Probiotics and its benefits

By Sarika Garg

Probiotics are live pathogens that are destined to furnish health benefits. The concept of ‘Probiotics’ was pioneered in the early 20^th century when the ‘father of probiotics’, Noble laureate Elie Metchnikoff, suggested that people’s health could be refined by the consumption of favorable microorganisms. The idea was sustained by scientists and with the continued efforts, the term ‘Probiotics’, meaning ‘for life’, eventually came into practice.

Major population considers bacteria, fungi and other microbes as deleterious. But little do they know that several microorganisms assist our bodies function perfectly. For instance, intestinal bacteria destroy disease causing microbes, produce vitamins and help in food digestion. Numerous microorganisms live in our bodies and in point of fact, outstrip the human cells by 10 to 1.   

Probiotics may carry various microorganisms but the most common are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups of bacteria. Strengths of probiotics have been found to be eulogized in health magazines as well as on various products. Live bacteria naturally occur in certain foods viz. fermented vegetables and live-cultured yoghurt. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements and in the form of products viz. skin creams.

Intensive research has been carried out on probiotics and the studies revealed that it might help cure a variety of maladies, including:

1.      Lower cholesterol levels

A study suggested that Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotics strain found in dairy and meats, lowered the LDL levels in participants by 12% compared to the placebo group. Probiotics are known to alter gut microbiome to lower triglyceride levels or increase HDL cholesterol.

2.      Cavities and tooth decay

Detrimental effects of acid production from sugar could not be better understood by a sweet tooth person. Probiotics recognition has provoked much inquisitiveness for their role in oral health. Studies have reported the colonization of probiotics in the mouth and their effect on bio-film keeping the pathogens away. High calcium content in probiotics possibly play role in demineralization of teeth.

3.      Diarrhea

Several studies suggested that consumption of probiotics can help against diarrhea. Saccharomyces boulardii (or S. boulardii) is a potent probiotic that can help perpetuate the natural flora in the intestines and thereby curing and preventing the disagreeable diarrhea.

4.      Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is known to affect nearly 20% of children. A large number of studies have investigated the potential efficacy of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of eczema. A study published reported that mothers’ consumption of probiotics two months prior to giving birth and during first two months of breastfeeding showed a significant reduction in the risk of developing skin inflammation in the 

babies.

Despite the fact that some probiotics have shown promising results in research studies, compelling scientific evidence is inadequate to support specific uses of probiotics for health conditions. None of the probiotics have been approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating any health issue. While probiotics have a good safety record in individuals, the information on the long-term safety of probiotics is limited. 

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