digestion capabilities and increase the intestinal microflora levels.

Probiotics supplements may include mild side effects like bloating, gastric disorders and temporary digestion complaints. Immunosuppressed patients should consult a physician before consuming Probiotics. Sometimes, Probiotics itself may cause serious infections in the body. Generally, it is beneficial to consume these supplements after the consumption of antibiotics. Probiotics are recommended by some health practitioners during and/or after antibiotic use.

Jason Ladock

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