Probiotics
Probiotics
Probiotics (/proʊˈbaɪɒtɪks/, etymology: from Latin pro-, "for" and Greek -biotic, "life") are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something harmful, but your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "friendly" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
History
The concept of probiotics originated at the start of the 20th century with Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikoff, who postulated that yogurt-consuming Bulgarian peasants lived longer lives because of this custom. He suggested in 1907 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".
Types of Probiotics
There are many different types of probiotics, and they can be classified in a number of ways. They are often grouped by their genus, species, and strain. The most common types of probiotics come from two groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Each group includes different species, and each species has many strains. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus is a very common probiotic.
Health Benefits
Probiotics have been shown to provide a number of health benefits when consumed, including:
- Improving digestive health
- Boosting the immune system
- Helping with weight management
- Improving mental health conditions
Side Effects
While probiotics are generally considered safe for most people, they can cause gas, bloating, upset stomach, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away after a few days or weeks of taking the probiotics. If you have a weakened immune system, you should check with your doctor before starting any probiotic regimen.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Probiotics
- Wikipedia's article - Probiotics
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