What are probiotics and why do you need them. What do probiotics do for you? What are the different types of probiotics that are known? Read on to learn more about probiotic definition or meaning, types including over the counter and natural probiotics

What are Probiotics? History & Definition-World Health Organization, Biology etc.

The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word pro, meaning “promoting” and biotic, meaning “life.”  The name probiotic is said to mean “for life”: pro + bios = “for life”. The beginning of the probiotics concept is credited to Nobel Prize recipient Eli Metchnikoff. In the year 1907, Eli put forward that “the dependence of the intestinal microbes on the food makes it possible to adopt measures to modify the flora in our bodies and to replace the harmful microbes by useful microbes”. Probiotics in Spanish are called probióticos

Definition: What is a probiotic or what are probiotics?

Biology Online -Defines probiotic as a general term for a substance that promotes the growth of microorganisms

Medinecinenet defines probiotic as a microbe that protects its host and prevents disease.

According Merriam Medical Dictionary (in conjunction with MedlinePlus) probiotic is a noun and it is defined as a preparation (as a dietary supplement) containing live bacteria that is taken orally to restore beneficial bacteria to the body; also :  a bacterium of such a preparation.

The Encarta Dictionary defines probiotic as a substance containing beneficial microorganisms: a substance containing live microorganisms that claims to be beneficial to humans and animals, e.g. by restoring the balance of microflora in the digestive tract.

According to Oxford, as an adjective,the word probiotic denotes  a substance which stimulates the growth of microorganisms, especially those with beneficial properties (such as those of the intestinal flora)

Probiotics definition World Health Organization

There are other more definitions of the term probiotic(s) that have brought about debates but basing on the available information and scientific evidence a consensus definition was adopted after a joint Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization expert consultation. In October 2001, this expert consultation defined probiotics as: “live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. This is the internationally endorsed definition.

So, what does probiotic mean? The word probiotic is used to identify ingested microorganisms likely to produce beneficial effects to humans and other animals. Probiotics are sometimes are referred to as gut microflora, friendly germs/bacteria or good bugs.

Note:

• It is not just any microorganism but mostly Bacteria and Yeast
• Never should you confuse probiotics with prebiotics. Prebiotics are complex sugars (such as lactulose, lactitol, a variety of fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin) that are used as fuel by the healthful bacteria to stimulate their growth and activity while suppressing the growth and activity of harmful organisms. [Healthline.com]

What do Probiotics do for you? Why Probiotics?

What can probiotics  do for you and why do you need them? As aforementioned, these are “good bugs or bacteria” meaning that they provide several health benefits to your body. So what can they do for you? Generally, they prevent and alleviate many different conditions, but particularly those that affect your gastrointestinal tract. You need them so that you can maintain a healthy digestive truck. According to studies and health experts, here are some roles the crucial roles that probiotics play;

• Improving your digestion
• Relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Detoxifying chemicals
• Producing vitamins
• Preventing the overgrowth of bad bacteria
• Producing nutrients to repair the gut lining
• Increasing resistance to infections and regulating the immune function

More studies have also established their role in other unhealthy conditions not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Some individuals say that probiotics are useful for;

• Skin conditions, like eczema
• Preventing allergies and colds
• Urinary and vaginal health
• Oral health
• Weight loss
• Cancer
• Etc.

Probiotic Types- What are the Different Types of Probiotics that exist?

There are different types of probiotics that have been discovered and already in the market today. Thanks to advanced techniques in the health/medicine research labs. How do you classify or identify the various types of these microorganisms? MedicineNet.com states that probiotic bacteria are usually identified and named basing on three features;

1. Genus
2. Species
3. Strain

For instance, with the strain Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001, the genus is Lactobacillus, the species is casei and the strain is DN-114 001.

Despite the fact that there are many types of probiotics, each has its own health benefit or benefits. Be sure to know what it is that you want from the various strains at least seek advice from your doctor. Following are some of the known types of probiotics.

 Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus is one of the most common probiotic bacteria. According to a study published in Natiotional Institutes of Health (NIH), the genus Lactobacillus contains over 80 recognized species, and is characterized by a high level of diversity, reflected in its complex phylogeny. It has over 18 different bacteria strains.  Lactobacilli inhabit your small intestine. It’s commonly found in yogurt and other fermented foods. You can also find it in dietary supplements.

Research has established that lactobacillus is good for treatment and/or prevention of yeast infections, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), urinary tract infection, traveler’s diarrhea, antibiotic-related diarrhea, diarrhea resulting from Clostridium difficile, skin disorders (acne, fever blisters, canker sores, and eczema), treating lactose intolerance, and prevention of respiratory infections.

The most popular lactobacilli is Lactobacillus acidophilus. Other lactobacilli found in foods and supplements are  Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Lactobacillus blugaricus,  GG, Lactobacillus plantarium, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Lactobacillus gasseri.

Bifidobacteria

Bifodobacteria is also a widely known probiotic bacteria. These microorganisms,naturally present in the dominant colonic microbiota, represent up to 25% of the cultivable faecal bacteria in adults and 80% in infants. As probiotic agents, bifidobacteria have been studied for their efficacy in the prevention and treatment of a broad spectrum of animal and/or human gastrointestinal disorders, such as colonic transit disorders, intestinal infections, and colonic adenomas and cancer.[NIH]

The Bifidobacterium genus consists of eight strains and approximately 30 species. Some of the bifidobacteria used as probiotics are Bifodbacterium bifidum,Bifodbacterium lactis, Bifodbacterium longum, Bifodbacterium breve,Bifodbacterium infantis, Bifodbacterium thermophilum, Bifodbacterium animalis, and Bifodbacterium pseudolongum.

