Under natural conditions, probiotics enter the body with a variety of foods and drinks. They can also be obtained by using various food additives such as capsules, syrups, tablets. The first probiotics were discovered a century ago after observing the inhabitants of Bulgaria. These people were known for longevity, although they lived in poverty and a rather harsh climate. But they ate a lot of yogurts and dairy products. Scientists suggested that it is possible to prolong life and delay the onset of old age at the expense of certain food components. This is how the bacteria that create fermented milk products were discovered. They were similar to bacteria that have been found in the intestines of humans later. Today, we know that more than 2 kg of microbes lives in the human body, which helps us to survive and feel better.
Modern Probiotics
In order to facilitate understanding and bring all probiotic products to a single standard, a meeting was held in 2013 for clinical experts and researchers on probiotics. Experts from various fields of medicine have worked to redefine the concept of probiotics and the definition of these products. Today, they define a probiotic as a living microorganism that brings benefits to the organism when used in adequate amounts. In addition, experts have distinguished between foods that contain probiotics and those that contain active or live cultures of microbes. The latter can be any food product with fermentation microbes, which are contained in the product in the amount of 1 × 109 CFU per 100 g of the product.
What Problems Can Probiotics Solve?
The beneficial bacteria found in foods or probiotic supplements help regulate digestion and prevent various gastrointestinal disorders. Probiotics can be helpful for gastroenteritis, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as diarrhea or indigestion. In addition, they are assigned a role in the prevention of certain types of cancer. They can reduce symptoms of inflammation and allergies, correct immunodeficiency conditions, and fight fatty liver disease.
In addition, probiotics inhibit the growth of harmful microbes in the intestines, preventing various intestinal infections, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you lead an unhealthy lifestyle, eat poorly, constantly get stressed, or take antibiotics a lot, your beneficial microbes may suffer. In these cases, probiotic supplements can help restore the balance of microbes in the gut. Go to this site for medically recommended supplements.
Probiotics and Immunity?
We all know that we have an immune system to protect our body from viruses and microbes that invade it. But how then does it react to bacteria in the intestinal lumen? These microbes are familiar to immunity from birth, they are not perceived as foreign and dangerous, but at the same time, they train the immune system, teaching it to cope with dangerous microbes.
If there are few beneficial microbes, the immune system is poorly trained, then allergies, autoimmune pathologies, and frequent infections are possible. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the intestines are colonized with beneficial microbes from birth and then maintain a healthy digestive system for life.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Given the fact that probiotics are bacteria, there may be side effects when taken. They are associated with the process of colonizing the intestines and adapting to new residents. Probiotics usually have minor side effects, such as bloating or flatulence.
Some people may have more severe side effects if, for some reason, these bacteria are simply not suitable for them. This is especially dangerous if probiotics are taken without a doctor’s advice and are not carefully selected. Probiotics are dangerous for people with immunodeficiencies, after prolonged and massive antibiotic treatment, and with some genetic disorders.
Usually, probiotics are prescribed for those who eat poorly or irrationally, cannot tolerate dairy products, or eat little plant foods. But these are living bacteria that must be stored under the right conditions in order not to lose their activity.
If you want to take probiotics, you should discuss this with your doctor first. This is especially important during pregnancy and lactation, in old age, or with a weakened immune system. For people who have undergone chemotherapy or other cancer treatment options, such supplements can only harm.
Numerous probiotic bacteria have useful properties. However, the most common of these are the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus groups, each of which includes many species. It is important to note that different bacteria affect the functioning of body systems in different ways. Therefore, the selection process for probiotics is very important.
Consider the following data when selecting a probiotic for your body and its needs:
- with bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to dwell on probiotics containing a complex of Lacto- and Bifidobacteria;
- for the treatment of viral intestinal damage, the most useful strain will be lactobacilli;
- in the treatment of mild and moderate dysbiosis, it is necessary to alternately take probiotic preparations with lactobacilli, then with Bifidobacteria, and finally, to form healthy intestinal flora with non-pathogenic enterococci.
- with a preventive purpose, use Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli alternately.
One of the bestsellers that have firmly established its authority on the market of probiotic supplements is Probiotics 40 Billion CFU. This premium quality product is made from the finest raw materials under the strictest quality control standards, resulting in the highest quality additive.
Probiotics 40 Billion CFU contains the most innovative probiotic delivery system that ensures the survival of strains in the stomach’s acidic environment and their delivery to the small intestine unchanged.
Conclusion
Normalizing your gut microflora involves not only consuming probiotic supplements but also a number of other activities, such as following a balanced diet and regular visits to gyms. Despite this, the inclusion of these food additives in the diet can significantly improve the body’s condition and the functioning of some systems. However, taking them can cause certain side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting the course of probiotics.
