Products and supplements with probiotics – living intestinal bacteria – have remained popular for decades. Recently, however, a lot of controversy has been going on around them. What to consider when taking probiotics?

New information on the benefits of probiotics is constantly appearing on the Internet. Which of them are based on?

Almost every year there are new studies regarding probiotics. More recently, it was believed that these microorganisms have a positive effect only on the digestive system. But it turned out that their sphere of influence is the whole organism. Without normal microflora there can be no good immunity. Probiotics improve the condition of the skin, relieving us of acne. Helps the liver neutralize the resulting toxins. And in some cases, hormones can even normalize. All of these are proven facts.

Of the latest theories, I note two. The authors of the first are scientists from St. Petersburg. They believe that the intestinal microflora can affect the nervous system, memory, and thinking. The fact is that some probiotic microorganisms secrete a special gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is a natural soothing.

People who have a lot of corresponding bacteria in their gut are more balanced and make more informed decisions. Accordingly, with the help of special products and preparations, the number of microorganisms can be increased, “add” them to those that already exist. This will allow you to adjust the psychological state of a person. For example, reduce the likelihood of depression.

Abroad, in the UK, they are more focused on studying the effect of probiotics on human weight. It has recently been found that some strains of intestinal bacteria help us digest our food by 15%. It is important to know for those who want to lose weight,

The first number of such bacteria in the intestine needs to be reduced – then fewer calories will enter the body. The second is to make such bacteria in the body more. In this case, the products will be better absorbed. This approach will help after food poisoning or taking antibiotics.

Many people complain that they are allergic to probiotic products. Why does she appear?

If an undesirable reaction occurs on probiotics, this most often means that not everything was all right with the person’s immunity. That is, an allergy does not appear, but appears, makes itself felt. Most often, allergy sufferers react to products with bacteria. And this is no coincidence.

An allergy is an excessive reaction of an organism to some foreign substance or microorganism. Bacteria from yogurt or dietary supplements by a healthy person are not perceived as strangers. After all, exactly the same microorganisms normally inhabit our intestines.

But in people with allergies, intestinal permeability is usually increased. The paradox is that often the cause of this is dysbiosis. Due to the incorrect ratio of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the small intestine, substances that we do not need get into the bloodstream. Immunity immediately blocks them. Because of this, an unpleasant reaction occurs.

There are very convincing theories that probiotics in such cases help reduce the incidence of allergies. They normalize the microflora, and less “allergenic” substances from the intestine enter the bloodstream. Nevertheless, probiotics themselves can also cause an allergic reaction. And to deal with this is not so simple: allergy is a purely individual disease.

Often it arises not on the microorganisms themselves, but on the so-called buffer substances. They create for lactic and bifidobacteria the environment necessary for survival in kefir or additive. Therefore, for starters, you can change not the probiotic itself, but its release form. For example, instead of a product, try to take a dietary supplement, or vice versa. If this does not help, it is most likely an allergy specifically to the bacterium. In this case, it is better to refuse this probiotic.

To maintain normal microflora in this situation, it is better to use prebiotics. These are special substances that are not digested in the intestines. But on the other hand, they serve as food for beneficial bacteria – and this maintains normal microflora. There are many of them in vegetables, fruits, berries and legumes. There are prebiotic-fortified foods and specialty products on the market.

Another option is to drink a new generation of probiotic drugs. For their production, not bifidobacteria themselves are used, but the products of their vital functions. The production of such funds has approximately the same pattern. At a special plant is a “reactor” in which bacteria live. They secrete unique biological substances. Using special equipment, these substances are collected, separated from the bacterial mass and a preparation is prepared with desired properties.

As a rule, it has a positive effect on health, helps maintain normal microflora. But the burden on the immune system is reduced. And allergies are much less common.

Probiotics, in theory, should improve digestion. Why, then, at the first time of admission, they cause bloating?

This is a normal effect and should not be cause for concern.

The fact is that in our intestines a kind of war is constantly going on – between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. When the first “win”, there is dysbiosis. Because of it, food is poorly absorbed, and this leads to flatulence, belching, diarrhea, constipation. Yogurt with probiotics in this situation is an excellent therapy. But there is one important nuance. As soon as our beneficial microflora receives “reinforcement” from the outside, the fight against harmful bacteria intensifies. This in turn causes flatulence and discomfort in the abdomen.

After a while, when beneficial lactobacilli or bifidobacteria from the product or supplement are absorbed in the intestines, bloating will pass. It is only necessary to be patient. As a rule, health improves about three days after the start of taking a probiotic.

If flatulence makes itself felt for a longer time or discomfort in the stomach intensifies, it is worth a visit to a doctor.

You can hear that beneficial bacteria in functional products and even in drugs are useless. They die in the acidic environment of the stomach. How to reduce the “loss”?

In fact, the significance of this problem is seriously exaggerated. Products and drugs with probiotics have been around for years and are constantly being improved. The properties of bacteria are well researched. Scientists are working without interruption to create new strains that are increasingly resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach. They pass through it almost without loss and quickly take root in the intestine.

In addition, when preparing functional products with probiotics, it is taken into account that some of the bacteria can die in the stomach. Therefore, they are added to yoghurts “with a margin”.

By the way, it is very important in which product the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were added. The best option is kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk. Sour-milk products are an excellent protective environment for bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. They have proven themselves very well – after all, they have been enriched for several decades. Ice cream is also a good solution. In it, beneficial microorganisms are preserved well. But chewing gum with probiotics is a dubious remedy. More likely a publicity stunt than a product that can benefit.

One of the latest technologies that is used to better pass beneficial bacteria through the stomach is microencapsulation. Probiotics are enclosed in small capsules, which are then added to yogurt. When we eat it, the capsules do not open in the stomach, but safely reach the intestines. At the same time, about two times more beneficial bacteria get to the “destination” than in the case of enriched yogurt.

Why is it not recommended to take probiotic products in parallel with antibiotics? It would seem that they should restore the intestinal microflora, which is destroyed by antibacterial drugs.

Antibiotics sweep away everything in its path. Both harmful and beneficial bacteria die. And to normalize the intestinal microflora, of course, is necessary. A few days after drug withdrawal, a probiotic course should be started. Doctors usually recommend special medications. But you can often use drinks or supplements with beneficial bacteria.

In recent years, the concept of “probiotics” has expanded. They began to include not only the beneficial bacteria that live in our intestines, but also some other microorganisms that can bring health benefits.