Other Probiotic Types

The other type include; Saccharomyces boulardii, Streptococcus thermophiles Enterococcus faecium, andLeuconostoc. Read on to learn more about each

Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is the only yeast probiotic. As you might have noted earlier, not all probiotics are bacteria. It is also referred to as S. boulardii. Only 10 species this microorganism are recognized.

Some studies have established that it is useful in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics and traveler’s diarrhea. It aids in regulating the intestines and protecting them from pathogens and other substances that can be harmful to the intestinal lining.

It also modulates different parts of your immune system and keeps the intestinal barrier function up and running.

Boulardii has also been reported to prevent the reoccurrence ofClostridium difficile, to treat acne, and to reduce side effects of treatment forHelicobacter pylori.

Streptococcus thermophilus

This type of probiotic is also classified as a lactic acid bacterium. S. thermophilus is found in fermented milk products, and is generally used in the production of yogurt alongside Lactobacillus bulgaricus. It is said to produce large quantities of the enzyme lactase, making it effective in the prevention of lactose intolerance.

In addition to its wide use in the dairy industry, S.thermophilus, according to research, has shown some positive results on;

• Reducing incidences of lung cancer
• Maintaining stable growth rate in children
• Reducing risks of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)

Enterococcus faecium

Just like the other types of probiotics, enterococci are part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals. They have been long identified as human pathogens that are of great value. The genus Enterococcus includes more than 17 species, although only a few cause clinical infections in humans.

Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis   are the most common species cultured from humans, accounting for more than 90% of clinical isolates.

According to an article published in medicine and heath section of the Oxford Journals, a probiotic that containsEnterococcus faecium (SF68 strain) has been said to be clinically effective in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and in the treatment of diarrhea in children. The article states that though enterococci generally have low pathogenicity, they increasingly are a cause of nosocomial infection in the United States and Europe, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Other enterococcal species known to cause human infection include Enterococcus avium, Enterococcus gallinarum, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus raffinosus, and Enterococcus mundtii. E faecium is responsible for most vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections.

Leuconostoc

Leuconostocs are traditionally found in association with plant matter, fermenting vegetables, milk, dairy products, and wines and meats.[Microbe Wiki]

It has been used extensively in food processing throughout human history, and ingestion of foods containing live bacteria, dead bacteria, and metabolites of these microorganisms has taken place for quite a long period of time.

Have you heard of sauerkraut or “sour cabbage”? It is Leuconostoc , along with other lactic acid bacteria such as Pediococcus and Lactobacillus, responsible for the fermentation ofcabbage, making it sauerkraut.

Some species include, L. carnosum, L. citreum, L. durionis, L. fallax, L. ficulneum, L. fructosum, L. garlicum, L. gasicomitatum, L. gelidum, L. inhae, L. kimchii, L. lactis, L. mesenteroides, L. pseudoficulneum, L. pseudomesenteroides

However, some species are also capable of causing human infection. In a study, Leuconostoc bacteremia was associated with fever, leukocytosis, and gastrointestinal complaints.

Over the Counter (OTC) Probiotics-Florastor & Culturelle

Over-the-counter (OTC) probiotics are the types sold directly to you without a prescription from a healthcare practitioner, as compared to prescription probiotics, which may be sold to you only if you have a valid prescription. They are mostly supplements in form of capsules or liquid.

Two of the most sought OTC probiotics are Florastor and Culturelle.

Florastor

Since 1953, according to the manufacturer of the this product, Florastor is the most trusted name in probiotics around the globe. It can be taken by persons of all ages  to promote whole-body health. Recommended by doctors and pharmacists in 100 countries and backed by more than 50 years of use, Florastor is made with all-natural ingredients using the highest standards.

Culturelle

The probioticthat powers and makes culturelle unique is Lactobacillus GG and according to studies it has been shown to survive stomach acid and form a strong barrier against non-beneficial bacteria. Unlike many of its competitors, Culturelle delivers the optimal number of live, active cells recommended by medical research – in each capsule, tablet or packet.

What is the best Over the counter Probiotic?

There is no best overall over-the-counter probiotic since all probiotic strains are not created equally. It all depends on what you want them for. For example, Florastor has been reported to be one of the bestOTC probiotic for stomach troubles. Here is a list of other OTC probiotics;

• Bifidobacterium infantis (Align(®)
• Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285(®)& Lactobacillus casei LBC80R(®) (Bio-K+(®));
• “L. acidophilus” and “Lactobacillus helveticus” (Lactinex(®)).

Natural Probiotics & Food Sources

What are natural probiotics? What are the best natural sources of these types of probiotics?

These are the probiotics that occur naturally in cultured dairy products, such as yogurt with active cultures, acidophilus milk and kefir, as well as fermented vegetables and/foods. If you are seeking a natural or non-drug ways to maintain your health, this is the way to go. Majority of traditional cultures around the world value these fermented food products highly, and incorporate them in meals daily for both health and flavor.

Natural Probiotic Foods- Best Natural sources of Probiotics

The best known source of natural probiotics is yogurt. In addition to yogurt and other dairy products such as kefir, here is a list of the best probiotic foods that can provide you with natural probiotics

• Poi
• Kimchi
• Tempeh
• Pickles
• Microalgae
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Miso Soup

So, you already know what probiotics are, what they do and the different types that exist. As discussed, they are good bacteria that can boost your immune system, improve your digestion and help in other conditions. However, more research is needed to unearthen what these microorganism are and all they do.

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