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▲ Physician explaining personalized probiotic testing chip.

By Cheng Kai-hung

Probiotics refer to microorganisms that can grow and reproduce in the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to human health. We can obtain sufficient probiotics from foods such as yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented foods, or from dietary supplements. These microorganisms offer benefits to the human body, including improving digestive system health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and regulating the immune system.

The research on the effects of probiotics on human health is extensive, especially in the realm of immune-related diseases. In allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis and asthma, probiotics have been shown to alleviate the severity of symptoms such as wheezing attacks, coughing, and nasal congestion, while also reducing the risk of infant allergies.

For autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, probiotics have demonstrated their ability to regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms.

In cases of viral respiratory infections and urinary tract infections, probiotics have been proven to alleviate symptom severity and illness duration, while also enhancing immune responses. Additionally, they can reduce the risk of antibiotic-induced diarrhea.

Certain studies suggest that probiotics can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, subsequently reducing the risk of heart disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Common side effects of probiotics include mild diarrhea, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort. For some individuals, choosing the wrong probiotics might lead to more serious side effects, such as infections, allergic reactions, or an increase in harmful bacteria. This is because the human immune system operates through two pathways: the Th1 (Type 1 helper T-cell) and Th2 (Type 2 helper T-cell) immune pathways. These two pathways antagonize each other; for example, an overactive Th2 response can lead to allergies. Thus, the concept of personalized probiotics arises. It involves selecting the most suitable probiotic supplement from 6-10 common gut probiotics and immune responses based on an individual's immune imbalance, in order to regulate immune imbalances.

In conclusion, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can aid in improving human health, particularly in the realms of the digestive and immune systems. However, before using probiotics, it's advisable to consult a physician, especially for pregnant women, individuals with weaker immune systems, or those undergoing other treatments.

Article reprinted from "The Liberty Times"
[Link to original article: https://health.ltn.com.tw/article/paper/1574308]