Probiotics for Healthy Life

Bacteria belong to the large domain of Micro-organisms and are unicellular. They are universally present everywhere. They are of different shapes. They are invisible to our naked eye because they are microscopic. Scientists are still not able to classify them either under plants or under animals. There are beneficial Bacteria or Friendly Bacteria and Pathogenic Bacteria or disease causing Bacteria.

The friendly Bacteria present in the soil bring about decaying of dead organisms. They fix atmospheric Nitrogen in the soil. Several of them are beneficial to mankind and animals as they support life. They prevent diseases and cure them. The term Pro means for and biotic means Life.

Probiotics are the Friendly Bacteria helpful to man in many ways. Conversion of Milk into curd, Fermentation of food products are brought out by beneficial bacteria. Lactic acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria and certain Yeasts are a few friendly micro-organisms that help man to fight against diseases. Certain Lactic acid Bacteria are Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus johnsonii. So, Probiotics are “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Just as Bacteria play a vital role in bringing about cleaning the Earth’s atmosphere, air, water and soil, there are several types of Bacteria living in the human body cleansing our organ systems. Some of the diseases caused by Bacteria are diarrhea, dysentery, tuberculosis etc. To cure the infectious diseases antibiotics are administered. They cure the diseases but some amount of damage is done to the epithelial lining of our intestine. To offset the damage and to reduce the symptoms like gas, stomach cramps etc, Probiotics or the friendly bacteria should be taken in the form of food like Curd, Yogurt, Soya milk, capsules or diet supplements.

Research conducted on several individuals show that the Lactic acid producing Bacteria have many beneficial effects to promote health. The major metabolic activities of Probiotics are: Breaking down of fats, Proteins and conversion of Lactose into Lactic acid. These changes are effected through Bacterial Enzymes. Probiotics in the GI tract help human beings suffering from impaired digestion or dysfunction of the digestive enzymes. This property of Probiotics is useful for infants, old people, and convalescents. It is also useful for people who are suffering Lactose Intolerance.

Health benefits of Probiotics are many. They are useful for curing Infectious Diarrhea, IBS, Infection caused by H. Pylori, Vaginal infection, Tooth decay, skin infection, Stomach and Respiratory infections in kids, the maintenance of healthy blood pressure level, proper functioning of the Liver, pain relief, etc. These can be effectively managed by the administration of Probiotics. Probiotics are also useful in obesity management, maintenance of Cardio-Vascular health and their well being, and they also work as anti-inflammatory agents. They also help to control several types of cancer. Therefore, Probiotics are vital to our immune system.

The Probiotics have the following characteristics:

· Non-pathogenic to human beings.

· High tolerance to bile and gastric juice.

· There are no side effects after taking them.

· They do not react chemically with other enzymes present in the intestine and do not produce any adverse effects.

· They protect the intestinal eco system when pathogens invade.

The Probiotics have a wide range of health applications. With the increasing knowledge and research on known and emerging probiotic strains, future trends envisage their increased inclusion in dietary supplements and functional foods targeting diverse and preventive health maintenance needs.

Current innovations in functional foods with Probiotics are yogurts, beverages, bakery products, preservatives, and pickles, breakfast cereals, nutrition bars that can be purchased and consumed as a food supplement. Buttermilk or Lassie is a rich source of Probiotics and any amount of it can be taken to maintain good health and well being.