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The word probiotic is derived from Greek, pro means for and bios means life. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that naturally live in the gut. In fact, the number of microorganisms in the human body outnumbers the number of cells. The microbes enter into the gut on their own immediately after birth gut through vaginal birth, breast milk etc. The concept of drinking fermented milk to cure gut illness is mentioned in ancient scripts like the bible and Vedas. It is not an exaggeration but a fact that the prolonged life of Bulgarian peasants is because of yoghurt consuming custom.
Probiotics are part of regular diet in different cultures with different names like curd, pickles, yoghurts, kefyr, kimchi, kombucha, Sauer craft and so on. Promoting a healthy gut microbiome, balancing immune function, enhancing nutrient absorption and production, and maintaining healthy weight fatigue are a few of many health benefits attributed to the probiotics
How good and safe are the probiotic drinks/food that have become a rage these days?
Nowadays, due to rampant change in lifestyle and food habits awareness for a probiotic supplement is much needed. Due to chloride in water, and processed food in the diet, the availability of over-the-counter medications like antibiotics poses a threat to the natural microbiome and frequent supplementation may be a necessity.
Probiotic drinks/food have become a rage these days in the food industry. Some insight is needed for consumers before including these as a part of the diet. Plain Greek yoghurt, kefyr tangy fermented food drink and saeurcraft are the best sources of probiotics. All these supplements contain bacteria that are frozen and dried but still become alive when they enter the gut. The efficacy of probiotics largely varies from person to person depending on the type of active culture used.
Probiotic food drinks are not just healthy bacteria they contain added sugar, almost comparable to 100ml cool drinks. Added milk powder can be a cause of gut inflammation, and flavouring agents and preservatives are not so good for health. Are probiotics good? Definitely a yes but gulping them with sugar-laden ultra-processed food is not a good idea.
What one should look for when buying probiotic food/drink?
Choose a probiotic that contains microorganisms proven to get the desired effect. For example, Lactobacillus may be helpful for someone who cannot digest lactose the sugar in milk, Bifidobacterium for someone with IBS and saccharomyces for diarrhoea. Check the expiry date when purchasing a probiotic; Make sure the bacteria are viable. The manufacturer should specify how many bacteria are viable at the end of shelf life. Colony-forming units should be in billions always. There should not be any leakage or swelling of the package. Some people may get diarrhoea and bloating initially when using probiotics.
How effective it is for a patient with gastro-related issues?
Probiotics have proven beneficial in gut problems like functional GI disorders, infantile colic, constipation, ulcerative colitis and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. But if probiotics are considered for therapeutic purposes it is better to use products regulated by FDA. Probiotics are not a replacement for proven treatment. Though probiotics boost immunity in a normal person they can become a source of infection in immunologically challenged patients. Visit Manipal, the top gastroenterology hospital in Mangalore to have a consultation on the gastro related issues.
Can a person consume probiotic food/drink even when he has no gut issues?
Yes, probiotics have some role in non-GI related conditions allergies like eczema, and hormone disorders like thyroid, acne, depression and fatigue. However, research in these areas is still in progress and it is always advised to take probiotics after discussing with the top gastroenterologist in Mangalore.
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