What Are Probiotics? What Are Their Benefits? – Rawan Auday Ali, Serwa Falah Abd-Alwaheed

What Are Probiotics? What Are Their Benefits?

The human gastrointestinal system is home to over 400 cultivable microorganisms, which begin colonizing the gut soon after birth. Several factors, including the method of delivery, antibiotic use, and hygiene practices influence the composition of these gut bacteria. Initially, the gut is dominated by species such as Streptococcus and Escherichia coli. While some indigenous microbes can cause illness, many are benign or beneficial. For example, harmful clostridia contrasts with health-promoting bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Under normal circumstances, a balance exists between these beneficial and harmful organisms. Disruptions to this balance can increase susceptibility to infections and inflammatory diseases.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They play a crucial role in maintaining this balance of gut flora. Their impact extends beyond the gastrointestinal system, influencing overall nutritional status and affecting conditions such as skin health and brain function.

Benefits of Probiotics

1. Treatment and Prevention of Diarrheal Diseases

Several clinical trials have shown that probiotics are effective in preventing acute diarrheal illnesses. One of the most common adverse reactions to both short—and long-term antibiotic therapy, especially when multiple regimens are used, is diarrhea. Co-administration of probiotics has been demonstrated to lower the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults and children undergoing antibiotic therapy.

2. Probiotics, with their potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a collective term for Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), two of the most persistent inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. CD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including the mucosa, submucosa, and serosa, and the inflammation may even spread throughout the entire organ. In contrast, UC is characterized by inflammation involving the large bowel, particularly the mucosa and submucosa of the colon. Studies have demonstrated the pathophysiological significance of gut microbiota imbalance in regulating inflammatory bowel diseases. It is also recognized that probiotic supplements may help modify the disease’s course and alleviate symptoms.

3. Probiotics’ Impact on the Central Nervous System

There is a strong link between gastrointestinal disorders and the colonization of bacteria in the GIT. Recent research has focused on understanding how gut bacteria affect the central nervous system (CNS). The “microbiota-gut-brain axis” is an interactive, two-way communication system where the GIT and CNS exchange regulatory signals. Studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiota produces substances that can pass through the blood-brain barrier. These signaling molecules and pathways impact our emotional, psychological, and physical health.

Microbiota-targeted interventions, such as probiotics (“beneficial bacteria”) or support for such bacteria (e.g., prebiotics), are referred to as “psych biotics.” The probiotic strains Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus are most frequently associated with mental health, cognition, and stress reduction. Additionally, certain probiotics and beneficial bacteria that influence the gut-brain connection—and ultimately mental and emotional well-being—may be stimulated by prebiotics and postbiotics.