Pages

Popular Articles :

Definition of probiotics

Definition of probiotics

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, such as bacteria, which live in harmony with our intestinal flora (the population of bacteria found in the intestinal tract) and have a beneficial effect on health when administered in adequate amounts.

Our intestinal flora is essential for the proper functioning of the intestine and especially the colon motility:
- Certain bacteria of the intestinal flora are called "residents", that is to say present under physiological conditions in the intestine, and are in harmony with the body (called bacteria "saprophytic") ;
- Other bacteria called "transition" may have potential toxic and are normally controlled by the dominant saprophytic flora.

Probiotics include in particular:
- Lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria);
- And some yeasts (such as Saccharomyces boulardii ...).
Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli have been many studies that have shown that the fermentation process carried out by certain bacterial species appear to be essential for the maintenance of intestinal transit time, especially colic.

A colonic transit time of 48-72 hours is considered idle and slow colonic transit (time greater than 72 hours) is pathological (constipation).

Characteristics of a probiotic

A probiotic must:
- Be food grade;
- Be in the form of living cells;
- Be stable and remain viable during storage;
- Have a beneficial effect on the health of the host.

At what level do they probiotics?

Probiotics act at three levels of the intestine
- At the level of the intestinal flora;
- At the level of the intestinal barrier that helps to fight against infections;
- The level of the immune system of the intestine.
Research have observed:
- Their influence on the balance of the intestinal flora;
- Their impact on some immune markers;
- Their beneficial effect on certain diseases including infectious.

Effects of probiotics in the body

• Probiotics rebalance the intestinal flora, helps the body to eliminate disease-causing germs and stimulate the growth of germs helpful.
• Probiotics play a regulatory role in immunity.
• Probiotics help fight against infections and modulate immune responses inadequate organization (such as allergies).





Alerts: If you want to know more fresh update helpful articles enter your email address below and be notified by mail.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner