PUNCH
Probiotics have gained immense popularity in recent years for their potential health benefits. These living microorganisms often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria are believed to provide various health advantages when consumed in adequate amounts. In this lecture, we will delve into the world of probiotics, exploring their origins, types, mechanisms of action, benefits, and considerations. Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can provide health benefits to the host. These “good” bacteria promote a healthy balance of gut flora and support digestive health. Consuming probiotic-rich foods can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and enhance overall well-being. In Nigerian cuisine, fermented foods like ogi (fermented pap), iru (fermented locust beans), ogiri (fermented melon seeds), and nono (fermented milk) can be considered natural sources of probiotics. These traditional foods not only offer unique flavours but also contribute to promoting gut health and overall wellness. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet can be a delicious way to support your well-being. This essay provides a broad overview of probiotics, shedding light on their significance in the realm of nutrition and health. As with any dietary supplement, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable probiotic regimen based on individual needs and health goals.
The concept of probiotics dates back to the early 20th century when Élie Metchnikoff, a Russian immunologist, hypothesized that the consumption of fermented dairy products could contribute to longevity. His observations of Bulgarian peasants who consumed large amounts of yogurt led to the notion that certain bacteria in fermented foods could be beneficial to health. A food substance that fits this description fairly well in Nigerian homes is kunu, which is widely consumed in the southwest and north of the country. Probiotics encompass a diverse range of bacterial strains, with the most common belonging to the Lactobacillus and Bifid bacterium genera. These strains are naturally present in the gut microbiota and can also be found in various fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Additionally, probiotic supplements are available in the form of capsules, powders, and liquids. Probiotics exert their effects through multiple mechanisms that contribute to overall health. One key mechanism is their ability to compete with harmful bacteria for nutrients and adhesion sites in the gut, thereby preventing pathogenic colonization. Probiotics also modulate the immune system, enhance the intestinal barrier function, and produce bioactive compounds that influence host physiology.
Research suggests that probiotics offer a myriad of health benefits, particularly in maintaining gut health. They are known to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diarrhoea. Probiotics may also enhance immune function, reduce the risk of certain infections, improve mental health, and even promote weight management. While probiotics are generally considered safe for most individuals, there are several factors to consider before incorporating them into one’s diet. Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFU), which indicate the number of viable cells. The amounts may be expressed on product labels as, for example, 1 x 10^9 for 1 billion CFU or 1 x 10^10 for 10 billion CFU. Many probiotic supplements usually contain between 1 and 10 billion CFU per dose, but some products can have around 50 billion CFU. The identification of probiotics involves specifying their specific strain, which includes the genus, the species, and the subspecies as deemed applicable. This is something like the clan, the extended family, and the nuclear family respectively.
