Probiotics

Alternate for gut stability

Author Imran Hussain

Keywords: Probiotics, Gut flora, micro biota

The large intestine of the human and animals contains a very complex and balanced micro-
biome. These micro-organisms normally prevent infections and impart a positive effect on
human or animal health. Any abrupt change in diet, stress or antibiotic therapy can upset this
microbial balance which makes the host susceptible to disease and thus decrease the efficiency of
the food which is ingested.

Probiotics [Greek Pro- for, and Bios- life]

The oral administration of either living micro-organisms or substance to promote health and
growth and has the potential to reestablish the balance and return the host to normal health and
nutrition.
Probiotic micro-organisms are host specific and thus a strain selected as a Probiotic in host may
not be suitable for in other host within the same species. Furthermore, micro-organism selected
as a Probiotic agent should be exhibit following characteristics-

Adhere to intestinal mucosa of the intestinal lining of the host.

Be easily cultivable.
Be non-toxic and non-pathogenic to the host.
Exert a beneficial effect on the host.
Produce useful enzymes or physiological end products that the host cell can use.
Remain viable for a long time.
Withstand hydrochloric acid in the hosts stomach and bile salts in the small intestine.

There are several possible explanations of how Probiotics micro-organisms displace pathogen
and enhance the development and stability of microbial balance in the large intestine.

These include -

Competition with the pathogen for nutrients and adhesion sites.

Inactivation of pathogenic bacteria toxins or metabolites.
Production of substances that inhibit the pathogen growth.
Stimulation of non-specific immunity.
Evidence has accumulated that certain Probiotic micro-organisms also offers
considerable health benefits for humans and animals.

Potential health benefits includes-

 Anticarcinogenic activity.
Control of intestinal pathogen.
Improvement of lactose use in individuals suffering from hyperlactasia i.e.
individual suffering from lactose intolerance.
Reduction in serum cholesterol concentration.

Although, the development of Probiotics is still in its early stages, a better understanding of the
normal microbiota in the large intestine of human and animals. Humans will be forth coming as
more microbiologists investigation Probiotic activity.

The aim of this paper is make people aware that instead of using the antibiotic therapies we can
also switch to the treatment which is provided by the nature itself. However, the Probiotics does
have any adverse effects and are very safe to consume.