Bhimsen Poly Clinic: Probiotics help keep the balance of intestinal flora

The term probiotic is derived from Greek and means “pro-life”, being the opposite of antibiotic, which means “against life”.

Probiotic was initially defined as living organisms that, when ingested, exert a beneficial effect on the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora of the person who consumed them.

After a time the term was extended to living organisms that, when ingested in number (concentration), exert beneficial health for his action in the intestinal tract effects.

The most current definition of probiotics is supplement rich in living microorganisms that beneficially affect your consumer by improving the intestinal microbial balance.

Therefore, probiotics are those foods rich in bacteria that produce beneficial effects on gut flora, usually indicated for preventing and treating diseases.

Several microorganisms are known as probiotics, among lactic acid bacteria, non lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The most known bacteria performing these functions in the body are the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Probiotics perform the following functions in the body:

Prevent and treat many intestinal disorders;
Increase significantly the nutritional and therapeutic value of food, as higher production and absorption of B vitamins and essential amino acids to immune and neurotransmitter systems occurs;
Increase the absorption and retention of calcium, iron and other minerals;
Strengthen the immune system through increased production of protective cells, reducing the risk of cancer and infectious diseases;
They have beneficial functional effect in the body, balancing the intestinal flora , acting on the body’s ability to detoxify poisons and excesses;
They have particular importance for individuals with lactose intolerance, due to the increase of an enzyme that facilitates the digestion of lactose.

As microorganisms, probiotics are usually heat-sensitive and have little time left, therefore, should be kept well chilled. When ingested integrated with the food they go into the intestines and then integrate into the existing flora, without fixing to it, but assisting in the work of nutrient absorption.

Probiotics may be found on: