Probiotics; A Simple Beginner’s Guide-1

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5 Apr 2024

The bacteria in your body are said to outnumber your body’s cells at a 10-to-1 ratio. However, a recent study says that the ratio is closer to 1-to-1
According to these estimates, you have 39–300 trillion bacteria living inside you. Whichever estimate is most accurate, it’s certainly a large number.
Much of these bacteria reside in your gut, and the majority are quite harmless. Some are helpful, and a small number can cause disease

Having the right gut bacteria has been linked to numerous health benefits, including the following

weight loss
improved digestion
enhanced immune function
healthier skin
reduced risk of some diseases

Probiotics, which are a certain type of friendly bacteria, provide health benefits when eaten.
They’re often taken as supplements that are supposed to help colonize your gut with good microorganisms.
This article examines the health benefits of probiotics.
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What are probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when ingested, provide a health benefit (6).
However, the scientific community often disagrees on what the benefits are, as well as which strains of bacteria are responsible (7).
Probiotics are usually bacteria, but certain types of yeasts can also function as probiotics. There are also other microorganisms in the gut that are being studied, including viruses, fungi, archaea, and helminths (8).
You can get probiotics from supplements, as well as from foods prepared by bacterial fermentation.
Probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi. Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics, which are carbs — often dietary fibers — that help feed the friendly bacteria already in your gut
Products that contain both prebiotics and probiotics are referred to as synbiotics. Synbiotic products usually combine friendly bacteria along with some food for the bacteria to eat (the prebiotics), all in one supplement
The most common probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Other common kinds are Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus.
Each genus comprises different species, and each species has many strains. On labels, you’ll see probiotics identified by their specific strain (which includes the genus), the species, subspecies if there is one, and a letter-number strain code (11).
Different probiotics have been found to address different health conditions. Therefore, choosing the right type — or types — of probiotics is essential.
Some supplements, known as broad-spectrum probiotics or multi-probiotics, combine different species in the same product.
Although the evidence is promising, more research is needed on the health benefits of probiotics. Some researchers warn about possible negative effects from the “dark side” of probiotics and call for caution and strict regulation (12, 13).

SUMMARY
Probiotics are living microorganisms that boost health when consumed in adequate amounts. There are many different types, and you can obtain them from foods or supplements.

Importance of microorganisms for your gut

The complex community of microorganisms in your gut is called the gut flora, gut microbiota, or gut microbiome (14, 15).
The gut microbiota includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, and helminths — with bacteria comprising the vast majority. Your gut is home to a complex eco-system of 300–500 bacterial species
Most of the gut flora is found in your colon, or large intestine, which is the last part of your digestive tract.
Surprisingly, the metabolic activities of your gut flora resemble those of an organ. For this reason, some scientists refer to the gut flora as the “forgotten organ”
Your gut flora performs many important health functions. It manufactures vitamins, including vitamin K and some of the B vitamins (18).
It also turns fibers into short-chain fats like butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which feed your gut wall and perform many metabolic functions (19Trusted Source
, 20Trusted Source
).
These fats also stimulate your immune system and strengthen your gut wall. This can help prevent unwanted substances from entering your body and provoking an immune response
Your gut flora is highly sensitive to your diet, and studies show that an unbalanced gut flora is linked to numerous diseases
These diseases are thought to include obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer’s, and depression
Probiotics and prebiotic fibers can help correct this balance, ensuring that your “forgotten organ” is functioning optimally (29).

SUMMARY
Your gut flora consists of hundreds of types of microorganisms. These microorganisms perform numerous important bodily functions.Impact on digestive health

Probiotics are widely researched for their effects on digestive health (30).
Evidence suggests that probiotic supplements can help cure antibiotic-associated diarrhea
When people take antibiotics, especially for long periods of time, they often experience diarrhea — even long after the infection has been eradicated.
This is because the antibiotics kill many of the natural bacteria in your gut, which shifts the gut balance and allows harmful bacteria to thrive.
Probiotics may also help combat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder, reducing gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Research regarding the effectiveness of probiotics supplementation for the treatment of IBS is mixed. A recent review reported that seven of the studies indicated IBS improvement with probiotic supplementation, but four did not (32).
Research indicates that multi-strain probiotic supplements seem to bring most IBS improvement, especially when taken for longer than 8 weeks.
However, much remains unknown about probiotic treatment for IBS. Questions like the following have yet to be answered (33):

Which IBS symptoms improve with probiotics?
Which probiotics, or probiotic mixtures, are most effective?
What dosages and durations of probiotic treatments are best?
Do different types of IBS require different probiotic treatments?

Researchers find early results of IBS probiotic treatment promising but say additional large trials are necessary before healthcare providers can confidently prescribe probiotic treatments consistently for IBS (34).
Some studies also note benefits of probiotic supplementation against inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Again, researchers say further research is needed before the treatment is confirmed to be effective
Probiotics may also help fight Helicobacter pylori infections, which are one of the main drivers of ulcers and stomach cancer
If you currently have digestive problems that you can’t seem to vanquish, a probiotic supplement may be something to consider. However, be sure to consult your healthcare provider first.