Although you may associate bacteria with disease and infection, many "good" strains can actually benefit your health. These probiotics are usually added into food products like yogurt or taken as supplements. Common bacterial cultures include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli and certain Streptococci. These micro-organisms can improve your health in many ways.
Normalize the Intestinal Tract
According to S.K. Dah and Beth Ley in their book "Health Benefits of Probiotics," certain good bacteria can normalize the intestinal tract and promote regular bowel movements. A study conducted by Marine Elli et al. in 2006 and published in "Applied and Enviornmental Microbiology" found that Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus thermophilus survived through the entire digestive tract and expelled through fecal matter. This attested to the metabolic-enhancing properties of these probiotics in helping to digest food within the intestines, while encouraging regular and consistent bowel movements.
Manufacture B Complex and other Vitamins
The presence of beneficial bacteria within the body can actually facilitate the manufacture of B complex and other vitamins, Dah and Ley say. B vitamins like biotin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamine and pyridoxine emerge within the intestinal tract, which the body may be able to absorb, according to Dah and Ley. Vitamin B12, for example, is specific to bacteria and helps to create healthy red blood cells, Natasha Trenev says in her book "Probiotics: Nature's Internal Healers." Foods like yogurt, sour cream, kefir, cottage cheese and cheddar cheese are excellent sources of B complex vitamin manufacturing, according to Trenev.
Enhance Nutrient Absorption
Trenev says that these friendly bacterial strains are necessary for maximizing the absorption and utilization of nutrients. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus in particular are the most well-known, active transient bacteria that help in the uptake of nutrients, according to Trenev. Ensuring you consume the correct strain is essential in garnering the effects.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Probiotics - Important for a Healthy Diet?
- "Health Benefits of Probiotics"; S.K. Dah and Beth Ley; 2006
- "Survival of Yogurt Bacteria in the Human Gut;" Marina Elli, Applied and Environmental Microbiology; July 2006
- "Probiotics: Nature's Internal Healers"; Natasha Trenev; 1998
