Probiotic (noun) – substance containing beneficial microorganisms. Probiotics are now being added to the human diet in order to improve the ecosystem within the gut. The main species consumed by humans are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. This means, of course, that probiotic consumption affects the ultimate make up of intestinal microflora.

So what are the benefits of changing the composition of the microorganisms in the intestine? Well the following have been put forward:

• there is an increased resistance to infectious diseases – particularly diseases of the intestine
• the duration of diarrhoea is shorter
• blood pressure is reduced
• the incidence of allergies decreased
• there is a reduction in carcinogen production

Probiotics are now available from retail outlets in various forms. Most common are those presented in dairy products, particularly yoghurt.

The idea of probiotics has been around for at least the last 100 years. Yet it is only lately that people have come to realise the benefits of probiotics.

Digestive disorders
Many people suffer from digestive disorders.  I suppose the most well known of these is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  They are caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the intestine. Symptoms of digestive disorders can show themselves as:

• chronic tiredness
• rheumatoid arthritis
• acne
• thrush
• colitis

The friendly bacteria help with the digestion in the gut.  However, these friendly bacteria are being overwhelmed by problem causing bacteria.  The “good” bacteria are being outnumbered by the bad because of poor diet and the use of antibiotics.

It is estimated that Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects a quarter of the adult population – twice as many women as men.  It is also a big cause of absenteeism from the work place.  The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include stomach cramps alternating between diarrhoea and constipation.  Unfortunately it doesn’t necessarily end there.  It will in all probability get worse and maybe lead to colitis and possibly cancer of the colon.  So it is necessary to get nutrition sorted to benefit the digestive system.  This is where probiotics should be introduced.