The human body is made up of an estimated 100 trillion bacterial cells from at least 500 species, not including viruses and fungi. These bacterias (probiotics) are referred to as "friendly" bacteria and are responsible for several important biological functions. Some of these functions include assisting with digestion, keeping other harmful bacteria at bay and stimulating the immune system.

Researchers are hopeful that probiotics hold the answer to the growing number of cases of antibiotic resistance and abuse. This has caused consumers to search for other natural alternatives to treating various health conditions.

Certain studies have proven the many health benefits of probiotics such as the prevention or control of:

• Food and skin allergies in children
• Bacterial vagniosis
• Premature labor in pregnant women
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Recurrent ear and bladder infections
• Chronic diarrhea

Although it's received little recognition by Western medical professionals, the health benefits of probiotics have been known for at least 100 years.

Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." Unfortunately, most of the food and supplements being marketed as probiotics contain little to no health value, according to researchers.

There are two reasons for their ineffectiveness. First, they are present in too small a quantity to offer any health benefits. Secondly, many of the probiotics haven't undergone proper clinical testing. Despite this evidence, companies continue to make claims that their products are effective and consumers continue to believe them.

Experts agree that the absence of bacteria in the intestines is unhealthy. This was apparent in the experiment of laboratory animals that were raised to be germ-free and were frequently sick, exhibited grossly underdeveloped immune systems and vulnerable intestinal tracts.

To date, one of the most significant benefits of probiotics is its ability to prevent eczema in babies with an inherited tendency to develop allergies.

SOURCE: New York Times
September 29, 2004

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