Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that colonise the intestinal tract and act to promote the efficient functioning of digestion, help prevent digestive upsets and stimulate and maintain the natural immunity of the body. Probiotic bacteria are normal inhabitants of the intestines and are found in the healthy gut of all humans.
Probiotics have been shown to work by the following mechanisms:
Competition for nutrients
Within the gut, beneficial as well as pathogenic micro-organisms utilise the same types of nutrients. Thus there will be a general competition for these nutrients to grow and reproduce. The more the gut is flooded with beneficial micro-organisms, the more competition is created between beneficial and pathogenic micro-organisms.
Competition for adhesion sites
Adhering to adhesion sites along the wall of the gut is also an important colonisation factor and many intestinal pathogens rely on adhesion to the gut wall to prevent them being swept away with the passing food and peristaltic action of the intestinal tract.
An important function of probiotic bacteria is to prevent or limit the growth and colonisation of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter and Clostridia within the gut. These pathogenic bacteria are known to cause major disturbances within the gut, thus preventing efficient digestion and nutrient absorption, and may result in diarrhoea or vomiting. When the gut microflora is well balanced, the beneficial micro-organisms that colonise the gut can help to reduce the risk of pathogenic challenge.
Stimulation of immunity
Probiotic consumption has been shown to ensure the optimum microfloral balance, which can stimulate and maintain the natural immune system of the host. When probiotics are used regularly, these enhanced immune effects help to prevent illness.
