Probiotic Benefits

Probiotics are being touted as the latest miracle in health, weight loss and nutrition. This article reviews the potential health benefits of probiotics, while also remaining realistic about the lack of scientific data to support such health industry claims. Although user feedback and health gurus overwhelmingly profess the positive benefits of incorporating probiotics into one's diet, long-term scientific studies have not yet been conducted; therefore, individuals should consider their health needs and existing health issues before starting on a daily regimen of probiotics.

Identification

• Probiotics are microorganisms---such as bacteria, viruses and yeasts---that can be seen only under a microscope and that are often referred to as "healthy" or "good" bacteria. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and defined by the World Health Organization, probiotics are "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." The benefits of incorporating probiotics into one's diet have been widely speculated, as little evidence exists to support the long-term health benefits. Despite the lack of formal evidence, the probiotic trend has swept the health and diet industries for their potential cleansing benefits, immune boosting powers and nutritional value.

Forms

• Probiotics can be found in nature and in supplement form. For example, many foods contain probiotics naturally, such as yogurt, edamame (whole soybeans) and soy-based dishes like miso, tempeh and tofu. Mainly, probiotics are added to foods or can be purchased in supplement form to enhance dietary deficiencies.

Benefits

• Potential health benefits from probiotics stem from the "balancing act" of good and bad bacteria present in the body. As NCCAM explained, "Friendly bacteria are vital to proper development of the immune system, to protection against microorganisms that could cause disease, and to the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients." This balancing act between good and bad bacteria depends on the individual's dietary needs and other health or immune issues.
  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggested a list of potential health issues that could be helped by the introduction of probiotics into one's daily diet. The list includes: infectious diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), tooth decay and periodontal disease, vaginal infections, stomach and respiratory infections that children acquire in daycare and skin infections.
  The theory behind the probiotic boost is that there are cells present in one's digestive tract that are connected to the immune system; thus, if good bacteria is present to combat the bad bacteria, it would make sense that the cells would absorb the probiotics and have a positive affect on one's immune system.

Cautions

• Because the research supporting the benefit of probiotics is relatively new, although growing, there are potential health risks that people should consider before incorporating probiotics into their diet. The NCCAM stressed in 2009 that more research needs to be done to discover the effect that probiotics can have on children, elderly or the immune-deficient individual.
  Side effects of probiotics are relatively mild and consist primarily of digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating or loose bowels. Health experts have also theorized that too many probiotics in the system could actually cause infections that would need to be treated with antibiotics, or unhealthy metabolic responses, such as an over-reactive immune system.

Considerations

• Because the effectiveness of probiotics is not supported with substantial or long-term scientific study, one should consult a physician before beginning a probiotic regimen. In addition, one should never replace conventional, or traditional, treatment of infections or illnesses without first consulting a physician. Probiotics are meant to complement, not replace, one's traditional treatments, prescriptions or health regimens as prescribed by a medical expert.