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How probiotics work and what are their benefits

Yogurt is probably the first probiotic that was ever identified and used. Although other types of probiotics were discovered and unearthed, the public association is so strong that a mere mention of probiotic will still bring yogurt to mind. That being said, the probiotic yogurt benefits are numerous in number. However, as mentioned earlier, yogurt is not the only probiotic in use now. The WHO (World Health Organization) has defined probiotics as any living microorganism that has a health benefit when ingested. CFU, or colony-forming units, is the microbiological term for the density of viable bacteria in a product. CFU also happens to be a measure of the probiotic richness that a food item has.

Probiotics products and their working
Some of the rather well-known probiotic products are unpasteurized and non-flavored plain yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, pickles, tempeh, kimchi and kombucha tea, among others. These bacteria belong to different groups and are selectively effective with each different strain offering a varying degree of benefits. Scientists are trying to find specific bacteria for treating specific conditions. The exact mode of their action is still being studied. When naturally-occurring bacteria are lost, it is the probiotics that can help replace them as in the case of antibiotic treatment for diarrhea. When harmful bacteria grow, they cause disease. Probiotics can overpopulate the gut and drive out the malevolent bacteria and help cure the condition. Probiotics help move the food through the guts. The known conditions responding to probiotics are diarrhea associated with antibiotics, infectious diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

Benefits of probiotics
Recent research has shown probiotics to be effective in skin conditions like eczema, urinary and vaginal health, and in preventing allergies and cold and oral health.

Probiotics form an effective adjunct to antibiotic treatment for urinary infection. Researchers are showing that a regular use of probiotics help beneficial bacteria in establishing and maintaining a high density of occupation on the adherence sites in the urinary tracts thus preventing the harmful ones from taking a foothold. Urinary tract infections are a very common especially among women. Women suffering from recurrent bouts of urinary infections may benefit from regular use of probiotics.

Small studies have shown that using L.acidophilus as vaginal suppositories have helped manage an existing yeast infection and effectively support antibiotic treatment. It can prevent future bouts of infections also.

Vaginal infection is a major cause for preterm labor. If probiotics can play an effective part in controlling vaginal infections in pregnant women, it would be a great boon for maternal health. Normally pregnant women are prone to these infections.

Researchers also suggest that probiotics may have a beneficial effect on immunity and may help weight loss in overweight people.

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