This is Insider’s Health TV. I’m your host, Clint Winters.
Today, we’re talking probiotics and why they are essential for your health. You might be wondering what the heck probiotics are. Well, they’re live microorganisms identical to the ones found in our stomach. Some refer to them as ͞friendly bacteria,͟ as these guys fight the good fight against any colon damaging chemicals that can be found in food, beverages and the goods we buy at store. In fact, some research even suggests they might help reduce the severity of illnesses like the cold or flu, IBS, the recurrences of any bladder issues, improve digestion and strengthen the immune system. In essence, they’re good for helping our bodies regain stability.
The thing is, the human body relies on normal bacteria for several functions in the body from breaking down foods to helping the body absorb nutrients. They also work to stop harmful bacteria from taking over, but when the normal bacteria are eliminated, and the body becomes sick, that’s where probiotics come in. These friendly bacteria come from one of two places: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus.
The latter is useful when disease has occurred, especially to supplement any antibiotics you might have taken. The good thing about antibiotics is that they kill any harmful, bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract. But, they subsequently kill the good bacteria your body needs. Medical professionals theorize that taking friendly bacteria with antibiotics might reduce the elimination of the bacteria the body requires. Researchers at Tropical Medicine and the Tulane University School of Public Health explored ways probiotics could be implemented to combat diarrhea in malnourished children in third world countries. Not to mention the Mayo Clinic college of medicine have been investigating whether these friendly bacteria could diminish the substances in urine that form kidney stones. Some of you have heard of prebiotics before. For those who don’t know what those are, they’re the ingredients in food that are non-digestible and help with the growth and development of the microorganisms found in our colons. In a way, prebiotics form a symbiotic relationship with probiotics when mixed together, as the two mutually benefit from each other.
The former provides nourishment for the latter, and the latter provides the bacteria for the former.
Some medical research suggests there are several benefits to including probiotics in your diet. And while side effects are rare, and there are fewer risks for adults to add the friendly bacteria to their diet, it’s always best to check with a medical professional to figure out if taking the supplement is good for you.
Thank you for watching! Live happy, live healthy, live in the know.
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