It is widely accepted that good health and general wellbeing begin in the gut. The human digestive system houses trillions of both 'good' and 'bad' bacteria of hundreds of different species, making up what we refer to as the gut biome or microbiome. This unique ecosystem that inhabits our gastrointestinal tract remains in harmony for as long as the 'good' bacteria keep the 'bad' guys in check. Found in certain foods and supplement forms, probiotics work to maintain and restore the symbiotic relationship between the microorganisms in our gut and assist in the body's natural and normal functioning. Let's take a look.

History first

The term "probiotic" translates to "for life". It is thought the word "probiotics" was first used by researchers Daniel M. Lilly & Rosalie H. Stillwell in 1965 at St. John's University in New York during their research into how one microorganism can stimulate the growth of another. Others believe the term was coined earlier in 1953 by German bacteriologist Werner Kollath who referred to probiotics as supplements that could assist in restoring health in people suffering from malnutrition caused by poor diet. We can go much further back to 1903 and pioneering Russian biologist Elie Metchnikoff, credited with the theory that the gut could be inhabited by beneficial microorganisms which promote our health and wellbeing. But in fact, the history of “probiotics” dates back thousands of years when fermented milk were consumed for the health-giving properties of the live bacteria they contained, a practice still seen today. 

The discovery of antibiotics somewhat overshadowed probiotics and their place in the world of health, until the 1950's when the negative effects of antibiotics became apparent. After that time, there was a resurgence in scientific research into the role of bacteria in the gut and their causal effects on dis-ease within the human body.  

Whenever the word probiotic was first used, and by whom, there is no doubt today of the myriad scientifically proven benefits of these fascinating microorganisms.   

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are naturally occurring live bacteria and yeasts found in fermented foods and supplement form, used for their balancing action on the hundreds of strains of bacteria that exist in our gut. They inhibit the growth of pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria. Thus, maintaining the health of the gut is paramount to our general wellbeing.

Why are probiotics beneficial to our health?

Our digestive system is home to trillions of both ’good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, houses approximately 70% of our immune system, and has a direct link to brain function via the gut-brain axis. Is it any wonder that when the symbiotic relationship between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ communities in the gut is upset that we begin to experience all manner of poor health conditions?  

Probiotics are here to help and protect us in more ways than one. First and foremost is the role that probiotics play in our digestive system. We now know the importance of maintaining the balance of the microbiota in our gut. A healthy digestive tract acts as a filter or barrier. It allows us to digest essential nutrients and eliminates toxic substances and waste. But many factors influence the natural equilibrium that supports and protects this delicate and health-giving ecosystem. Overuse of antibiotics, stress, illness, grubby lifestyles and environmental factors can all play a part in tipping the balance in favour of the bad guys. Disruption to this balance is attributed to causing numerous frustrating and debilitating conditions.  

Gastrointestinal disorders, yeast infections, vaginal and urinary tract disorders, skin conditions, chronic fatigue, food allergies, and depression are all widespread and common conditions that are directly related to poor gut health. Many of these diseases have often intractable symptoms that are unresponsive to conventional treatments. Probiotics have been the subject of rigorous scientific research and testing for a great number of years and evidence has shown that they can alleviate, treat and even prevent certain illnesses. 

Supplementing with probiotics helps to repopulate the community of good bacteria in the gut which aids normal intestinal function and reduces inflammation.

Next to consider is the way in which probiotics influence the immune system. A healthy immune system is our body’s natural defence against invading microbes. Approximately 70% of immune cells are located in the gut, so it is easy to recognise the direct link between our gut biome becoming imbalanced and compromised immune response. When the immune system is affected by the adverse conditions in our gut, it can react in negative ways and we see allergic reactions and autoimmune disorders manifesting in the body. 

Skin conditions, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, vaginal infections and diarrhoea can all be attributed to improper immune function and response. Replenishing the friendly and beneficial bacteria needed to keep the gut healthy will, in turn, encourage the immune system back to optimal function and normal responsivity.

The latest to emerge is the research into the so-called gut-brain axis and how probiotic supplements can support this  We now understand that the gut has a direct link to the brain via the vagus nerve, also known as the wandering nerve as it travels from the base of the brain through all the major organs in the body. Consider this next time you get that “gut feeling”, it is a physiological occurrence, as well as something we link to intuition. 

Demanding lifestyles and stress can wreak havoc with our digestive system. When the symbiotic relationship between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ communities of bacteria in the gut is upset we can experience fatigue, low mood, lack of concentration, and general malaise. Once again, gut health is coming up trumps for actively influencing normal brain function.

And so, the power of probiotics is truly far-reaching.

Types of probiotics

Probiotics are available in supplement form and are found in certain foods and drinks. 

A probiotic is characterised by which genus it belongs to, its species, and the strain of that species. Most commonly known are the Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacteria families.  

Each strain of bacteria has a unique role to play in gut health and its own unique benefits to impart to particular areas of the digestive tract, therefore choosing the appropriate probiotic strain is important when addressing your particular health concern. Your healthcare professional will be able to assist you with this.

For example, Lactobacillus are responsible for maintaining the overall health of the digestive tract and certain strains have a specific role in lactose digestion. Bifidobacteria help to prevent and reduce diarrhoea. The B. infantis strain is especially helpful with symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, while B. longum contributes to normal brain function. Streptococcus thermophilus is helpful to sufferers of lactose intolerance. 

Given these examples, it is wise not to grab the first pack from the shelf that contains the most probiotic strains. Consult your healthcare practitioner and research which supplement will be most beneficial to you. It may well be that a good quality product containing just one strain will be most appropriate. Please see the information contained in the next section regarding PrecisionBioticsⓇ for further clarification.

Also remember that supplements of any kind, including probiotics, are not intended to replace a wholesome diet and a healthy lifestyle. Probiotics are available in off-the-shelf foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, honey, tomatoes, and asparagus. Fermented foods such as live yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi are extremely rich in probiotics, readily available, and definitely worth including in your diet. As are fermented drinks such as kefir and kombucha. 

PrecisionBioticsⓇ

For over 17 years, PrecisionBioticsⓇ have been discovering and researching nature’s beneficial microbes. Together with their esteemed colleagues at one of the world-leading centres in microbiome research, the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre in Co. Cork, Ireland, they are dedicated to providing natural healthcare products which are backed by science. Their products are pure formulations containing live cultures which have been rigorously tested to the highest standards and extensively trialled in human clinical studies.

The extensive scientific research and testing carried out by PrecisionBioticsⓇ and APC have exposed the unique properties of B. infantis 35624, a member of the Bifidobacterium family, and its specific and targeted action in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This discovery led to the development of the probiotic supplement AlflorexⓇ. B. infantis 35624 is also contained in breastmilk and is passed to babies at birth to assist in healthy immune system development, thus making it a particularly special strain.

AlflorexⓇhas been voted Best Gastrointestinal Product for 3 consecutive years at the Irish Pharmacy News OTC awards and is the number 1 Gastroenterologist recommended bacterial culture in the US.

Specially formulated ZenfloreⓇ contains 1714-SerenitasⓇ,  a Bifidobacterium longum culture that encourages the production of mood-boosting serotonin in the gut. This unique and highly beneficial strain has been shown to increase activity in the areas of the brain associated with emotions, learning, and memory. ZenfloreⓇ has undergone rigorous clinical trials and human studies and has also been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Combined with a carefully selected group of B vitamins, ZenfloreⓇ supports the mind and body during busy and challenging times by reducing stress and fatigue.

This article is intended for information purposes only and is not to be considered medical advice. Always consult your medical professional before taking food supplements and never discontinue any medication.