What are probiotics and their health benefits

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, can promote health.There are many different types, and you can get them from food or supplementsIt is said that the ratio of the number of bacteria in your body to the number of cells in your body is 10 to 1.However, a recent study suggests that the ratio is closer to 1 to 1 (1, 2).According to these estimates, there are 39–300 trillion bacteria living in your body. Whichever estimate is the most accurate, it must be a large number.Most of these bacteria live in your gut, and most are harmless.Some are helpful and a few cause disease.Having the right gut bacteria is associated with numerous health benefits, including the following:

• Weight loss

• Improved digestion

• Enhanced immune function

• Healthier skin

• Reduced risk of some diseases

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that provide health benefits when consumed.They are often taken as supplements designed to help colonize the gut with beneficial microbes.

What are probiotics?  

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested, provide health benefits.However, the scientific community often disagrees on what the benefits are, and which bacterial strains are responsible.Probiotics are usually bacteria, but certain types of yeast can also act as probiotics.There are other microorganisms in the gut that are being studied,including viruses, fungi, archaea, and worms.You can get probiotics from supplements and foods prepared by bacterial fermentation.Probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi.Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics,which are carbohydrates—usually dietary fiber—that help nourish the good bacteria already in your gut.Products that contain both prebiotics and probiotics are called synbiotics.Synbiotic products often combine friendly bacteria with some food for the bacteria to eat (prebiotics) in one supplement.The most common probiotics are lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.Other common species are Saccharomyces,Streptococcus,Enterococcus,Escherichia coli, and Bacillus.Each genus contains different species,and each species contains many strains.On the label you will find the probiotic identified by the specific strain (including genus), species, subspecies (if available) and alphanumeric strain code.Different probiotics have been found to address different health conditions.Therefore, choosing the right type of probiotic is crucial.Some supplements known as broad-spectrum probiotics or multi-probiotics combine different species in the same product.

Importance of microorganisms for your gut

The complex microbial community in the gut is known as the gut flora, gut microbiota, or gut microbiome.The gut microbiome includes bacteria,viruses,fungi, archaea,and worms—with bacteria making up the vast majority.Your gut is home to a complex ecosystem of 300-500 bacterial species.Most gut flora are found in the colon or large intestine, the last part of the digestive tract.Surprisingly, the metabolic activity of your gut flora resembles that of your organs.For this reason,some scientists refer to the gut microbiome as the "forgotten organ" (17Trusted Source).Your gut flora performs many important health functions.It produces vitamins, including vitamin K and some B vitamins.It also converts fiber into short-chain fats like butyrate,propionate,and acetate,which feed your gut lining and perform many metabolic functions.These fats also stimulate your immune system and strengthen your gut lining.This helps prevent unwanted substances from entering your body and triggering an immune response.Your gut flora is highly sensitive to your diet,and studies have linked an unbalanced gut flora to a variety of diseases.These diseases are thought to include obesity,type 2 diabetes,metabolic syndrome,heart disease,colorectal cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and depression.Probiotics and prebiotic fiber can help correct this balance,ensuring optimal function of your “forgotten organ”.Your gut flora is made up of hundreds of species of microorganisms.These microbes perform many important bodily functions.