Fine tuning for a healthier lifestyle

 

Probiotics


Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria." Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods. Most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in people's guts, especially in those of breastfed infants (who have natural protection against many diseases). Most often, the bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species and within each species, different strains (or varieties). A few common probiotics, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, are yeasts, which are different from bacteria.

Different Types of Probiotics


There are four types of good bacteria: (1) lactobacillus bulgaricus, (2) Streptococcus thermophilus, (3) Lactobacillus acidophilus and (4) Bifido-bacterium bifidum.


(1) Lactobacillus bulgaricus is one of several bacteria used for the production of yogurt. It can also be found in other naturally fermented products. First identified in 1905 by the Bulgarian doctor Stamen Grigorov, it is named after Bulgaria. It feeds on sugars and produces lactic acid which also helps to preserve the product. In milk it breaks down lactose and is often helpful to sufferers of lactose intolerance, whose digestive systems lack the enzymes to break down lactose to simpler sugars. While fermenting milk, Lactobacillus bulgaricus produces acetaldehyde, which is one of the main yogurt aroma components. Some of the biggest importers of the bacterium are Japan, USA and the EU.


(2) Streptococcus thermophilus is found in fermented milk products. It is a probiotic (it does survive the stomach) and generally used in the production of yogurt.


(3) Lactobacillus acidophilus occurs naturally in the human and animal gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and vagina. Some strains of L. acidophilus may be considered to have probiotic characteristics and are commercially used in many dairy products, sometimes together with S. salivarius ssp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus in the production of acidophilus-type yogurt. The acid produced by L. acidophilus in the vagina may help to control the growth of the fungus Candida albicans, thus helping to prevent vaginal yeast infections. The same beneficial effect has been observed in cases of oral or gastrointestinal Candidiasis infections. Certain spermicides and contraceptive creams can kill L. acidophilus in the vagina, clearing the path to possible yeast infections.


(4) Bifidobacterium bifidum is a genus of Gram-positive, non-motile, often branched anaerobic bacteria inhabiting the Gastrointestinal tract and Vagina. Bifidobacteria are one of the major genera of bacteria that make up the gut flora, the bacteria that reside in the colon. Bifidobacteria aid in digestion, are associated with a lower incidence of allergies and also prevent some forms of tumor growth. Some bifidobacteria are being used as probiotics. Before the 1960s, Bifidobacterium species were collectively referred to as "Lactobacillus bifidus".

Health Benefits


Probiotics are available in foods and dietary supplements (for example, capsules, tablets, and powders) and in some other forms as well. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. In probiotic foods and supplements, the bacteria may have been present originally or added during preparation. Some probiotic foods date back to ancient times, such as fermented foods and cultured milk products.