What are probiotics?
Probiotic is a Greek word coined from the two terms 'pro' meaning to promote and 'biotics' meaning life.
Probiotic simply means to promote life.
Probiotics are beneficial microflora which live in the digestive tract/gut of man and promote the health of it's host.
International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics defined probiotics as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confers health benefits on the host.
In addition, according to S.Kolida and G.S Gibson, probiotics are health promoting agent with potential against diverse medical condition. Also, they define probiotics as products which contain live microorganisms in adequate quantity capable of changing the microflora of the host thereby impacting health benefits to the host.
Microflora, what are they?
Microflora are microorganisms that live in the small intestine which maintain healthy environment in the intestine by producing inhibitory substances and ensuring harmful microorganisms do not dominate the gut.
Imbalance in the equilibrium of the microorganisms
You already know that all the microorganisms in the body are not harmful microorganisms. The harmful ones are the major microorganisms responsible for ill health.
For one to be in healthy state, there must be a balance between the beneficial microorganisms and harmful microorganisms. That is, they must be in similar quantity none greater than the other. However, whenever the balance is off set health issues surface.
This is when someone start feeling weak, feverish or experiencing one symptom and the other.
Causes imbalance in the equilibrium of these microorganisms
- Consuming dirty foods
- Drinking contaminated water
- Inhaling toxic gases
- Eating food high in microbial load.
- Over consumption of artificial foods
When one continually opt for artificial foods instead of natural foods. The body will be filled with free radicals and the beneficial microorganisms are endangered and some destroyed.
The results of the imbalance of these microorganisms
As soon as the number of harmful microorganisms exceed the number of beneficial microorganisms, signs of sickness results. Medical practitioners usually administer treatment to patients in form of antibiotics.
The side effects of antibiotics
Antibiotics most of the times actualize the aim of using it, but it does not only destroy harmful microorganism, beneficial ones are destroyed as well. As a result the body is more prone to harmful microbial attacks. And the immune system is drastically reduced.
Has your doctor ever prescribed blood tonics for you?
The medical practitioners always advise patients to take the blood tonic after the patients are through with the main drugs.
The blood tonic is taken to replenish some of the things the antibiotics destroyed in the body.
Why is probiotics consumption necessary?
To replace the microorganisms that were destroyed by the use of antibiotics
To boost the immune system of the host
It fights against urinary track infection.
References
Kolida G. R. Gibson (2006). Gastrointestinal Microflora: Probiotics, Advances in Applied Microbiology. Volume 59, pp:187-219.
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