Moreover, the acidity of the stomach and the secretions of the small intestine may prevent the live bacteria from reaching the large intestine (colon) and thus reducing their beneficial effect. If, however, enough live bacteria reach the gut, they increase the levels of beneficial bacteria also known as probiotic bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This in turn leads to a healthier gut balance with a positive effect on the body’s natural defences.
How can probiotics help?
Most medicines that we use today treat existing ailments – they serve a reactive role when we are in poor health. Preventative initiatives, such as taking this friendly bacteria to boost gut health and the immune system, tend to play more of a minor role because the benefits are not always immediately noticeable. However, the latest research shows that pro and indeed prebiotics may have widespread health benefits including the treatment and prevention of acute diarrhoea and antibiotic-induced diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile colitis, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections in children, dental caries, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, allergic disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have also shown that this friendly bacteria can also help protect people from getting diarrhoea when they take antibiotics.
