Essay on Probiotics and Prebiotics

A healthy adult has over 1000 species of bacteria residing in the gut (1). There is great diversity in genera of these bacteria, however the most

The health benefits of maintaining bacteria in the gut are a topic of interest. Grocery store shelves are stocked with probiotic goods such

If you're like many other people (including myself till I started researching this), you might only have a vague idea about what a healthy gut is. You likely know there are bacteria in your gut, that antibiotics destroy those bacteria and that you need to eat yogurt to put those bacteria back. You likely don't know you need to eat special yogurt containing active live cultures to bring bacteria back in your

More than a century ago the notion of microbiota working as a regulator for health and disease was already in use. They realized that consuming large amounts of fermented milk helped with their longevity. This began the foundation of probiotics. However, the oral probiotics that are used today are at a lower amount than what is contained in the colon. After cycling through the digestive system it is

The colon also known as the large intestine is an important contributor to the gastrointestinal tract. After food is absorbed in the small intestine it is pushed into the large intestine where the remaining water and vitamin k is absorbed. This is where the absorption water is most important in the G.I tract in keeping excretions regular. Also, the colon is a rich source of microorganisms. Bacteria in the colon assist in the digestion of nutrients we are not able to do because we lack those enzymes that specifically breakdown carbohydrates. To disrupt the balance of the microorganisms or bacteria would in fact cause more harm to your health.

Probiotics, literally meaning pro life, is the name given to a group of live beneficial microorganisms found today in many foods as well as in supplement form. Examples of probiotics include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidum bacterium and Bifidus regularis. Our bodies are already comprised of the beneficial microorganisms found in probiotics but external factors often significantly reduce or eliminate

The use of the first form of microbe-based therapeutics, probiotics, is beneficial for preventing disease. These live microorganisms are known to strengthen the equilibrium of the gut flora by the development of healthy gut

Studies have identified different genera of bacteria which are present in the microbiome and their role in nutrient intake. Gut microbiota has 3 main enterotypes Prevotella, Bacteroides and Ruminococcus, there is a strong correlation between the concentration of each bacterial community and the dietary constituents. A diet high in carbohydrates and simple sugars would also indicate and reveal a greater concentration of Prevotella whereas a diet high in protein and animal fats would present a higher concentration of Bacteroides in the gut. A long term change in the diet would permanently shift the concentration of bacteria in the gut to accommodate the new nutrient uptake. This would then change the bacterial barrier in the intestine which could make it more vulnerable due to reduced species richness.

diff. This pathogen outgrows gut commensals and releases toxins. These toxins attack the intestinal lining, causing ulcerative colitis. Since this disorder is causing many health concerns throughout hospitals and nursing homes, there are many trying to find ways to treat it. Scientists believe ulcerative colitis can be treated by introducing a new microbiota to afflicted people. Fecal microbiota transplantation or FMT is becoming increasingly accepted as a safe and effective way to treat this. FMT’s or ‘poop’ pills introduce brand new microbiota commensals from healthy individuals to those with colitis. (3) Other ways could be from multiple donors, and transplantation of one owns microbiota, extracted when in good health. Although this is still not standard therapy for the individuals, it brings to light the ability of a healthy gut microbiota in keeping individuals healthy.(4) Everyones gut microbiota is different and not all treatments will affect everyone

In 1953, Kollath introduced the term ‘probiotic’. Etymologically, the term ‘probiotic’ is originated from the hybridization of Greek words ‘προ’ and ‘βιοτος’, which brough the meaning of ‘for life’. In 1953, the term ‘probiotic’ was introduced by Kollath as “organic and inorganic supplements necessary to restore health to patients suffering a form of malnutrition resulting from eating too much highly refined food” (Hamilton-Miller et al., 2003). The probiotic word has evolved throughout the years. As indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are characterized as "live microorganisms that able to provide advantage to the host when consume in adequate amount (World Health Organization [WHO], 2001). Probiotics also classified

Soluble fiber retains water and turns to gel during digestion. It also slows digestion and nutrient absorption from the stomach and intestine. Soluble fiber can be found in foods such as oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, fruits and fruit skins, and many vegetables.

Did you know that there are more than a thousand different types of different tiny organisms called microbiota living inside your digestive system? Most people are probably grossed out by that, but it’s actually a good thing. The organisms break down food that our bodies can’t so that we can get nutrients from it. The article Gut biogeography of the bacterial microbiota explains that there are a lot of factors that affect the lives of the microbiota inside our digestive system. What we eat is a big factor that affects how microbiota live. When we were babies and drank breast milk, our microbiota used the nutrients from the milk to outlive other bacteria that could have been harmful to us. Experiments done to prove this were called

Asparagus is yet another prebiotic-rich food that supports the development of good gut bacteria and defends the body against the bad ones.. Plus, this vegetable rich is high in fiber that supports regularity and decreases bloating. Asparagus is an all-around great addition to your diet thanks to its chlorophyll content that boost immune

Probiotics are ingestable microorganisms which gives the consumer a beneficial effect. First coined by the late eli Metchnikoff probiotics are described to be microorganisms which are ingested in small amount to increase the diversity of both flora and fauna inside the human body this reaction in turn affects the adaptation abilities for the human body to react to different surroundings, digest different things, or just improve the antibody or the mechanism that already exists in the human body.

Macrobiotics is one of the many alternative diets that has gained popularity in the United States over the last couple decades. Michio Kushi introduced macrobiotics to New York City in the 1970's. Proponents of macrobiotics contend that it is not merely a diet, but a philosophy that, if properly observed, will ensure emotional, physical, spiritual and mental well-being. Good physical health is necessary before emotional, physical and spiritual wellness can be cultivated. See Foundation for the Macrobiotic Way