What are probiotics?
The term "Probiotics" is defined as the live microorganisms ( part of normal flora) which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host
Probiotics are commercially available in the form of capsule or sachet, consisting of mixture of some important beneficiary bacteria and yeast of human intestinal flora such as Lactobacillus, etc. Nowadays, there are youhurts made of probiotics available in various flavours.
Uses of Probiotics
1. To treat various forms of Gastro intestinal tract conditions like:
Gastroenteritis due to any cause, Antibiotic - associated diarrhoea, Lactose Intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
2. Reducing serum cholesterol level by breaking down bile in the gut, thus inhibiting its reabsorption.
3. Reducing blood pressure (by producing ACE inhibitor - like peptides during fermentation).
4. Immune function restoration and preventing infections.
5. Modulate inflammatory and hypersensitivity reaponses, hence can be given in allergic disorders and eczema.
The live organisms contained in probiotics must remain live to have their action on the large intestine. They can exert their beneficiary effect only after that.
Hence, nowadays, instead of probiotics, another related preperation called prebiotics is being increasingly used.
Thank you.