Probiotics

Probiotics are a complex of microorganisms that are beneficial to the body. The main part of these microorganisms are bacteria, but yeast can also be found. They represent normal human microflora, which is mainly observed in the intestines.

All probiotics can be divided into 2 groups: lacto- and bifidobacteria. However, it is worth considering that the composition of each drug is different and has a certain composition of bacteria, as a result of which it is necessary to distinguish them for different pathologies. For example, some activate the passage of food through the digestive tract, and also support the body's immune defense. Others help break down lactose in the absence of special enzymes in the body, as a result of which a person refuses dairy products.

Read also:

• Probiotics for children

In general, we can highlight the main directions in which probiotics work. They produce antibodies to protect the body and stimulate the immune response to the pathogen, prevent pathogenic microorganisms from attaching to the intestinal walls, and inhibit their growth.

In addition, probiotics strengthen the intestinal mucosa, which is a barrier to infection, block the synthesis of toxic compounds by pathogenic flora and promote their destruction. In addition to fighting microorganisms, probiotics are a source of B vitamins, which are responsible for many processes, in particular, skin health, support of the nervous system and prevention of anemia.

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Effect of probiotics

The action of probiotics is based on the types of bacteria that are part of their composition. Thus, all microorganisms used for therapeutic purposes in probiotics can be divided into several groups. These are aerobes (genus Bacillus), anaerobes (Clostridium, capable of spore formation), bacteria responsible for the production of lactic acid (lacto- and bifidobacteria) and yeast, necessary for the preparation of probiotics.

The presence of a sufficient number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine prevents the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, their capture by enterocytes and penetration through the intestinal wall. The action of probiotics consists in the formation of a protective shell on the intestinal mucosa, as a result of which pathogenic bacteria cannot attach to the wall, thereby preventing the development of dysbacteriosis.

In addition, an atmosphere is created that has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. Probiotics participate in digestion, biosynthesis and absorption of protein substances, providing high human resistance.

The body's performance depends on the species composition of the microflora. Absorbed into the blood, the symbiotic flora participates in carbohydrate and energy metabolism. The drug also enhances the peristaltic and secretory function of the intestine, which ensures complete digestion and absorption of calcium and iron.

Benefits of Probiotics

The benefits of probiotics are very multifaceted and can be listed for a very long time. However, the most pronounced ones should be highlighted. It is necessary to start with the ability of these drugs to stabilize the quantitative and qualitative composition of microflora. As a result, the development of dysbacteriosis and the appearance of unpleasant symptoms is prevented.

In addition, the benefit of probiotics lies in the ability of beneficial bacteria to synthesize vitamins B and K. As a result, the process of breaking down substances from food improves, digestion in general is normalized, toxic elements are neutralized, and the growth of pathogenic flora is suppressed.

Probiotics have a special place during pregnancy. It has been proven that the use of these drugs over the last 3 months has shown a significant effect. It was observed in preventing premature birth, strengthening the immune system, which is important during pregnancy, because any pathology can affect the fetus. In addition, in the third trimester, probiotics have an anti-inflammatory effect, which prevents the development of gynecological pathology and infection.

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Harm of probiotics

Probiotics are our assistants in the treatment of dysbacteriosis, as well as its prevention. However, it is still worth remembering that all drugs have side effects and if certain rules for using a probiotic are not followed, even it can cause harm.

In most cases, harm from probiotics can be observed in the presence of certain characteristics of the body that are associated with genetic predisposition and individual intolerance to the components of the drug that are part of it.

In addition, it is necessary to remember about allergic reactions. They can occur due to the components of the drug. Most often, allergies develop when using liquid forms or products with yeast or bacteria capable of sporulation.

Harm from probiotics can also be observed with their long-term use and then sudden cancellation. It is possible that the microflora has become "accustomed" to the constant supply of beneficial bacteria, and in the absence of probiotic intake, pathogenic bacteria may become active.

To avoid such phenomena, it is recommended to adhere to a certain regimen of administration, without exceeding the permissible dosages and duration of use. It is necessary to take into account that not all probiotics are approved for use in childhood, which can also harm the growing body.

Probiotic composition

The composition of probiotics can be varied, since each preparation includes a certain strain of bacteria. Among them, lactobacilli stand out, the number of species of which reaches 8, and strains - 4.

The next group is bifidobacteria, of which there are approximately 5 species, which are part of probiotics. In addition, streptococci, enterococci and others are used.

