What is Probiotic?

Probiotics term was first used by the Kollath in 1953. Probiotics are included in the diet from very long period of time and so their importance can not be discarded. Probiotics are also been recommended safer to use by the WHO (World Health Organization).

Probiotic helps in preventing the colonization of the pathogenic or harmful bacteria. The most common types of microbes which are used as Probiotics are Lactic Acid Bacteria (Different species of Lactobacillus), Yeast and Bifido Bacteria, etc. The various examples of common Probiotics include Yoghurt, Pickled Vegetables, Fermented Bean Paste, Buttermilk, Soy sauce and many more.

The various application of the Probiotics include managing lactose intolerance, prevention of colon cancer, reducing LDL cholesterol level, lowering B.P., enhances immune system, in treatment of Helicobacter pylori, in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea, reducing inflammation, improve nutrients absorption and many more.

Recent Researches
(a) Multiple Probiotic Strains can be more efficient in its action as compared to single strain.
(b) According to the clinical study conducted at the Imperial College London in 2007, Probiotics can reduce incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
(c) There is a lack of the scientific evidences about their ability to completely replace killed beneficial flora of the small intestine.
However there is a need of conducting more researches in this regard to prove the benefits of Probiotics in humans.