Probiotics are living microscopic organisms, or microorganisms, that scientific research has shown to benefit the health. Most often they are bacteria, but they may also be other organisms such as yeasts. In some cases they are similar, or the same, as the “good” bacteria already in the body, particularly those in the gut. These good bacteria are part of the trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the bodies. This community of microorganisms is called the microbiota. Some microbiota organisms can cause disease. However, others are necessary for good health and digestion. This is where probiotics come in. The most common probiotic bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, although it is important to remember that many other types of bacteria are also classified as probiotics. Each group of bacteria has different species and each species has different strains. This is important to remember because different strains have different benefits for different parts of the body. For example, Lactobacillus casei Shirota has been shown to support the immune system and to help food move through the gut, but Lactobacillus bulgaricus may help relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance, a condition in which people cannot digest the lactose found in most milk and dairy products. In general, not all probiotics are the same, and they don’t all work the same way. Scientists are still sorting out exactly how probiotics work. They may boost the immune system by enhancing the production of antibodies to certain vaccines; Produce substances that prevent infection; Prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the gut lining and growing there; Send signals in cells to strengthen the mucus in the intestine and help it act as a barrier against infection; Inhibit or destroy toxins released by certain “bad” bacteria that can cause illness; and Produce B vitamins necessary for metabolizing the food that will be take, warding off anemia caused
Probiotics are living microscopic organisms, or microorganisms, that scientific research has shown to benefit the health. Most often they are bacteria, but they may also be other organisms such as yeasts. In some cases they are similar, or the same, as the “good” bacteria already in the body, particularly those in the gut. These good bacteria are part of the trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the bodies. This community of microorganisms is called the microbiota. Some microbiota organisms can cause disease. However, others are necessary for good health and digestion. This is where probiotics come in. The most common probiotic bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, although it is important to remember that many other types of bacteria are also classified as probiotics. Each group of bacteria has different species and each species has different strains. This is important to remember because different strains have different benefits for different parts of the body. For example, Lactobacillus casei Shirota has been shown to support the immune system and to help food move through the gut, but Lactobacillus bulgaricus may help relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance, a condition in which people cannot digest the lactose found in most milk and dairy products. In general, not all probiotics are the same, and they don’t all work the same way. Scientists are still sorting out exactly how probiotics work. They may boost the immune system by enhancing the production of antibodies to certain vaccines; Produce substances that prevent infection; Prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the gut lining and growing there; Send signals in cells to strengthen the mucus in the intestine and help it act as a barrier against infection; Inhibit or destroy toxins released by certain “bad” bacteria that can cause illness; and Produce B vitamins necessary for metabolizing the food that will be take, warding off anemia caused