Probiotics
Probiotics are the living microorganisms that naturally occur in our gut. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and protect us in the development of a variety of diseases. Therefore, they are often referred to as “good” bacteria.
The main benefit of probiotics is the promotion of healthy gut flora and the improvement of overall gut health.
Reasons for Taking Probiotics
Probiotics should be considered when the intestinal flora is disturbed. In this case, the good bacteria are gone and harmful bacteria are dominant in the intestine.This type of intestinal dysbiosis is common in today’s world. The reasons for an unhealthy gut microbiome are:
- Improper diet
- When antibiotics was used, which also kills our good bacteria
- Transfer of harmful bacterial strains from the mother during birth
- Lack of good bacterial strains due to caesarean section (or C-section) or bottle feeding (no breastfeeding)
- Infections with pathogenic microorganisms in the course of life
- Unfavourable environment in the intestine and body due to immune disorders, metabolic diseases, toxic stress and hyperacidity
- Micronutrient deficiencies
- Increased stress
Probiotics can help to improve the intestinal flora by recolonizing the intestine with good bacteria. However, the other causes of microbial imbalance should also be eliminated.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics serve as food for the good microorganisms or probiotics, therefore they are also important for maintaining a healthy microbiome.
Examples of prebiotics are various dietary fibres such as inulin, pectin and oligosaccharides and should also be consumed in sufficient quantities.
Sufficient intake of these prebiotic fibres is important so that the newly established bacterial cultures are nourished and can multiply well.
Use of Probiotics
Probiotics are very important to support our digestion. They help with the absorption of nutrients and therefore also alleviate diarrhea and constipation. Moreover, they strengthen the immune system by fighting harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gut and body. The use of probiotics and prebiotics can therefore be useful for the following complaints:
- Immune disorders
- Intolerances and food intolerances
- Allergies, such as hay fever
- Autoimmune diseases
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases after antibiotic therapy
In general, the use of probiotics can be useful to improve general well-being. It is important to choose the right source of probiotics.
Probiotics can be taken in the form of nutritional supplements or fermented foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, kombucha or kimchi.
Dr. med. Karsten Ostermann M.A.
Before taking probiotics, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dosage and the appropriate type of probiotics that best suit your individual needs.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.