The bacteria that live in our intestines are the foundation of human health. Strong immunity, proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract depend on the health and well-being of our little helpers.
To replenish the missing organisms of living microorganisms, people have long used special products – sources of beneficial bacteria. Now such bacteria have also appeared on the shelves of pharmacies and stores in the form of dietary supplements and medicines.
The development of probiotic microorganisms is very well influenced by such popular dishes in the summer as okroshka and kefir soup, which, in addition to kefir, also includes chopped greens. Regular consumption of green kefir soup will help not only restore the intestinal microflora, but also lose weight!
General characteristics of probiotics
Probiotics are 2 main types of bacteria – lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. In addition, probiotics include certain types of yeast, streptococci, bacilli, and other less common types of microorganisms.
Depending on the functions performed in the body, probiotics are divided into different types, among which there are all kinds of strains of beneficial microorganisms. For example, the Shirota strain, which belongs to lactobacilli, affects the body’s immunity, stimulates intestinal motility, the Bulgaricus strain is used for lactose intolerance, the Nissle E. coli strain is used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. For disorders of intestinal motility, some strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are used.
Probiotics are produced by the pharmaceutical industry in 2 forms – dry and liquid. The dry form is all kinds of powders, tablets and capsules. Probiotics are there in a “dormant state” and are activated within a few hours after consumption. Liquid probiotics begin to work immediately after entering the body. Usually, the vials contain a special nutrient medium to support the vital activity of living organisms.
Daily Probiotic Requirements
Officially, the body’s daily requirement for probiotics has not been established. The instructions for medicines and probiotic supplements usually indicate the recommended dosage of the drug for adults and children.
The need for probiotics is increasing:
- with diagnosed dysbiosis;
- weak immunity;
- intestinal dysfunctions (diarrhea and constipation);
- other inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, etc.);
- with antibiotic and antibacterial therapy;
- with chronic liver diseases;
- increased physical and mental stress;
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS);
- dermatitis.
The need for probiotics decreases
With individual intolerance to foods and preparations containing probiotics.
Digestibility of probiotics
Usually, 1-4 hours are enough for dry probiotics to begin to act, liquid probiotics begin to act immediately. Probiotics contained in food begin to function actively immediately after they enter the intestines. But for survival, they need a special nutrient medium, represented by all kinds of useful sugars – prebiotics.
Useful properties of probiotics, their effect on the body
Thanks to probiotics, the body begins to actively produce antibodies to various viruses and bacteria. Probiotics inhibit the growth of pathogenic intestinal microflora.
Promotes the healing of the colon mucosa, which helps the body to get rid of colitis. Recycle toxins produced by harmful microorganisms, synthesize B vitamins.
In addition, probiotics are able to improve the very process of absorption of metabolic products.
Interaction with other elements
Water-soluble B and C vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and prebiotics (sugars) enhance the positive effects of probiotics. That is why, in the composition of liquid probiotics, several of the above compounds are often included.
Signs of a lack of probiotics in the body
- inflammatory bowel disease;
- weak immunity;
- lack of useful intestinal microflora;
- poor standing of the skin;
- lack of B vitamins in the body;
- irritability;
- anxiety.
Signs of excess probiotics in the body:
- bloating;
- nausea;
- flatulence;
- allergic reactions.
Factors affecting the content of probiotics in the body:
Positively influencing factors include strong immunity, a healthy nervous system, and adequate intake of foods containing probiotics and prebiotics.
The negative factors that worsen the state of the intestinal microflora include: frequent use of antibiotics (not only in the form of drugs, but also in food). For example, meat that was soaked in antibiotics before being sold, eggs from chickens that were fed with antibiotic food, etc.
Probiotics for beauty and health
Probiotics also have a significant effect on the appearance of our skin. This property has been adopted by some of the beauty industry. Therefore, today, among the great variety of skin care products, you can find those that contain our familiar probiotics. They not only act on the skin from the inside, they are applied to the skin in the form of masks, as well as homemade and industrial creams.