Week 37
The term ‘probiotic’ is derived from Greek and literally means ‘for life’. It was coined in 1965 by Lilley and Stillwell to describe substances secreted by one microorganism that stimulate the growth of another.
In 1974, the definition was modified to ‘organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance.’
After a grammatical revision from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) the current accepted definition is ‘live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.’
Simply said, probiotics are living bacteria that help your body function at a higher level.
Good Bacteria vs. Bad Bacteria
The gut is incredibly important to
overall health and wellness as it is the main hub for nutrient harvest
and food digestion. It also houses between 70-80% of the immune system.¹
Probiotics are known as ‘good bacteria’, and can help keep your body healthy by promoting better digestion, increasing energy, improving absorption of vitamins and nutrients, and supporting gut health at a cellular level. They also help your body to fight off ‘bad bacteria,’ like E. coli and Staphylococcus, as well as many viruses. Every beneficial effect from quality and clinically-studied probiotics stems from the probiotics’ ability to balance the gut microbiome and keep those bad bacteria in check
— and that’s the science.
Takeaway: The two key terms in the WHO’s definition are ‘live microorganisms’ and ‘adequate amounts’. The right combination and dose of daily probiotics can have remarkable benefits for the human body, including increased energy, improved brain function, and better overall health and wellness.
The research and benefits of probiotics have advanced over the years, resulting in a surge of new products on the market. Unfortunately, misuse of the term ‘probiotic’ has become a major issue in health and wellness circles, and many producers exploit the term without meeting the requisite criteria. Lyvecap is backed by science and founded by doctors — we are here to change the game!