A large number of probiotic strains are beneficial to the human health. However, many of the useful microflora of the gut and intestinal origin are non-culturable. Therefore, to become a successful probiotic product a strain in addition to its beneficial traits needs to be easily culturable. The bacteria could be cultured in bulk in easily available media. Modifications in the existing technologies have focused on increment in yields through bulk culture methods. This could produce large amounts of cheap probiotic strains. Another issue which requires to be addressed is the viability of the probiotic strains. The bacteria must be propagated and processed in ways which acclimatize it to the harsh environmental conditions that it will encounter once inside the human body before they could exert their effects.
Large Scale Propagation of Probiotics:
A bacterial strain could be in commercial demand for its ability to provide health benefits and the easy technologies involved in its large scale production. Therefore, efforts are being carried out to generate efficient culture techniques that will ensure the high yield of cells without compromising the stability of the probiotics in food or other related supplements. Since, many of the strains of intestinal origin with probiotic efficacy are difficult to culture and in order to have an impact on economy and health they need to survive. Also, development of newer technological strategies could only lead to diversification of the strains that gives rise to more efficient product generation. Until recently, the large scale production of probiotic strains have been carried out using conventional culture techniques. Some of the favored techniques include batch fermentation, suspension culture. [Read more…]
Many human diseases have found the healing touch in a balanced diet with necessary supplements. The prebiotics are dietary fibers that have found application in many such cases. However, the polysaccharides cannot be digested by the human beings under normal circumstances. Therefore, a combination of prebiotics with probiotics (called synbiotics) can be the best remedy. e.g., fibers containing dietary supplements are advised to patients with chronic constipation problems but emerging results prove that an inclusion of probiotics can alleviate the problem manifold as compared to the intake of fibres alone.
Although it is fairly common to hear people advise others to take probiotics after a round of antibiotics, few people really understand the reason behind that, or what the benefits of probiotics are. One common question that comes up in probiotics discussions is their effects on the bowels. If you have read our previous discussions on probiotics for men, women, and children, you may be wondering if taking probiotics will have an effect on your bowel health. This article will explore the positive effects that probiotics can have on stool, especially in relation to antibiotic-related diarrhea, and overall bowel health.
Apart from the bad bacteria that cause disease in the human body, there are many bacteria that are not bad and are actually good and provide many health benefits. These are known as Probiotics, a term, which literally means “for life”. Probiotics are present in many foods such as yogurt and are also available as supplements. To better understand probiotics and probiotic foods you should be aware of the terminology that is used in relation to probiotics. Let’s define and explain some of the terms so that you can better understand what you are reading and learning about probiotics. 
Probiotics: Consumption Methods
The modern individual cannot even begin to fathom a time when a slight fever, difficulty swallowing, soreness and pain in the throat were symptoms that could not be treated or could even lead to death. In our modern time we have reaped the benefits of one of the greatest medical advances in the twentieth century, the discovery and application of antibiotics. It was termed the wonder drug due to its ability to quickly and effectively destroy bacteria and infectious diseases.
If you could find a way to help cut down on the number of colds your child has, prevent your baby from getting eczema, ease the symptoms of colic, and help prevent or treat diarrhea and other intestinal ailments, would you give it to your child? Well, the good news is, probiotics may do all that and more when used as a supplement for children. A number of physicians and researchers have weighed in on the subject, including the head of the gastroenterology department at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dan W. Thomas, M.D., who is the coauthor of American Association of Pediatrics report on probiotics and kids. He recommends checking with your child’s doctor before administering probiotics, but it is important to note that many doctors may be poorly informed about probiotics. Some of Dr. Thomas’ research will appear later in our discussion. 
So what’s all the hype about probiotics? Are they really good for me? What will I gain if I go to the trouble of including probiotics in my diet? According to Dr. Oz, probiotics can help those who are lactose intolerant, help build the body, reduce cholesterol, and help alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, excess gas, and constipation. But you do not have to take his word for it, a growing stack of evidence points to many benefits of taking probiotics, including better immunity, lower heart disease risk, and better endurance for athletes. For more specific benefits, check out the topics below.