What are probiotics?

Probiotics are made from the good live bacteria and/or yeast that naturally live in our bodies. The body constantly contains both good and bad bacteria. When we have an infection, there are more bad bacteria in the body, which throws the whole system of the body out of balance. The good bacteria help eliminate excess bad bacteria and restore balance. Probiotic supplements are a way to replenish your body with good bacteria.

The benefits of probiotics

The presence and balance of the right bacteria in the gut is associated with well-being including:

• weight regulation
• better digestion
• enhanced immune function
• more beautiful skin
• lower risk of some diseases

The importance and balance of probiotics

Probiotics are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and/or yeast that naturally reside in the body. Generally, bacteria is thought of as a negative thing that makes you sick. However, there are two types of bacteria in and on the body all the time - good bacteria and bad bacteria. Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that help keep you healthy. These good bacteria help you in a number of ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when there's too much of it, all while helping you feel better. Probiotics are part of the whole body's microbiome. The microbiome is a community of different organisms that work together to keep us healthy. This community consists of microbes. There are trillions of microbes in the body and on the surface of the body. These microbes are:

• Bacteria
• Mushrooms (including yeast)
• Viruses
• Primeval

Each person's microbiome is unique. No two people have the same microbial cells - even twins are different. Video - Digestive problems, causes.

Where do bacteria live? 

Although the most common place associated with good bacteria is your gut (mainly the large intestine), there are more places in and on your body where good bacteria are abundant:

• in the digestive system
• in the mouth
• in the urinary tract
• on the skin
• in the lungs

How probiotics work

The main job of probiotics, or good bacteria, is to maintain a healthy balance in the body. When you are sick, bad bacteria enter your body and start multiplying. It throws the body's systems out of balance. The good bacteria help fight the bad bacteria, thus restoring the balance. Good bacteria support immune function and control inflammation. Certain good bacteria can also:

• help digest food
• regulate the amount of bad bacteria, thus helping to prevent disease
• create vitamins
• help support the cells that line the gut, preventing bad bacteria from entering the bloodstream
• break down and absorb drugs

Good bacteria are a natural part of the body. It's important to eat a well-balanced diet that's high in fiber because it helps maintain good bacteria.

Types of probiotics

Although there are many types of good bacteria that can be considered probiotics, here are the most common:

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Ferments sugar into lactic acid and produces amylase, which helps digest carbohydrates. It is one of the most popular probiotics and is widely used in the production of many dairy products. It is highly resistant to stomach acids and binds well to intestinal cells, helping to suppress the proliferation of opportunistic strains (figuratively speaking, it takes up all the bar stools so the bad bacteria don't get a chance to drink). These bacteria are especially useful in restoring the natural flora in bacterial vaginosis.

Lactobacillus casei

These bacteria are found in the oral cavity and intestines. They are also found in fermented vegetables, milk and meat. There is evidence that they suppress Helicobacter pylori and, along with other strains, alleviate antibiotic-associated infectious diarrhea. L. casei can enhance L. acidophilus proliferation and can also be used to ferment beans, reducing indigestion-causing gas build-up.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Very hardy and resistant to stomach acids and bile. These bacteria are present in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the vagina and urinary tract of women, where they prevent pathogenic bacteria from establishing themselves. L. rhamnosus has been used successfully in the treatment of diarrhea caused by rotovirus, as well as some forms of atopic dermatitis (AD). Despite its widespread use as a probiotic, the bacterium can cause infection in people with compromised immune systems.

Lactobacillus salivarius

Inhibits pathogenic bacteria and reduces gas accumulation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can be useful in the treatment of pancreatitis, as it inhibits bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract that can infect the pancreas.

Streptococcus thermophilus

They are found in fermented milk products such as yogurt, this bacteria helps digest lactose in the intestines.

Bifidobacterium bifidum 

These bacteria are part of the normal gut flora, just like Lactobacillus acidophilus, it is also one of the most common probiotics. Aids in the breakdown and absorption of simple sugars and has been found to boost immune function by easing cold symptoms and shortening the duration of illness. These bacteria are present in the vagina and help treat candidiasis and other forms of yeast overgrowth.

Bifidobacterium longum

They are one of the main strains of bacteria that inhabit the baby's body and thrive in the low-oxygen environment of the colon. By producing lactic acid, it helps to prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria and can also increase lactose tolerance, prevent diarrhea and relieve allergies. By changing the pH of the large intestine, B. longum can participate in cancer prevention by breaking down free radicals, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and stroke. Due to its beneficial effects, it is a common food additive.

Bifidobacillus lactis

They are also called B. animalis. It is well-known for its positive effect on bloating and discomfort in irritable bowel syndrome, when constipation is troublesome. Clinical studies have shown that B. animalis protects intestinal cells from the harmful effects of gluten in celiac disease. Often used to make dairy products. Other common types are:

• Saccharomyces
• Enterococcus
• Escherichia
• Bacillus

Probiotics also consist of good yeast. The most common type of yeast found in probiotics is:

• Saccharomyces boulardii.

Can probiotics be used to improve health?

There is currently a lot of research into the effects of probiotics on well-being. Although there are many potential positive outcomes, scientists are still trying to find definitive answers about how probiotics can help. However, there are certain health conditions where probiotics can help. Results may vary from person to person, meaning what works for one person may not work for another. The effects may also vary depending on the particular probiotic that is taken.  

How to increase the amount of good bacteria

You can increase the amount of probiotics in your body by eating a variety of whole foods. Good sources of probiotics are fermented foods (for example, yogurt and pickles). They contain a lot of good bacteria that are good for your body. There are also fermented drinks like kombucha (fermented tea) or kefir (fermented milk drink) that add extra probiotics to your diet. In addition to food, you can increase the amount of probiotics in your diet by including quality supplements. Probiotic supplements can be combined with prebiotics. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates that feed the microorganisms in your gut. Basically, prebiotics are a "food source" for good bacteria. They help feed the good bacteria and keep her healthy. Prebiotics include inulin, pectin and resistant starch. When you have a supplement that contains probiotics and prebiotics together, it is called a synbiotic.

The harm of probiotics

In most healthy people, probiotics do not cause any harm. They are generally considered safe and are often used to determine whether they might help with a variety of health conditions. Scientists are trying to determine when and how they should be used to get the best benefits.

It's important

Taking probiotic supplements is not enough to have a healthy gut. Daily diet and exercise are also important for good health. There are quality probiotic supplements that can offer support for wellness.