Probiotics Live in Our Entire Body (Not Just Our Bellies!)

Probiotics Live in Our Entire Body (Not Just Our Bellies!)

Broad Distribution of Probiotics:

The common misconception that probiotics reside only in our digestive tract is far from the truth. These beneficial microorganisms inhabit various parts of our body, playing diverse roles in maintaining health and wellness.

Beyond the Gut:

While it's true that a significant concentration of probiotics is found in the gut, particularly in the large intestine or colon, their presence extends far beyond. Probiotics are also found in the mouth, on the skin, in the nasal passages, and even in the urogenital tract. This widespread distribution allows them to influence various bodily functions and systems.

Oral Health:

Probiotics help maintain oral health in the mouth by balancing the microbiome and preventing conditions like gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. Specific strains of bacteria in the oral cavity are crucial for the first line of defence against pathogens.

Skin Flora:

Our skin hosts a diverse community of microorganisms, including probiotics, vital in protecting against pathogens, regulating inflammation, and even influencing skin conditions like eczema and acne.

Respiratory and Urogenital Health:

Probiotics in the nasal and respiratory tract help defend against pathogens that can cause respiratory infections. In the urogenital system, especially in women, probiotics maintain a healthy vaginal flora, preventing infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Probiotics' Role in Immune Function:

Probiotics throughout the body are instrumental in shaping our immune response. They help educate the immune system, ensuring it responds appropriately to pathogens without overreacting to harmless substances, thus preventing allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Holistic Influence on Health:

The holistic distribution of probiotics underscores their influence on overall health. They aid digestion and are involved in nutrient absorption, mental health (through the gut-brain axis), skin health, and maintaining a balanced immune system.

Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome:

This widespread presence of probiotics across the body highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health. It emphasizes the need for a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management to maintain a healthy microbiome.

References

  • Marsh, P. D. (2013). Are dental diseases examples of ecological catastrophes? Microbiology, 159(Pt 2), 207-214.
  • Grice, E. A., & Segre, J. A. (2011). The skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 9(4), 244-253.
  • Biedermann, L., & Rogler, G. (2015). The intestinal microbiota: its role in health and disease. European Journal of Pediatrics, 174(2), 151-167.
  • Witkin, S. S., & Linhares, I. M. (2017). Why do lactobacilli dominate the human vaginal microbiota? BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 124(4), 606-611.
  • Swidsinski, A., Verstraelen, H., Loening-Baucke, V., Swidsinski, S., Mendling, W., & Halwani, Z. (2013). Presence of a polymicrobial endometrial biofilm in patients with bacterial vaginosis. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e53997.