Probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit human health when administered in sufficient dosages, and are widely used as therapy to re-establish unbalanced human microbiota. They are composed of various microorganism strains, most commonly lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus, or yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, which are beneficial for human health. These microorganisms have the ability to resist bile salts, gastric acids, and pancreatic enzymes, as well as to colonize the intestinal tract. Thus, they are the optimal choice for probiotics. They can also be ingested through daily food intake. Fermented food, especially yogurt, is rich in probiotic microorganisms. Recently, probiotics are being used to effectively treat certain acute and chronic diseases as intestinal disorders are highly related to irregular gastrointestinal microbiota. Irritable bowel syndrome is the most regularly diagnosed gastroenterological disorder. In addition, diarrhea can be reduced or even treated with the proper usage of probiotics.

Keywords : Probiotics; Microorganisms; Treatment; Lactobacillus; Bifidobacterium