FF - The Role of Probiotics Microlesson

The Role of Probiotics

Can some bacteria be good bacteria?  

Quick Glance: Pro = A Good Thing!

Probiotics. What are they?

These are a helpful form of bacteria that can help balance gut health. Basically, good microorganisms. They can be found in an oral pill or liquid form or in the foods we eat. There are other forms of helpful microorganisms called prebiotics and symbiotic. Luckily, we all have access to these helpful substances through our diet or a supplement.

Explore: Listen To Your Gut!

The gut is said to have trillions of microorganisms. They are also called  gut microbiota. They are made of friendly bacteria and yeasts. They help us to digest food, produce vitamins, and function as a vital part of our immune system.

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are common “helpful” probiotics produced in the fermentation process. This makes fermentation a useful source of probiotics for all eaters but especially vegans since many fermented foods are plant-based. The healthy bacteria that are produced during the fermentation process help to make foods easier to digest.

  

  Germs!

Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” many microorganisms help our bodies function properly. These good bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing microorganisms, and produce vitamins. Our bodies, at any given minute, have hundreds of microorganisms present working away to assist in our lives. In fact, microorganisms in the human body outnumber human cells by 10 to 1. Many of these microorganisms mimic the probiotic products that can be found on a store shelf.

Take a look at the three types of categories of microorganisms below.   

Watch the presentation below to learn more about probiotics.

 

As seen in the presentation above there are several sources of probiotics. They can be found naturally in the foods we eat. Yogurts and other fermented dairy products (such as kefir) provide probiotic health benefits. They are also excellent foods, high in protein and calcium. Probiotics are considered safe overall for healthy people; short-term side effects may include mild gas and bloating.

Probiotics can be fragile. They are easily destroyed by heat and acidic environments. For this reason, foods and supplements must be carefully produced. They must also be stored at safe temperatures to secure the benefits of live microorganisms. Foods or supplements with live probiotics have a short shelf life and require refrigeration. Some are freeze-dried and put into supplement form. Either way, storage is key to their potency. In order for probiotics to provide health benefits, they also need to survive the harsh digestive process, an environment designed to kill bugs that may cause illness.

BE AWARE!

Though probiotics are thought to be safe and harmless there are a few considerations to keep in mind.  Don’t replace scientifically proven treatments with unproven products and practices. Do not use these types of products as a way of postponing a doctor visit. If you’re considering a probiotic dietary supplement, consult your health care provider first. This is especially important if you have health problems. Anyone with a serious underlying health condition should be monitored closely while taking probiotics. Pregnant or nursing women should always consult their provider or doctor before taking any over-the-counter items. Lastly, always let your doctor know every type of supplement you are taking. This is vital to your overall health!

Watch the video below to learn about common probiotic strains, beneficial bacteria, and Immune Health.

 

Challenge

So do you think you understand fermentation? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.

 

Takeaway: Pill or Food?

Well, it seems that many may argue this question. Is it better to get your probiotics in pill or supplement form or from food? Research and studies suggest that either way is beneficial. A study published in the December 2010 issue of “International Journal of Food Microbiology,” looked at the saliva from individuals that consumed yogurt or pill supplements and both subjects had around the same number of microorganisms in their bodies. However, some studies also show that mice that consumed a milk-based probiotic diet had better gut health. The one thing that research can prove is that the consumption of probiotics, whether pill or food, is beneficial for the gut.

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