A probiotic is a live bacterium, normally found in the human gut that has been cultured and is used for it's health benefits. As we normally associate bacteria with infections, deliberately adding bacteria to food might sound a little strange, but humans have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria: the average adult has 100 trillion single-celled organisms, from 400 different bacterial species living inside their gut – that outpopoulates the number of cells in your body by a factor of ten, making us more microbe than human!
The human gut is a hive of activity – not only in terms of digestion with food being processed and passing through, but we have billions of 'good bacteria' residing there - and some bad too. These bacteria are vital to our health, and often overlooked. They play an important role in digestion, breaking down complex food molecules, like carbohydrates, proteins and fats, making them more easily absorbed. So the yoghurts that claim to reduce bloating can do that because of the general improvements they make to digestive function.
Probiotics exert their main beneficial effects on the immune system – activating and directing the immune system when pathogens are located.
We really can't do without them.
tel: 01926 832 685
mobile: 07773 392 449
email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
My practice is in Neal's Yard Remedies - 106 Regent Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4NR - to make an appointment please contact me on the numbers above.