Probiotics: Busting the Myths
Pati- E- Pateinki Lyngdoh
The human gut contains more bacteria than there are eukaryotic cells in the body. Collectively, this gut flora represents a virtual organ with a metabolic activity and a microbiome more diverse than that of the human genome. Some members of this commensal flora, defined as probiotics, have been demonstrated to beneficially affect the body by providing a health-promoting or immunomodulatory challenge to the host. Although described for over a century, scientists and clinicians have realised the significant medical applications of these probiotics. There are very few people who have not heard about the “new” health miracles called probiotics. They claim to help health problems, ranging from constipation to diarrhoea, and prevent colds or fight them once you had once. Probiotics are showing up in foods, beverages, and supplements. What exactly are they, do they work, and are they safe for us to consume them? Let’s start with the facts behind what probiotics are. The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word ‘pro’ meaning “promoting” and ‘biotic’ meaning “life.” The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Yes, they are actually alive, and most of these microorganisms are bacteria. Most people think of antibiotics and antibacterial products when talk about bacteria.
