The name probiotic from the Greek “pro bios” meaning “for life”, is an effective protection for the body in moments when it especially needs it. Doctors recommend taking this type of preparations most often when we take antibiotics. Their goal is primarily to protect our intestinal microflora, but not only.
What exactly is a probiotic and what does it contain? Remember that a probiotic is not just a preparation bought in a pharmacy. They can be in the form of tablets, but we can also find them in natural food products. It is important that they contain single or mixed cultures of live microorganisms that, when administered in appropriate amounts, have a positive effect on our health.
The microorganisms present in the probiotic occur naturally in the microflora of the human digestive system, and their role is to produce lactic acid. It is important that they are resistant to various substances present in our body – digestive enzymes, hydrochloric and bile acids.
When to use a probiotic and what benefits does it bring?
In addition to antibiotic therapy, it is also worth using probiotics in other situations in which our body is overloaded with something. They mainly affect some food ailments. Therefore, you can reach for them in the case of:
- Diarrhea after the end of antibiotic use,
- stomach flu, or rotavirus infection,
- acute diarrhea in a child,
- travelers’ diarrhea,
- irritable bowel syndrome.
They work by absorbing into the intestines and sticking to their walls, protecting them from disease-causing bacteria. They acidify the intestinal environment, thus preventing diarrhoea, reducing the risk of allergies in children, improving the absorption of vitamins and minerals, increasing the body’s immunity and even lowering the level of “bad” cholesterol. These are primarily yeasts, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, cocci.
The bacteria present in the probiotic are the source of many important benefits:
- They protect the intestinal microflora,
- Alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance,
- They synthesize some vitamins – vitamin K, folic acid, B vitamins,
- They increase the absorption of nutrients,
- They support digestive processes,
- Sometimes they have anti-cancer and anti-allergic properties.
Natural probiotics
Food can also be a source of good bacteria. These are mainly fermented milk products, such as buttermilk, kefir, acidophilic milk, yogurts, curds.