The composition of probiotics determines the specific affiliation of the drug. Thus, monocomponent products can consist exclusively of one type of bacteria (lacto- or bifido-), which is a microorganism of the human microflora.

If a probiotic consists of bacteria that are not typical for the microflora, then it represents a group of antagonists with a competitive effect.

Polycomponent probiotics, or symbiotics, include several strains that can exist together and potentiate each other to achieve maximum effect.

Combination drugs consist of bacteria and additional components that have an immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory effect.

Representatives of the last group are preparations consisting of symbiotic obligate flora and substances with prebiotic action.

Probiotics after antibiotics

Antibacterial drugs are now a means of treating many diseases of bacterial genesis. They are used for bronchitis, sinusitis, cystitis and a huge number of other pathologies.

Of course, the prescription of antibiotics is justified only in the presence of a bacterial pathogen, because in its absence, these drugs will only suppress the immune system, thereby preventing the fight against the real pathogenic microorganism.

However, not only the immune system suffers from taking antibacterial drugs, but also the digestive tract, namely the intestinal microflora. The spectrum of antibiotic action can extend to bacteria that inhabit the intestines and are beneficial.

As a result, a person experiences intestinal dysfunction with the development of diarrhea. To avoid this, it is recommended to take probiotics after antibiotics or during their intake. Some probiotics should be used from the first day of the course of antibacterial therapy to prevent the death of normal microflora.

How to take probiotics?

Many people have encountered dysbacteriosis, but not everyone knows how to treat it and how to take probiotics? The method of use and dosage depend on the form of their release. Thus, dry and liquid probiotics are distinguished. The dry form is represented by tablets, powder or capsules, where dried bacteria are located. Liquid - has a nutrient medium, in addition to the main components.

For babies under 1 year old, it is necessary to use liquid probiotics (bioGaia), since another form will not work. In this regard, before use, you should decide on the form of the drug.

Older children can take capsules or powder, for example, Linex, Lactovit Forte. Up to 2 years, it is recommended to take 1 capsule a couple of times a day. Later, the dosage is increased to several capsules at a time.

The probiotic should be used after meals after an hour. In some cases, the dose of the drug can be diluted to facilitate administration. When used in parallel with antibacterial agents, the rules of administration must be followed.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are a group of drugs that have a beneficial effect on human microflora. Probiotics are live microorganisms, represented mainly by lacto- and bifidobacteria, sometimes yeast.

All these bacteria are inhabitants of the microflora and perform important functions, such as helping in the digestion of food and the immune system. In addition, beneficial microorganisms, attaching to the mucous membrane, fill free spaces, thereby preventing the reproduction of pathogenic flora.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that can stimulate beneficial bacteria, activating their growth and metabolic activity.

Among prebiotics, it is worth highlighting low-molecular carbohydrates, insulin, lactulose, fructo-oligosaccharides and lactitol. These agents are mostly found in dairy products, bread products, cereals, corn flakes, garlic, onions, peas and bananas. Oligosaccharides with fructose play a special role, which specifically affects beneficial bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics, which are part of one drug, form a synbiotic.

Eubiotics and probiotics

Eubiotics and probiotics are considered to be assistants to human microflora, because thanks to them, the ratio of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in the microflora is normalized.

Thus, clinical manifestations of dysbacteriosis are eliminated and full functionality of the intestine is restored. In addition, beneficial bacteria, forming microflora, provide a high level of immune protection of the body.

Probiotics are also used for traveler's diarrhea, when the body does not have time to get used to new foods, which is what these drugs help with. Do not forget about the effect of antibacterial agents on the microflora, the effect of which is neutralized by probiotics.

Eubiotics are a dietary supplement (biologically active), which includes live microorganisms, as well as their metabolites. Some argue that eubiotics and probiotics are the same drug, but probiotics provide irreplaceable benefits to the microflora, delivering beneficial bacteria. In turn, a eubiotic cannot have such a powerful effect, although it also contains bacteria.

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Probiotics for the vagina

Probiotics for the vagina are means for normalizing the composition of microflora in the presence of dysbacteriosis. Violation of the ratio of bacteria can occur due to a decrease in the level of immune forces as a result of some concomitant pathology, such as diabetes or HIV. Such diseases contribute to a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria on the vaginal mucosa.

In addition, the microflora may suffer due to hormonal changes that occur during adolescence, menopause or pregnancy. Vaginal probiotics are also necessary during long-term use of antibacterial agents as a therapeutic treatment for most diseases of the reproductive system.

