Question

Given that there is a lot more research available today regarding the microbiome and the numerous benefits of probiotics, what are the challenges to having a healthy array of beneficial bacteria in the gut? Is the Western lifestyle conducive to developing a healthy microbiome? Why or why not? Find one peer-reviewed article that discusses at least one way in which probiotics affect the body. Provide the citation and give us an overview of the article findings.

Answer 1

Probiotics are defined as live microbial feed supplement that beneficially affects the host by improving its intestinal balance .The term “Probiotics” meaning “for life” was first coined by Lilly and Stillwell. In the early 20^th century, Elie Metchnikoff first proposed the concept of Probiotics. He suggested that beneficial bacteria could be administered in order to replace harmful microbes with useful ones. Probiotics is defined byFAO/ WHO as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when administered in adequate amounts on the host.

It has been estimated that 100 different species and total bacterial population of 10¹⁰ - 10¹² are present in the human intestinal tract. The composition of the GI tract microbes vary between individuals and also within the same individual at different ages during life. The GI tract contains both ‘friendly’ and pathogenic bacteria that exist in a complex symbiosis. Maintenance of an optimal gut flora balance requires that ‘friendly’ bacteria, such as the gram-positive Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium dominate and form a barrier to pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics are beneficial in many ways There are many health benefits provided by probiotic microorganisms. The benefits include that they act against infective diarrhoea, antibiotic associated diarrhoea, diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile, traveller’s diarrhoea , Rotaviral diarrhoea in children, inflammatory bowel disease. Irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, colon and prostate cancer, probiotics acts against lactose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infection. Probiotics helps in cholesterol assimilation, they enhance mucosal immunity, they are also effective in treating cardiovascular diseases. Other benefits include acting against urinogenital tract infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast vaginitis etc.

Source: Dipjyoti C, Sourangshu C, Mohanasrinivasan V (2015) Fermentation of Psidiumguajava Juice by Using Probiotic Lactic acid Bacteria Lactobacillus Plantarum. J Nutr Food Sci 5: 398. doi:10.4172/2155-9600.1000398