Introduction
The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” Although their precise mechanism of action is poorly understood, certain probiotics are able to ameliorate the intestinal inflammatory processes counteract the influence of enteropathogens, and stimulate the growth of beneficial bacterial species. The most common types of these probiotic bacteria are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. .Many studies indicate that probiotics may have a role in treating gastrointestinal illnesses and boosting immunity.
Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is the most commonly used probiotic, or “friendly” bacteria. Many healthy bacteria live in the intestines and vagina, where they protect against “bad” bacteria that can cause disease. They do this in a couple of ways: for example, when L. acidophilus breaks down food in the intestine, several substances are formed (such as lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide) that create an unfriendly environment for “bad” bacteria. Probiotics are often suggested as a supplement when you take antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but do not discriminate between “friendly” and “unfriendly” organisms, so the balance between good and bad bacteria in the intestines can be upset. It is thought that taking probiotics helps restore the healthy balance of bacteria.
Other probiotics include several Lactobacillus species (spp.), such as L. bulgaricus, L. casei, and L. reuteri, Lactobacillus GG,Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharaomyces boulardii (a kind of yeast).
In addition to probiotics, some health care providers suggest taking “prebiotics.” These are the soluble fiber found in some foods or supplements that help prebiotics thrive in the intestine. Examples include fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a carbohydrate found in some fruits and vegetables.
Many researchers conducted by various recognized universities, health institutes show that these lactobacillus probiotics have a great effect on recovering and reducing the risks of gastrointestinal disorders. Especially the National Institute of Health -United States of America, University of Maryland school of medicine, Yale university school of Medicine, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) United Kingdom and many other. Also many research articles on US national library of medicine, prove the above titled fact.
One of the most common gastro intestinal disorder is Diarrhea all over the world. This have few categories such as Rotavirus diarrhea, Traveler’s diarrhea, and Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Also constipation (especially patients suffering from Parkinson’s diseases)child and young constipation., irritable bowel syndrome or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),bloating, abdominal pain, necrotizing enterocolitits (NEC), chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are found all over the world.
