The human body is a natural host to probiotic bacteria. Humans, like other mammalian hosts are home to several hundred different living bacteria species that provide benefits to their respective host. For example, these probiotic bacteria help to control the proliferation of pathogens that can be harmful to health. They also help support the natural defenses of the immune system allowing it to properly prevent invaders from overtaking the good bacteria in the gut.
L . Acidophilus
L . acidophilus is found naturally in the vagina where they help to protect against yeast infection in women. They also exist in the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract, preventing Candida-related infections. Candida is a type of infection that can lead to conditions such as oral thrush, a type of yeast infection of the mouth.
L. acidophilus is found in fermented milk products. However, it is highly unstable in these products because of acidity, injury from being frozen and breakdown from exposure to oxygen. Therefore, manufacturers must ensure that probiotic cells can survive the product's shelf-life. In addition, probiotics have to survive the gut environment which can pose a challenge to proliferation. In order to impact health, they have to attach themselves in sufficient numbers within the gastrointestinal tract. Additives such as whey protein concentrate, tomato juice and pineapple pulp prevent probiotics in products from breaking down, according to an article published in 2007 in "Food Chemistry."
Lactobacillus Casei
Lactobacillus Casei exists naturally in the vagina and small intestines. A study published in July 2007 in the "British Medical Journal" found that Lactobacillus Casei helped reduce the antibiotic induced diarrhea in a sample of 164 patients over the age of 50. Particularly, it reduced the incidence of diarrhea in approximately half of the participants. Yet, people with overgrowth of this probiotic, who have a weakened immune system, or those with intestinal damage should not supplement with lactobacillus casei.
Bifidobacterium Infantis
Bifidobacterium infantis, another probiotic bacteria residing in the gut, works to support bowel health. A study published in March 2005 in "Gastroenterology" found bifidobacterium infantis reduced the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a sample of patients with the disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the bowels that leads to chronic abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort and altered bathroom habits. The researchers of the study concluded that Bifidobacterium infantis works with the immune system to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
References
- "Food Chemistry" Effects of Inulin and Sugar Levels on the Viability of Yogurt and Probiotic Ice-Cream; M.B. Akin et al.; 2007
- "British Medical Journal" Use of Probiotic Lactobacillus Preparation to Prevent Diarrhoea Associated With Antibiotics: Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial; Mary Hickson et al.; July 2007
- "Gastroenterology"; Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptom Responses and Relationship to Cytokine Profiles; Liam O'Mohoney et al.; March 2005
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