How do probiotics affect the organism?

Probiotics contain bacteria and yeast which have positive effects on health. Probiotics are microbe food elements which are consumed in certain amounts and their presence has beneficial effects on numerous aspects of health. Consuming probiotics only adds to the population of these useful microbes that already exist in the organism. They can naturally be found in fermented dairy products and fermented vegetables.

Probiotics are known as “good” bacteria, they foremost help the digestive system and gut health. They are most often consumed through supplements or through food that contains probiotics like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut.

Probiotics help with restoring the natural bacterial balance in the gut and intestines when it is disturbed by some kind of illness or irritation. They are also commonly used when medicament treatments have consequences on gut health, like with antibiotics.

Still, not all probiotics are the same, different types of probiotics are used for different syndromes and problems. A good idea is to consult a doctor or health professional to find the best possible choice for a specific situation.

Some people consume probiotics daily, to keep their gut and stomach health regulated. A healthy gut microbiome can significantly help people who are predisposed to have problems with stomach and intestine health. It helps strengthen the immune system, lessens inflammation, and promotes healthy bowel movements. Everyday things like diet and stress exposure can damage gut health, taking probiotics on a daily level can help some people recover and keep gut health.

Studies have shown that probiotics have significant potential when it comes to some conditions:

-   Diarrhea associated with antibiotics

-   Treatment of periodontal disease

-   Induction or maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis

-   Prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis in prematurely born children

-   The treatment of colic in newborns

Numerous studies have been conducted regarding probiotics and their effects on health. Still, scientific research has not completely uncovered the specific ways in which specific probiotics affect the body. It is best to consult a doctor or expert regarding the choice of probiotics.

Few studies exist regarding the safety of probiotics, but they seem safe for the general population. Studies suggest that there exists a small chance that probiotics can be risky for certain groups that have a compromised immune system. This mostly refers to people who take immunosuppressive drugs, people with serious medical illnesses, and prematurely born children. The risk is that the probiotic might contain unhealthy bacteria along with the healthy ones, this happens because the microbes are so small and if the product isn’t rigorously tested. These mistakes are rare and don’t pose any kind of threat to individuals with a healthy immune system.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the site: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-close-up-of-a-bunch-of-pills-g8AZXNVkbq0

Professional, C. C. M. (2024, June 19). Probiotics. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics

Probiotics: usefulness and safety. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-usefulness-and-safety