Probiotics literally means “for life” which is probably true since they do play a vital role in our digestive, metabolic and immune functions. But being a microbiologist I find it a little bit sad because probiotics are actually “bacteria”.
Sure, probiotics are just another way to say beneficial or essential bacteria, but I feel we collectively are shying away from saying bacteria because of the germophobe society we live in. And as a microbiologist I’d rather set the record straight since the truth gives us a greater chance to help people. I say this because if more to start recognizing good bacteria from bad bacteria and the actions or lifestyle changes that lead to giving good bacteria the upper hand, then we stand a much better chance of improving people’s lives.