 Microorganisms for Life
Probiotics refers to a category of dietary supplements consisting of beneficial microorganisms. Probiotics compete with disease causing microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. When helpful bacteria such as acidophilus are reintroduced into the gastrointestinal tract, the result is balance. Probiotics are responsible for several activities in the gut, including manufacturing B vitamins such as biotin, niacin (B3), folic acid, and pyridoxine (B6); producing lactase; producing antibacterial substances that kill disease-causing bacteria; killing harmful bacteria by changing the acid/alkaline balance and by depriving the harmful bacteria of the nutrients they need; improving digestive tract function; and combating vaginal yeast infections.
Acidophilus is, technically, the species of naturally occurring live bacteria known as Lactobacillus acidophilus. However, products sold as acidophilus may also contain L. bulgaricus and other strains of lactic bacteria. Beneficial bacteria such as acidophilus are essential to the healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal system, where they play a role in the digestion of food and the production of B vitamins. Acidophilus is often recommended to replenish the population of "friendly" microorganisms that have been wiped out by a course of oral antibiotics. Supplementation helps prevent fungi such as Candida albicans (a cause of yeast infections) from spreading. Acidophilus bacteria are also found in fermented milk products such as yogurt and kefir. Acidophilus products must be refrigerated unless specially formulated. Acidophilus is nontoxic
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Bifidobacteria (including B. bifidum, B. infantis, and B. longum) arc natural inhabitants of the human intestine. They are found in the stools of humans and help prevent colonization of the intestine by unfriendly bacteria, assist in the production of B vitamins, and increase acidity of the intestine, which is inhibitory to less desirable microorganisms. They also help infants retain nitrogen, which encourages weight gain. The Japanese scientific community now believes that bifidobacteria are the most important of all probiotics because they prevent reabsorption of toxins (such as airlines) that, when allowed to reenter the system, place significant strain on the liver. Bifidobacteria also compete against Candida albicans, the bacteria that cause yeast infections. Bifidobacteria are the most common bacteria found in breast-fed human infants. Bottle-fed babies are low in bifidobacteria, however, as are most adults who have taken antibiotics or eaten pesticide-rich foods.
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Lactobacillus bulgaricus is found in yogurt and cheese. When eaten or taken in a supplement form, this bacteria enhances digestion of the milk sugar lactose by producing the enzyme lactase. As with other lactic acid bacteria, this transient bacteria encourages a more acidic environment, which inhibits less desirable microorganisms. Bulgaricus assists in the breakdown and absorption of proteins. It also boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of macrophages and immunoglobulins, which are essential antibodies.
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Streptococcus thermophilus is found in yogurt and cheese, as well as heated and pasteurized milk. It is used along with Lactobacillus bulgaricus to form a culture which is used in the preparation of yogurt. When eaten or taken in a supplement, this bacteria enhances digestion of lactose by producing the enzyme lactase. Thermophilus also has unique growth stimulating properties, and combines with other probiotics to enhance the overall bacterial environment.
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