Disruption of the vaginal mucosa microflora can be observed when it changes in the intestines. In this case, probiotics are doubly necessary. They should be taken in parallel with the main drugs that eliminate the infection.

Thanks to the beneficial bacteria that are part of probiotics, the immune defense of the vagina is restored. Thus, it is recommended to take Linex for oral administration, or bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin in the form of suppositories or ginofor - special tablets for the vagina.

Probiotics for thrush

Probiotics for thrush have an irreplaceable effect, because they normalize the quantitative and qualitative composition of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. The drug consists of bacteria familiar to the microflora, which, having entered the body, try to get rid of the excessive number of pathogenic microorganisms.

Due to the impact of certain negative factors, such as taking antibacterial drugs or changing the diet, can lead to an imbalance of flora bacteria. As a result, pathogenic bacteria are activated, as well as the proliferation of yeast fungi.

Probiotics for thrush inhibit the process of fungal activation and stabilize the ratio of microflora bacteria. In addition, it is worth emphasizing that not only pharmaceuticals can be beneficial, but also ordinary food products.

These can be representatives of the fermented milk group of products - kefir, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, as well as sauerkraut, onions, garlic, bananas and many others. With their regular use, dysbacteriosis and the development of thrush are prevented.

Probiotics for weight loss

Probiotics are necessary to combat pathogenic bacteria, gradually displacing them from the body's microflora. By normalizing the bacterial ratio, the drug promotes rapid elimination of toxins, which is an important factor in losing weight.

It is not for nothing that dietary nutrition allows the consumption of low-fat kefir, yogurt and other fermented milk products, because they contain microorganisms that are beneficial for the microflora.

Also, don't forget about sauerkraut, rice, cereals and bananas. All these products ensure normalization of digestion, during which all substances coming with food are digested, without being deposited on the sides.

In addition, probiotics for weight loss work great in combination with soluble fiber, which provides a feeling of satiety, maintaining blood glucose levels. As a result, a large amount of insulin is not produced to reduce sugar levels, and fat gradually begins to come out of its "hiding places" and break down.

If the amount of insulin increases, then the fat will remain in its place.

Probiotics for immunity

Probiotics for immunity play a very important role, since the lacto- and bifidobacteria included in the composition interact with the lymphoid plaques of the intestine and stimulate a pronounced immune response of the body to the introduction of infection. Due to the activation of the process of reproduction of immune cells, which ensure the recognition of infection by antibodies, the protection against the effects of pathogenic factors is strengthened.

However, it is worth remembering that not only probiotics for immunity, but also everyday food products can have no less effect. Thus, studies have confirmed that when consuming fermented milk products consisting of beneficial microorganisms 2 times a day for six months, there was a strengthening of the body's immune defense.

This was manifested in a decrease in the number of cases of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. This phenomenon was especially noted in preschool-aged children. If a child did get sick, the immune system dealt with the infection faster, and intoxication was characterized by less pronounced clinical symptoms. Thus, the child recovered faster without complications.

Probiotics for skin

Skin, like the mucous membrane of the intestine or vagina, is populated by a huge number of bacteria, including beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. When the ratio of these types is in balance, the skin looks healthy and well-groomed.

However, when an imbalance towards pathogenic bacteria appears, they begin to activate and multiply intensively, increasing their number. Later, if there are violations of the integrity of the skin, pathogenic bacteria penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, which causes an inflammatory reaction.

In addition, in this situation, the skin becomes unprotected and is exposed to the negative influence of various external factors. Then you should use probiotics for the skin, which will ensure the restoration of microflora and skin protection.

They are a set of beneficial bacteria that perform immune and barrier functions. In addition, after taking probiotics, the appearance of the skin changes for the better, drawing attention to itself with its health.

Probiotics for the oral cavity

Many people believe that oral probiotics are a completely pointless idea, because when taken internally, the drug is broken down only in the intestines, where beneficial bacteria begin to multiply and fill the free spaces on the mucous membrane. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms cannot activate and increase their number.

The same thing happens in the oral cavity, when the number of pathogenic bacteria increases, inflammatory processes develop in the gums and teeth. Probiotics for the oral cavity are necessary to protect the mucous membrane from pathogenic flora and prevent inflammation.

There is currently one probiotic EvoraPro, which has original strains. It is a tablet product that can be used by children and adults, dissolving the tablet in the mouth.

