As the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) explains, probiotics are similar to beneficial live bacteria found in the human gut. Probiotics are thought to provide healthful benefits when consumed in adequate amounts to help increase immune function, digestion and absorption of nutrients and foods. The good bacteria can be found in dietary supplements or in certain foods. Good bacteria is often found in two types, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Different species are found in each of these groups.
Foods
Some common foods are a natural source of probiotics or good bacteria. According to the NCCAM, foods with good bacteira include yogurt, milk (fermented and unfermented), tempeh, miso and, even, some juices.
Lactobacillus
MedlinePlus says that Lactobacillus is a class of bacteria located in the small intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus, produces vitamin K, lactase and other antimicrobial substances. Therefore, it is considered to be a good bacteria. L. acidophilus has good scientific evidence, explains MedlinePlus, supporting its use for bacterial vaginosis in the form of vaginal suppositories. Likewise, yogurt enriched with L. acidophilus may provide the same benefits.
Bifidobacterium
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) states that Bifidobacterium is a class of bacteria located in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and vagina. Its role is the promotion of a healthy GI tract. The AGA goes on to say that Bifidobacterium infantis may effect irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder of movement in the gut, by helping to regulate the number of bowel movements by a person with the disorder.
Benefits of Good Bacteria
Beneficial bacteria or probiotics may also provide other health benefits. The AGA says that these benefits may include helping to boost the immune system, helping to prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to and growing on the wall of the gut, destroying toxins released by bad bacteria, and producing B vitamins to help metabolize the foods eaten.
Other Bacterias
Other types of good bacteria include Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Lactobacillus casei Shirota helps support immune system function and helps with the movement of food through the gut. Lactobacillus bulgaricus can possibly relieve symptoms resulting from lactose intolerance, which is when a person cannot properly digest the lactose found in many milk and dairy products.
Considerations
Prior to consuming any probiotics in any nonfood form, careful discussion with a health care provider should occur. A health care provider can assist in identifying the appropriate good bacteria that can be used for the treatment of specific conditions.
Member Comments