probiotic

pro·bi·ot·ic

(prō'bī-ot'ik),

1. Relating to probiosis.

2. In veterinary medicine, a therapeutic preparation that provides bacteria orally resulting in a normalizing effect on the gut. Indications include disturbances of normal gut flora following antibiotic therapy and in infectious diarrheas. Lactobacillus and other bacteria are administered in an oral form, often as a paste or gel.

3. Denotes use of microorganisms to benefit health.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

probiotic

(prō′bī-ŏt′ĭk)

n.

1. A nutraceutical containing live bacteria or yeast that supplements normal gastrointestinal flora, given especially after depletion of flora caused by infection or ingestion of an antibiotic drug.

2. A bacterium that supplements normal gastrointestinal flora.

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pro′bi·ot′ic adj.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

probiotic

adjective Referring to a family of dairy products (e.g., yoghurt, semi-skimmed milk) that contain a “good” bacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is said to improve digestion, gastrointestinal health and well-being.

noun A live organism (e.g., Lactobacillus GG) believed to provide health benefits.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

pro·bi·ot·ic

(prō'bī-ot'ik)

Relating to probiosis.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

probiotic

A single or mixed culture of live micro-organisms used therapeutically to improve the properties of the indigenous microflora. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium species are commonly employed as probiotics. They are claimed to be useful as a protective against colonic cancer, to reduce blood cholesterol levels, improve lactose digestion and relieve vaginal infections and secondary cystitis.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

probiotic

a microbial preparation that helps to establish a population of beneficial MICROORGANISMS in the body, to maintain health and with the potential to prevent DISEASE. Probiotics may also beneficially influence NUTRITION. They are potentially valuable in human, dental and veterinary medicine. For example, probiotics have been recommended for treatment of various intestinal diseases and disorders. They also may be useful in maintaining healthy teeth, by populating the mouth with harmless bacteria that prevent decay-causing organisms from establishing.

Probiotics are often consumed in the form of dairy products or as food supplements. Common probiotic species include those of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. See also PREBIOTIC.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005

Patient discussion about probiotic

Q. I have heard probiotics, how do we maintain them naturally? I have heard probiotics i.e. useful bacteria should be maintained in the human guts…..how do we maintain them naturally?

A. look, i heard several microbiologists tell the same thing. all those yogurts that try to give us bacteria we already have - are just bull #$&*. it just look good in commercials. the L. casai that they publish is a bacteria you have in a great amount in your mouth anyway, every time you swallow saliva - you get tons of them inside of you anyway. no need to buy expensive "supplements".

Q. I wish to know whether consumption of probiotics in the form of medicine will have any side effects. I wish to know whether consumption of probiotics in the form of medicine will have any side effects. I wish to know the probable causes that could reduce them in gut?

A. Taking probiotics in pill form might have some side effect especially if taken in excess may lead to some gut infections. You may also feel formation of gas in stomach. Taking on antibiotics or consumption of any toxic food can reduce the probiotics in the guts.

Q. Dysbacteriosis I got dysbacteriosis when i was baby( too many antibiotic injections). I take probiotic every day(about 6 pills per day), but it doesn't realy help me. My doctor said, that it's no treatment. It is true? Any advice?

A. There is no cure however there is a treatment:
The treatment of dysbacteriosis must be complex, and are included the following measures:
-The correction of imunnogo status;
-Deliverance from the already existing infections;
-The elimination of the excess bacterial sowing of the small intestine;
-The restoration of normal microbial flora of thick gut;
-an improvement in the intestinal digestion and suction;
-the restoration of the disrupted motor activity of bowels;
-the stimulation of the reactivity of organism.
The correctly selected diet and fermentation preparations contribute to the treatment of dysbacteriosis. With dysbacteriosis the collection of products must correspond in composition and quantity of food substances, fermentative possibilities of the pathologically changed small intestine.

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