What are probiotics?

Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "living microorganisms that, when administered in sufficient quantities confer a health benefit on the host". They are dubbed the "good bacteria" by because it helps protect the body against a number of harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses. When probiotics are taken (eaten or taken) on a regular basis in adequate quantities, they produce beneficial effects on human health especially the digestive system. They are present in yogurt (yogurt), milk, cheese, pickles, kimchi, soy sauce, eggplant, fish sauce...

Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful "pathogens", many bacteria are actually helpful. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins. Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same or similar to the microorganisms that live naturally in our bodies.

Popularity of Probiotics

According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) of 2012, about 4 million (1.6 percent) American adults have used probiotics in the past 30 days. In adults, probiotics are the third most commonly used dietary supplement outside of vitamins and minerals. Adult use of probiotics quadrupled between 2007 and 2012. The 2012 NHIS also found that 300,000 children aged 4 to 17 years (0.5%) had taken probiotics in the 30 days before the survey.

How might probiotics work?

Probiotics can have many effects in the body, and different types of probiotics can work in different ways.

Probiotics may: Reduce the incidence and duration of diarrhea in both children and adults; Eliminate and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Helps the body balance and maintain a healthy gut microbiota; Enhance the absorption capacity of the digestive system, minimize digestive disorders by antibiotic treatment; Anti-constipation; Anti-flatulence; Increase resistance…

With such benefits, especially for children, these changes are considered to have a positive effect, helping to limit infectious diarrhea, diarrhea caused by lactose intolerance in milk, contributing to Improve body immune system.

Source:

1. According to City Children's Hospital
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)