ProbioticsProbiotics

What are Probiotics• Live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial

microorganisms found in the human gut.

Probiotics are available mainly in the form of :

1. dietary supplements and foods.

2. alternative medicine .

• powder.• liquid.• gel.• paste.• granules.• Capsules.

Alternative medications can be in the form of:

How do probiotics work?

• Probiotics work by crowding out the bad bacteria within the digestive system.

The probiotics then attach to the intestinal wall where they increase the number of beneficial bacteria regulating and maintaining balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria.

Probiotics can be:

bacteria

moulds

yeast

• But most probiotics are bacteria.• Among bacteria, lactic acid bacteria are more

popular.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Other types are:

• Streptococcus thermophilus.

• Enterococcus faecium

• Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917

• Saccharomyces boulardii.

A probiotic may be made out of a single bacterial strain or it may be more than one.

Characteristics of effective probiotics

An effective probiotic must have features like:

• Non-pathogenic.

• Non-toxic.

• Exert a beneficial effect.

• Capable of surviving and metabolizing in the gut.

• Remain viable during storage and use.

Probiotics benefits

The following health benefits are associated with the intake of daily doses of probiotics:

1-Enhanced immune system response.

2-Reduces negative affects of taking many types of antibiotics.

3-Aids in preventing and treating colon inflammation following surgery.

4-Increased ability to digest food.

5-Reduces incidence of yeast infections.

6-Alleviates many common digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea and IBS

Side Effects of Probiotics

1-in large quantities they can actually bring on infections, which will then be necessary to treat with antibiotics.

2- Gas or bloating. Probiotics actually help eliminate these altogether, but in some people they have the complete opposite effect.

3-Abdominal pain, and sometimes even diarrhea.

4-Fungal infections, Usually this happened to those with impaired immune systems.

5-intestinal Infection. Those who already have an underlying disease could be susceptible to this probiotic side effect. Fever, skin rash, and bloody stools are all signs of an intestinal infection.

Prebiotics

• Prebiotics are a special class of carbohydrates and soluble fibers that are not digested in the upper GI tract.

• Instead, they make their way down to the colon where they naturally ferment.

• This fermentation process selectively promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria which help support intestinal and overall good health.

Symbiotic

• a substance containing both a prebiotic and probiotic.

Who Should Use Caution When Taking Probiotics?

• Those with compromised immune systems .

• young children.

• Pregnant women.

• the elderly.

• people with suppressed immune systems due to disease or treatment for a disease (such as cancer chemotherapy)

They should consult their health care professional before starting

up with probiotics.

Are probiotics safe to take?

• Most probiotics are like what is already in a person's digestive

system.

• Some probiotics have been used for a very long time throughout history, such as in fermented foods and cultured milk products. These don't appear to cause illness.

• But more study is needed on the safety of probiotics in young children, the elderly, and people who have weak immune systems.