Probiotics are important in “Prolongation of Life” theory proposed by Dr. Elie Metchnikoff (1845-1916, Nobel Prize 1908)
Since the discovery of penicillin, antibiotics were used against bacteria. However, recent studies showed the development of antibiotic resistance among bacteria due to antibiotics, for example, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus), etc. bacteria strain resist to Vancomycin). Most important of all, antibiotics kill not only harmful bacteria but also good bacteria in our body, and results in an unhealthy gut.

The gastrointestinal tract in human body plays an important role in immune system. Gut bacteria perform many important functions in building a healthy immune system. These good bacteria are known as probiotics. Elie Metchnikoff (1845-1916, Nobel Prize 1908), the father of innate immunity, stated that aging is caused by toxic bacteria (proteolytic bacteria) in the gut, and lactic acid bacteria could prolong life. On the other hand, pediatricians noticed that breast-fed children developed strong immune system. In 1899, Tissier isolated Bacillus bifidus communis (bifidobacteria) from stool samples of breastfed infants at the Pasteur Institute. He observed clinical benefits from treating diarrhea in infants with bifidobacterial. In 1989, Fuller suggested a definition of probiotics: “A live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance”. These beneficial microbes are numerous and diversified in gastrointestinal tract.

Major members of gastrointestinal flora including:

• Bacteroides
• Bifidobacterium
• Eubacterium
• Fusobacterium
• Peptostreptococcus

Probiotics inhibit the colonization of pathogens in our gut, stimulate and regulate immune system through gastrointestinal mucosa, reduce cholesterol, reduce endotoxins, help nutrient absorptions, stimulate tissue development, etc. Probiotics are important to our life. Probiotics are present in not only the digestive tracts but also respiratory tracts and urinal tracts. Loss of microbial balance in our body often leads to occurrence of disease.