Probiotics – what are they, how to dose? When should probiotics be used? [WE EXPLAIN]

Proven content

Probiotics are called “good bacteria” and have gained recognition over the years by patients because they rebuild the gut microflora and also contribute to the production of certain vitamins. However, the action of probiotics goes beyond this range. What properties do they have? Who are they suitable for? We check what effect probiotics have and which are the most commonly used.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live cultures of bacteria and yeast, the main task of which is to rebuild the digestive tract that can be damaged by antibiotics taken by the patient. The most common probiotics are lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus), the valuable properties of which were known already in antiquity.

Interest in lactobacilli was shown, among others, by Pasteur, as well as Ilya Mechnikov (Nobel laureate in 1908), who described the behavior of bacteria and yeast, showing that drinking kefir, milk and yoghurt contributes to the reconstruction of the digestive tract. Though Mechnikov’s research has been superseded by the advent of antibiotics, probiotics have not been forgotten by medicine.

1. Truths and myths about probiotics

Most often they are prescribed together with antibiotics that irritate the gastric mucosa and have a negative effect on the liver, so as to eliminate their negative effects. The very name of the probiotic is three-pronged. It consists of the generic name, the species name and the letter and number designation of the strain.

Probiotics – what strains of bacteria are the most commonly used?

The most common probiotics are lactobacilli Lactobacillus sp. as well as bacteria Bifidobacteriumas well as yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. In this context, it is worth mentioning that not all bacteria and yeasts can be probiotics. They must meet a number of conditions, including:

1. They must come from humans;
2. Their genre and species affiliation must be confirmed by molecular tests;
3. They must be resistant to stomach acid and bile;
4. They must have a positive effect on the host (human);
5. They must be genetically stable;
6. They must be capable of producing an antimicrobial substance;
7. They cannot show pathogenic, carcinogenic or invasive activity;
8. They must exhibit an activity that is opposite to that of pathogenic bacteria;
9. They must be durable and viable due to storage in an unfavorable environment (e.g. in a laboratory).

To improve the functioning of the digestive system, we recommend BIO hop probiotic drink concentrate, which has a positive effect on the digestive system. Also pay attention to the BIO concentrate of the probiotic drink from hawthorn. You can buy the preparations separately or in the BIO set of probiotic drink concentrates (forest fruit + hawthorn + hops).

Do you suspect your intestinal microflora is upset? You can now perform a mail-order examination to assess the intestinal microflora to check the condition of the intestinal ecosystem.

Also read: What are the most common causes of acidity?

Probiotics – what action do they show?

Probiotics primarily prevent intestinal infections. They produce organic acids, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins in the body, which inhibit the growth of pathogens. Thanks to the production of organic acids, they balance the pH level in the stomach. Probiotics also help in the synthesis of antibodies, thanks to which the body is able to fight microbes faster.

Their health-promoting properties prove useful in the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea or viral infections, including rotaviruses that cause diarrhea in children and infants. In addition, probiotics alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance in people who cannot take this sugar. In this case, the Advanced Multi-Billion Dophilus probiotic, which you can order now through Medonet Market, will work.

1. How is diarrhea treated?

Probiotics – for whom are they indicated?

Special indications for taking probiotics apply to people who struggle with:

1. Diarrhea, including travelers’ diarrhea;
2. Intimate infections;
3. Urinary tract infections;
4. Irritable bowel syndrome;
5. Crohn’s disease;
6. Atopic dermatitis;
7. Hypercholesterolemia;
8. Upper respiratory tract infections;
9. H. pylori infections.

In addition, probiotics are used against carcinogenic enzymes, which are most often produced when bacterial putrefactive processes are underway. You can get the highest quality probiotics on Medonet Market. In the case of intimate infections, you can use Ellen probiotic tampons, available in variants with different absorbency levels.

Probiotics – types of strains and ailments

Not all probiotics will be helpful in treating specific ailments, so it is worth paying attention to the types of strains:

1. Travelers’ diarrhea – Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG;
2. Acute diarrhea in children and infants – Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus reuteri;
3. Prevention of post-antibiotic diarrhea – Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus i Lactobacillus bulgaricus;
4. Irritable bowel syndrome – Latobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus;
5. Atopic dermatitis in children – Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Probiotics – what doses to take?

Probiotics should be taken according to the doctor’s recommendations or indications on the leaflet attached to the package. First of all, we should pay attention to the number of bacterial strains in a single tablet or sachet. The colony forming unit is labeled CFU.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that some strains may be resistant to the action of antibiotics. For this reason, be careful – it is best to take antibiotics and probiotics several hours apart.

Probiotics versus antibiotics – should they be taken together?

Antibiotics obtained from various microorganisms are designed to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, but they also affect the body itself, especially the intestinal microflora. Therefore, in order to rebuild it, you need to take probiotics.

1. What side effects can occur when taking antibiotics?

However, as already mentioned, they should not be taken together with antibiotics at the same time. The interval between their dosing should be at least 1-2 hours. After you’ve finished taking the antibiotic, continue taking the probiotic – for at least 2-3 days, to rebuild the microflora.

Probiotics for children – how to dose them?

As already mentioned, probiotics are given to children and infants with severe diarrhea, as well as in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. They can also be used prophylactically in the case of infant colic. It’s best to choose the probiotic drops that are easiest to apply. There are also probiotics in teddy bear-shaped tablets in various flavors on the pharmaceutical market.

Vaginal probiotics – how do they work?

Vaginal probiotics are given to women who have intimate infections, but this is not the only indication for their intake. Pregnant or postpartum women are also given probiotics. This also applies to menopausal women, where the risk of infection is much greater due to vaginal dryness.

Probiotics and their natural sources

The natural sources of probiotics are mainly dairy products:

1. Kefir;
2. Yogurts “for”;
3. Buttermilk;
4. Milk desserts.

In addition, probiotics can be found in pickles, kimchi and natto. Their main task is to strengthen the immune system as well as break down carcinogenic compounds.

If you are looking for a natural probiotic, order Bioherba’s Carrot Sourdough with Beetroot, which is available in bottles of three different sizes or in a set of shots for 7 days.