Natural probiotics
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Natural Probiotics: Benefits and Applications
Introduction to Natural Probiotics
Natural probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria and yeasts, such as those from the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces, are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt and fermented milks 12. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota and have been used for centuries due to their health-promoting properties 3.
Health Benefits of Natural Probiotics
Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics are well-known for their positive effects on gastrointestinal health. They help improve intestinal tract health by modifying gut pH, producing antimicrobial compounds, and competing with pathogens for nutrients and binding sites 2. Probiotics are effective in treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and colonic disorders 39. They also reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance and decrease the prevalence of allergies in susceptible individuals 2.
Immune System Enhancement
Probiotics enhance the immune system by stimulating immunomodulatory cells and increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells. This immune-boosting effect is particularly beneficial for elderly individuals, as shown in studies where probiotic supplementation significantly increased NK cell activity 8. Probiotics also reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to a balanced immune response 5.
Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Recent research has highlighted the role of probiotics in alleviating stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognitive functions. For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum P8 has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve memory and cognitive traits in stressed adults 5. This suggests that probiotics can be a natural intervention for mental health support.
Oral Health
Probiotics are also beneficial for oral health. They can prevent and treat infectious diseases in the oral cavity, such as halitosis and periodontitis, and reduce the development of dental caries by decreasing the concentration of harmful bacteria 4. However, more standardized studies are needed to confirm these effects conclusively.
Applications in Functional Foods
Probiotics are increasingly being incorporated into functional foods to enhance their health benefits. These foods, known as synbiotics or eubiotics when combined with prebiotics, can be used to prevent and treat various diseases, including some types of cancer 1. The combination of probiotics with nanomaterials is a promising area of research, aiming to improve the stability, bioavailability, and effectiveness of these beneficial microorganisms 6.
Probiotics in Animal Health
Probiotics are not only beneficial for human health but also play a significant role in animal health. In aquaculture, probiotics are used to control diseases and improve nutrition by producing vitamins and detoxifying compounds in the diet 7. In poultry, probiotics enhance nutrient utilization, growth performance, and gut health, serving as a potential alternative to antibiotics 10.
Conclusion
Natural probiotics offer a wide range of health benefits, from improving gastrointestinal and immune health to enhancing mental and oral health. Their incorporation into functional foods and animal diets further extends their applications, making them a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle. Future research should focus on optimizing probiotic strains, doses, and combinations to maximize their health benefits.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics, both individually and combined, can help prevent and treat various common diseases, including some types of cancer, and can be integrated into functional foods.
Highly CitedProbiotics and their fermented food products are beneficial for health
Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented milks, can improve intestinal health, enhance the immune system, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedProbiotics: properties, examples, and specific applications.
Probiotics, such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and lactic acid bacteria, can help prevent or treat various intestinal maladies, including inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and colon cancer.
Highly CitedProbiotics as an Adjunct Therapy for the Treatment of Halitosis, Dental Caries and Periodontitis
Probiotics may help treat oral diseases like halitosis and periodontitis, but more standardized studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedProbiotic Lactobacillus plantarum P8 alleviated stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognition in stressed adults: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum P8 effectively reduces stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognition in stressed adults.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProbiotics in aquaculture
Probiotics in aquaculture show potential in disease control and improving nutrition, potentially inhibiting a wide range of fish pathogens through competitive exclusion, altering microbial metabolism, or stimulating host immunity.
Highly CitedEffects of probiotic supplementation on natural killer cell function in healthy elderly individuals: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Probiotic supplementation may slightly enhance natural killer cell function in healthy elderly individuals, but more randomized controlled trials are needed for convincing evidence.
Meta-AnalysisClinical Applications of Probiotic Bacteria
Probiotic bacteria show promise in treating various gastrointestinal tract conditions and food allergies, with potential for future use in functional foods and functional foods for specific diseases.
Highly CitedProbiotics (Direct-Fed Microbials) in Poultry Nutrition and Their Effects on Nutrient Utilization, Growth and Laying Performance, and Gut Health: A Systematic Review
Probiotics can enhance poultry growth and gut health, offering a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in production.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited