So, as baby's head pushes down the birth canal, its mouth is forced open by the pressure, and baby is innoculated with different species of probiotic bacteria. Although the specific functions listed for probiotics are many, perhaps the most awe-inspiring is that of allowing us to adapt to diversity in our environments. The intestinal flora adapts to your dietary intake. The second part of this one-two punch, is the ability to suppress toxin production of pathogens. Since many pathogenic bacteria, such as E.Coli, must attach to the lining of the intestinal tract to cause disease, probiotics compete for receptor sites with these organisms, preventing the absorption and passage of toxins into the blood.
Several authors attribute stimulation of the immune system to the presence of probiotic flora.
Indeed, the list of claims for these amicable microbes seems endless. As our normal flora are depleted, harmful bacteria which reside in the gut take over, producing symptoms of illness. That sensible diet you've been eating, with lots of vegetables, little meat and few refined, sugared foods certainly helps the process. And supplementation comes in many forms. Yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, cheese and acidophilus milk all provide some probiotics.