Probiotics can exert beneficial health effects in the gastrointestinal tract through a number of different mechanisms, including
1. Probiotics can compete with pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract and occupy any available space. This mechanism of action is particularly useful when the natural intestinal flora is under direct attack, such as occurs during antibiotic use or chemotherapy.
2. Probiotics can inhibit the toxic effects of pathogenic microorganisms by secreting antibacterial compounds.
3. Probiotics can be used to train and balance the immune system of the entire body. For example, using probiotics can reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions and inflammation, improve tolerance to certain foods, and increase the secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA).
4. Probiotics can also produce compounds that are directly beneficial to the intestines. These beneficial compounds include short-chain fatty acids, which help maintain healthy colon pH. Certain species of probiotics are also associated with the release of polyamines, which help restore normal intestinal structure.
5. Probiotics have anti-inflammatory activity
6. Probiotics can help maintain ideal intestinal transit time. For example, some probiotic strains speed up colonic transit time, while other strains slow down colonic transit time. Therefore, patients with constipation and diarrhea can selectively use certain strains of probiotics to experience these benefits.
7. Probiotics can reduce intestinal sensitivity by reducing the reactivity of excessive sensory nerves in the intestine, also called visceral hypersensitivity. 8. Probiotics can enhance intestinal barrier function and resist foreign invaders thread.
9. Probiotics can change brain biochemistry and balance mood
10. Probiotics can change metabolism.