Probiotics are live microorganisms such as certain strains of bacteria and yeast that may have a beneficial effect on a number of aspects of human health. Many probiotics drinks are available in a variety of strawberry-flavored drinks and yogurts. While the probiotics found in these drinks may prevent a number of disease conditions, they should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments of any serious medical condition.
Modulate the Immune System
The immune system is tremendously complex, defending the body from invading bacteria, fungi and viruses. The immune system works through antibody-mediated processes that recognize and eliminate foreign invaders. A 2007 article in the "Journal of Nutrition" explains how probiotics can increase certain antibody processes and strengthen the immune system. Probiotics from yogurt or lactic acid-producing bacteria can also enhance the levels of immune system cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages that help to fend off invading bacteria and viruses. These effects on the immune system may benefit overall health in general and help to ward off a number of diseases and infections. Immune system modulation by probiotics may also prevent some of the symptoms of allergies.
Prevent Bowel Disease Relapse
Diseases of the gut such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease can have serious consequences, requiring the surgical removal of part of the colon. The causes of these diseases are not fully understood but are thought to involve the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the gut that cause inflammation. A diet supplemented with high doses of probiotics may lower and prevent many of the symptoms of these diseases. A 2007 article in the "Journal of Nutrition" reviews a number of clinical studies that show the use of probiotics can also prolong the disease-free remission period of patients recovering from conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Treatment for Diarrhea
Imbalances intestinal bacteria populations can cause in diarrhea. Probiotics may restore the balance of bacteria in the gut to reduce diarrhea. Probiotics can also have effects on the mucosal wall of the intestine to help eliminate harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that of all of the potential uses of probiotics, the use of probiotics to treat diarrhea has the strongest scientific backing, particularly in rotavirus infections. Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in infants and young children.
Lower Blood Pressure
Some compounds derived from lactate-producing bacteria have been shown to have antihypertensive effects in animal studies and in adults with mildly high blood pressure. These compounds include peptides, bacterial cell wall components and certain amino acids. A number of studies summarized by USProbiotics.org suggest that the use of probiotics may lower systolic blood pressure by as much as 10 to 20 mmHg in mildly hypertensive individuals.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition": Cross-talk between probiotic bacteria and the host immune system, 137(3 Suppl 2):781S-90S, March 2007
- "Journal of Nutrition": Probiotic effects on inflammatory bowel disease, 137(3 Suppl 2):819S-24S, March 2007
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- USProbiotics.org: What are Probiotics?
- MayoClinic.com: Probiotics: Important for a healthy diet?
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