Probiotics – is it a serious medicine or naturopathic quackery?

By Emily Jacobs.

Probiotics are microorganisms – bacteria (bugs) that promote health in the human body.

What do they do?

• Produce some vitamins that are important for the healthy functioning of the body. Lack of those particular vitamins may cause depression, anxiety and many other health problems.
• Support immunity against infections – fight (and, actually, sometimes, EAT other bugs – the process is called macrophage).
• Help to digest some food items.

Where those ‘good guys’ – probiotics are found in the body?

Probiotics are found everywhere – in the gut, on the skin, on sexual organs, in the mouth, etc.

What are they called?

There are many probiotics that help us (humans) live healthy lives. The main probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Why do I need to know about the probiotics?

Every time we experience excessive stress, consume too much alcohol or take antibiotics, the probiotics in our body diminish.

Where do I get the probiotics from?

Probiotics are readily available and affordable at the chemist shops. There is no proof that some expensive ‘exclusive’ probiotics work better than average ones from the chemist’s shop.

How do I make sure I have enough probiotics?

Probiotics are killed by stress, alcohol and antibiotics. There are other, less common reasons as well.

What do I do if I think that I do not have enough probiotics in my gut?

There are some digestive analysis and gut microflora tests available. However, the tests should be done in severe cases under the guidance of a doctor.