The World Health Organisation (WHO) currently defines a Probiotic as a 'Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host'. The word Probiotic actually means 'for life'.
Supplementing with probiotics balances the body's naturally occurring gut flora ecology of beneficial bacteria/microorganisms, by encouraging their re-establishment in the gastrointestinal system. The human digestive system contains over 400 different types of bacteria. Very few beneficial bacteria are found in the stomach because of its high acidity, however, their number and variety increases substantially as you go further down the gastrointestinal tract, the most popular place for beneficial bacteria to reside is in the large intestine. Without sufficient numbers of viable, beneficial bacteria, our intestinal ecology becomes out of balance commonly resulting in a wide range of health problems.
Probiotics work to assist the body with digestive processes, produce vitamins, detoxify chemicals, assisting with gastrointestinal repair and healing, prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria, and relieve symptoms of flatulence and diarrhoea.
Unfortunately they are sensitive microscopic organisms which are vulnerable and become imbalanced from particular lifestyle habits such as stress, poor food choices, low fibre diet, alcohol, and high sugar and fat diet. This type of pattern/lifestyle allows harmful bacteria competitors to survive and thrive, often to the detriment of our health.
Probiotics are recommended by Naturopaths and Nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, as antibiotics often kill off beneficial bacteria, or as part of the treatment for gut related conditions such as diarrhoea, indigestion, flatulence, bloating and constipation. Probiotics work in the body to counteract the effects of alcohol or toxic substances and support numerous health conditions.
Maintaining a healthy gut flora is, however, dependent on many factors, a diet high in fibrous vegetables and plant fibre sources act as a food source for the beneficial bacteria called prebiotics. Scientific studies have demonstrated that prebiotics actually increase the number and/or activity of bifidobacteria and L. acidophilus, supporting a healthy gut flora. Increasing prebiotics in the diet such as fibrous rich foods may be another means of enhancing the desirable health benefits promised by probiotics.