Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts¹. Often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria, they are commonly found in fermented foods, dietary supplements, and are occasionally added to processed foods.

Mechanism of Action

Probiotics work through several mechanisms to promote health:

• Restoration of Gut Microbiota: Probiotics can help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria disturbed by disease states or antibiotic treatment².
• Immune Modulation: They can modulate immune responses, enhancing the body's ability to fight infections and reducing inflammation³.
• Neuromodulation: Certain probiotic strains can affect the gut-brain axis, potentially impacting mood and cognitive functions⁴.

Health Benefits

Probiotics are associated with a wide variety of health benefits, including⁵⁶:

• Digestive Health: Manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
• Immune System Support: Enhance immune function and may reduce the risk and severity of infections.
• Mental Health: Emerging evidence suggests probiotics could help with conditions like anxiety and depression by influencing the gut-brain axis.
• Skin Health: Certain strains may alleviate skin conditions like eczema.
• Metabolic Health: Some probiotics exhibit beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Common Probiotic Strains

• Lactobacillus: Commonly found in yogurt and other fermented foods, these strains are effective in treating diarrhea and improving gut health.
• Bifidobacterium: Found in some dairy products and supplements, these strains support immunity and overall digestive health.
• Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast is effective against antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections.

Contraindications and Adverse Effects

While generally considered safe, probiotics can cause adverse effects in certain populations:

• Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems may be at risk of infections from probiotics.
• Critically Ill Patients: Caution is advised as there have been rare cases of probiotic-related infections⁷.

Further Research

Despite extensive studies, further research is needed to understand the full extent of health benefits, optimal strains, and doses for various health conditions⁸.

For more detailed information, you can check the sources provided by the National Library of Medicine and other research articles¹².

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Footnotes

1. Shahrokhi, Mahsa. "Probiotics - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf" ↩ ↩²

2. Hemarajata, Peera. "Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation" ↩ ↩²

3. Markowiak, Paulina. "Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health" ↩

4. Shi, Lye Huey. "Beneficial Properties of Probiotics" ↩

5. Kechagia, Maria. "Health Benefits of Probiotics: A Review" ↩

6. Bodke, Harsh. "Role of Probiotics in Human Health" ↩

7. Mazziotta, Chiara. "Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health" ↩

8. Office of Dietary Supplements - Probiotics ↩