What are Probiotics?
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Probiotics are defined as “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host”.
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The word ‘Probiotic’ is derived from Greek meaning ‘for life’ and is currently used to name bacteria associated with beneficial effects for humans and animals.
Health benefits of taking probiotics
The health benefits of probiotics are extensive. They fall into 3 main categories:
- Maintaining Gut Health
- Enhance Immunity
- Reduce Allergies
Beyond these extensively proven benefits, the other benefits are (but not limited to):
- Improve Nutrient Absorption
- Improve Women's Health (Uti Infection)
- Improve Dental Health
- Improve Cholesterol
- Improve Mood, Stress
- Improve Sleep
- Skin Health
- Infant Health
- Weight Management
- Lactose Intolerance
Normal human microflora
The human gut is home to more than 400 bacterial species with nearly trillions of them comprising half of the wet weight of colonic material.Bacterial colonization of the gut begins at birth and are necessary formaintaining the well being of their host.
Apart from the gut, microflora are also located in skin, oral cavity, nails, urinary tract, genitalia, respiratory tract and even in eyes as well. The normal flora prevent colonization by pathogens by competing for attachment sites or for essential nutrients and modulates the hosts immune response.