Probiotics, beneficial bacteria and undesirable bacteria

It is estimated that in our digestive system, home to some 400 species of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are called beneficial bacteria, while others are less desirable disease-producing bacteria, which often invade certain parts of our body and cause disease.

The probiotics are live microorganisms that, in a certain amount ingested, can provide beneficial effects to the body. Most of these microorganisms are known as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and are found primarily in fermented dairy products (yogurt, cheese) and nutritional supplements .

Beneficial bacteria produce acetic, lactic and formic acids, and lower the pH of the intestine, thereby inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Our level of health depends largely on the conditions of the control bacteria and they are able to exercise on harmful. Some bacteria can grow only in environments lacking oxygen almost entirely as bifidobacteria. Others require small amounts of oxygen to live and grow and are therefore known as microaerophilic organisms (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus), although some strains are able to survive in the absence of oxygen.

Keep in mind that not all lactobacilli or bifidobacteria probiotics may be considered, since this requires to have shown a beneficial effect on the body other than purely nutritional. A typical product is probiotic yogurt.

Beneficial bacteria have the potential to play two roles.

a) markedly improved nutrient absorption nutritional help us digest food and produce essential vitamins.

b) play important roles specific therapeutic.

Because of these multiple and complementary benefits of beneficial bacteria is what has been coined the term "probiotics". They refer to that support and enhance life: ours and theirs, in contrast to the activity of "anti-life" of antibiotics that kill bacteria indiscriminately, both beneficial and detrimental, when provided.