| Probiotics | |||||
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Probiotics are mostly bacteria - small, single-celled organisms, which are categorised by genus, species and strain.
To be considered a probiotic, a bacteria (or microbe) must be alive when ingested, must have a quantifible health benefit and must be at a dose which imparts the health benefit.
Probiotics, when ingested, help to re-balance the bacterial population in the stomach and rest of the gastro-intestinal system to enable there to be more "good bacteria".
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- The health effects of probiotics are strain-specific
- Probiotics are "good bacteria"
- Certain foods (such as those with a high ogliosaccharide content) enhance the effects of probiotic bacteria
- Probiotic supplements are widely sold at all health food stores
- Probiotic supplements should be refridgerated to maintain potency
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Research shows that certain strains of probiotic bacteria can assist to:
- Alleviate the diarrhoea caused by certain types of diseases
- Promote and enhance immune system response
- Assist people with lactose intolerance to digest lactose more easily
- Help patients cope with side effects of antibiotic therapy
- Decrease Helicobacter pylori colonisation of the stomach
- Decrease the microbes in the mouth that cause dental caries
There is also emerging evidence that probiotics may help with the following conditions:
- Atopic eczema
- Food allergies
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Bowel cancer
- Bladder cancer
Last reviewed: 30 September 2007 || Last updated: 14 March 2010
Related Articles
references
- McGuire M, Beerman KA, Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, 2007 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
