Probiotics: What is it, How Do They Work, Benefits, And More

We often think of bacteria as something that causes disease and don’t really realize that the body is naturally full of good and bad bacteria.

In fact, there are many important facts about beneficial bacteria known as “probiotics” that you should be aware of, as most doctors use them to treat diseases that can jeopardize the body’s safety.

As a result, if you want to learn more about probiotics, how they work in our bodies, and what health benefits they provide….and other things. We encourage you to read this article all the way through.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are a mixture of live beneficial/good bacteria that naturally live in your body and contribute to health benefits, particularly maintaining a healthy gut.

Although beneficial microbes (probiotics) are most commonly found in the gut (particularly the large intestine), they can also be found in other places (such as the mouth, reproductive system, urinary tract, lungs, and skin).

Important note: These beneficial bacteria are not only naturally found in the human body, but they are also present in many foods and beverages that we consume on a daily basis.

It is also available in the form of nutritional supplements, which can be purchased at pharmacies when the body requires them.

What are the most common types of probiotic strains?

Although many different types of bacteria can be classified as probiotics, two specific types of probiotic bacteria are widely known.

Lactobacilli: This is perhaps the most common type of probiotic.

Lactobacilli are in many parts of the human digestive system, including the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, in the intestine. 

The main task of lactobacilli is to convert lactose, which enters the body with food, into a simpler element – lactic acid. This substance creates optimal conditions for digestion.

Bifidobacteria: This type of bacteria is found in some dairy products, as well as in nutritional supplements. It has an impact not only on the digestive process but also on the overall health of all systems.

How might probiotics work?

Probiotics can have a wide range of effects on the body, and different probiotics can work in different ways.

However, it is important to remember that the primary goal of probiotics is to keep your body in a neutral and balanced state.

When you get sick, for example, bad bacteria enter your body and multiply. 

As a result of the presence of these harmful bacteria, the body begins to lose its balance (in this case), but the probiotics begin to work to fight the bad bacteria by:

• Production of materials that have positive effects.
• Good effect on your body’s immune response.

So all of the things that probiotics have worked on play a significant role. You can’t see it with your eyes, but it can be touched when you’re sick, but after a while, you’ll notice that your body has been completely restored and you feel healthy.

Benefits of probiotics

When you first hear about the health benefits probiotics can provide to the body. You probably won’t believe it!!

But you’ve got to believe it!!! Because numerous scientific studies and research have shown that the balance or imbalance of probiotics in your digestive system is related to overall health and disease.

Here are the main health benefits of probiotics:

1. Reduce symptoms of digestive disorders

Probiotics are well known for acting in the body as a natural barrier to defend gut health and help control symptoms of many digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.

Not only that, but beneficial bacteria help to inhibit the activity of harmful bacteria, preventing them from causing diseases and thus maintaining the bacterial balance in the body.

Important note: The increased activity of harmful bacteria increases the risk of digestive diseases such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease.

2. Boost body immunity

Probiotics help boost the body’s immune system and protect against infection. Some probiotics have been shown to stimulate the production of natural antibodies in the body.

Moreover, these beneficial bacteria may also stimulate immune cells such as T lymphocytes, IgA-producing cells, and natural killer cells.

Important note: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a large Y-shaped protein produced primarily by plasma cells and used by the immune system to neutralize pathogens and viruses both outside and inside cells.

3. Lose weight and reduce belly fat

Probiotics can also help people lose weight in a variety of ways.

Some probiotics, for example, prevent fat absorption from food and promote excretion in the stool rather than storage in the body.

Probiotics may also assist people in feeling fuller for longer periods of time, burning more calories, and storing less fat.

However, some studies have found that certain probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, can cause weight gain. (As a result, more research is needed to accurately determine the relationship between probiotics and weight)

4. Reducing respiratory infections (in children)

It is important to understand that young children, especially those who go to kindergarten, are more likely to get respiratory infections than children who stay at home.

A study discovered that boys who consumed probiotic-rich milk were less likely to develop respiratory diseases. It appears that milk rich in the probiotic Lactobacillus type may reduce infections in children.

5. Reducing the severity of some types of allergies and eczema

For example, one study found that eczema symptoms improved in infants fed milk fortified with probiotics, compared to infants fed milk without probiotics.

Some types of probiotics may also reduce inflammatory responses in people with milk or dairy allergies. (However, more research is needed to determine the relationship between probiotics and reduced eczema and inflammatory responses)

6. Maintain oral health

Doctors typically use probiotics to treat digestive diseases and disorders, but they have recently begun using them to treat gum and oral diseases, as studies have shown promising and positive results of probiotics on the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums.

How To Select The Most Beneficial Probiotic “Supplement” For Your Gut

If you are interested in using a probiotic (supplement) for your gut, it is important to first determine if a probiotic supplement is necessary for your specific health needs with your doctor’s approval.

In case you have been asked to take a probiotic, please consider the following:

1. Brand

The manufacturing process, shelf life, and type of preparation can all have a significant impact on the effectiveness of a probiotic supplement. As a result, purchasing a product from a global and reputable company is a wise decision.

2. Probiotic strains

Depending on your needs, you should choose the type of probiotic supplement. Because probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all treatment, some strains of probiotics are more effective than others for certain medical conditions and symptoms.

3. Expiry date

You must make sure that the expiry date is mentioned on the product.

4. Storage requirements

Pay close attention to and adhere to the storage conditions mentioned on the product, as most products containing beneficial bacteria are sensitive to light, heat, air, and moisture, so if you do not need refrigeration, you will need to store them in a cool and dry place.

5. The product quality matters

Some beneficial bacteria products may contain a substance called (Prebiotics), which consists of important nutrients for beneficial bacteria to maintain their effectiveness when they enter the intestine, such as starch, sugars, and carbohydrates, in which case the product is called (Synbiotic), and it is mentioned on the product In detail, this product is preferable to choose more than others.

Also, It should be noted that good bacteria (probiotics) are measured in colony-forming units (CFU), which indicates the number of viable cells. Amounts can be written on product labels, for example, you can find the following, 1 x 109 for 1 billion CFU or 1 x 1010 for 10 billion CFU/per dose.

It’s also worth noting that many probiotic supplements contain 1 to 10 billion CFU per serving, some products contain up to 50 billion CFU or more. A higher CFU count, on the other hand, does not necessarily improve the product’s health effects.

What is the best time to take probiotics?

For most people, the best time to take probiotic supplements is on an empty stomach. This means that probiotics should be taken first thing in the morning, at least an hour before a meal, or right before bed. 

The main goal of taking probiotic supplements on an empty stomach is to deliver the probiotics to the large intestine. 

Or reaching between 5 to 100 billion colony-forming units, also known as CFUs.

Important note: Although most studies have found few negative side effects of probiotics, it is important to remember that all of these studies are still in their early stages. But does not mean that probiotics are unsafe.

There may be some risks for people with certain health conditions.

As with any supplement, it is essential that before you begin taking a probiotic supplement, you speak with your doctor first to help ensure that you are not jeopardizing your health.

Sources:

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306248/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/best-probiotic-strains-older-adults