Probiotic supplements are those supplements that provide additional probiotic or 'friendly bacteria' to the body. Probiotic are those living microbial organisms that are present naturally in the vagina and the digestive tract. These microbial organisms are considered friendly bacteria and are advantageous to our health in various ways. They help the body by suppressing the harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, enhancing the immune system and also help in producing vitamin K in the body.
Probiotic organisms are among those 400 species of micro-organisms that are found in our digestive tract. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are also part of these organisms. Inadequate consumption of dietary fibers, too much intake of antibiotics and ingestion of pollutants in the environment are some of the reasons that can lead to an imbalance in the colon. If this infection is not taken care of for a long time, then there is risk of harmful yeast and bacteria to flourish. This can further lead to vaginal yeast infection or diarrhea.
Probiotic supplements are available in the market in different forms. Various brands of capsules, tablets, liquid, acidophilus drinks and powder of probiotic can be bought from various grocery stores, health-food stores, and some Asian stores.
Although, probiotics microbial organisms are present in dairy products such as kefir and yogurt, the quantity of these micro-organisms is different in different products due to the different processing methods. Fermented food products are also good source of probiotic microbial organisms. Once consumed, probiotics protect our body, especially intestines from getting damaged with antibiotics or other harmful substances. Although, these microbial organisms are important for the over all health of human beings, no particular daily consumption of probiotic microbial organisms is prescribed.
It is considered that probiotic supplements enhance the balance of probiotic microbial organisms in the colon and also enhance the growth of useful bacteria in the intestines. Asparagus, banana, onion and chicory contain good quantity of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) that also provide probiotic microbial organisms. A combination of probiotic supplements and FOS supplements is also available in the market.
Probiotic supplements decrease the severity of diarrhea (traveler's diarrhea or diarrhea due to excess intake of antibiotics), reduce the side effects of different radiation therapies and irritable bowel condition, support immune system, help the body to lactose intolerance and help in preventing different types of allergies such as colds, hay fever and rhinitis. They also prevent colon cancer, constipation, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, and canker sores.
Although, different studies have proved that probiotics are quite useful to our health, its usefulness in lactose intolerance, crohn's cancer and various heart problems is yet to be proved. The side effects that may cause due to over dose of probiotics are minor digestive problems such as bloating or gas. One should not consume probiotics supplements without consulting the doctor because innocence of probiotics can lead to serious health problems.
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