With the help of this drug, it becomes possible to control the condition of teeth and the oral cavity as a whole, which prevents their premature loss. Contraindications to the use of the drug are severe immunodeficiency states.

Probiotics in cosmetics

Probiotics in cosmetics are a relatively recent discovery. There are beneficial bacteria on the skin, as well as on the mucous membranes of the intestines and vagina. They are adapted to changes in temperature, humidity and pH of the skin.

Their main function is protective, because by maintaining an acidic environment of the skin, pathogenic bacteria are unable to multiply.

It happens that beneficial bacteria cannot withstand aggressive environmental factors, which leads to an imbalance between beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. As a result, pathogenic flora penetrates through the skin and can cause itching, hyperemia and irritation in the form of rashes.

The skin becomes more sensitive and reacts violently to minimal damage or exposure to any factors. Probiotics in cosmetics are necessary to restore the protective "film" on the surface of the skin. These can be gels, creams, lotions or tonic for washing. They not only protect the skin, but also moisturize it and give it elasticity.

Probiotics during pregnancy

Probiotics consist of beneficial bacteria that are necessary for the vaginal and intestinal mucosa to create normal microflora. Thanks to them, strong protection of the mucosa and the body as a whole is created, as the level of immune response increases.

Not all probiotics are allowed during pregnancy, however, not only drugs have medicinal properties, but also food products, such as dairy products (kefir, sour milk, fermented baked milk, cheese, cottage cheese). They ensure the restoration of microflora with the help of their beneficial bacteria.

Research has shown that a complete microflora composition reduces the risk of premature birth and prevents the development of bronchial asthma, eczema and dermatitis in babies.

Probiotics during pregnancy help to cope with thrush and its unpleasant manifestations. The basis for its development is the reproduction of yeast fungi, the number of which prevails over beneficial bacteria. As a result, itching, redness and a threat to the fetus appear. In addition, the risk of infection during labor decreases.

Contraindications to the use of probiotics

Contraindications to the use of probiotics include quite a few conditions, since in general these drugs are practically harmless.

Before using probiotics, it is necessary to take into account the expiration date and storage rules. This nuance is mandatory, since after the expiration date, any drug loses its healing properties and can lead to unforeseen consequences.

Contraindications to the use of probiotics also include their use during pregnancy and by babies, since not every remedy is permitted during such a period of time.

Do not forget about the individual characteristics of the body, because a person may be allergic to some components of the probiotic that are part of it. As a result, the risk of developing an allergic reaction increases, manifested by rashes, swelling and dizziness.

Another group of contraindications are immunodeficiency conditions such as AIDS, HIV, oncological lesions of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which leads to an increased likelihood of infection of the body.

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Allergy to probiotics

Allergy to probiotics can manifest itself at any age, but it is most often observed in newborns and older children. Allergic manifestations are characterized by the appearance of redness, rash, swelling and other symptoms. The localization of these clinical signs can be different, but most often the cheeks, neck, and chest are affected.

Allergy to probiotics develops in two cases. Firstly, it can be caused by the presence of genetic characteristics of the body, in particular, the inability to digest a certain component of the probiotic. In another case, an allergy to the probiotic itself in general and dairy products is possible.

This condition requires the intervention of a specialist, because there may be a deficiency of a certain enzyme in the baby’s body, which is responsible for its breakdown and absorption.

In some cases, it is enough to choose another probiotic, and sometimes more serious treatment is required. In the future, the allergy may manifest itself to other products and drugs that contain "intolerant" ingredients.

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Probiotic Overdose

An overdose of probiotics is theoretically impossible, since these drugs consist of beneficial bacteria and populate the microflora. In case of dysbacteriosis, when probiotics enter the body, they attach to the mucous membrane and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.

As a result, the balance between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria is restored. When all the "vacant places" on the mucous membrane are already occupied by beneficial microorganisms, then with each subsequent entry the rest simply do not attach, but are in the intestinal lumen.

Overdosing on probiotics is impossible, since all unattached beneficial bacteria, even when taking a large amount of the drug, are naturally excreted from the intestines without causing any harmful effects.

In case of non-compliance with the dosage and their excessive excess, dyspeptic disorders are possible in the form of heaviness in the abdomen, bloating or bowel disorder. Such clinical manifestations are observed very rarely. It is possible that even these symptoms may indicate intolerance to any component of the probiotic, and not an overdose at all.

The best probiotic

In order to find out what the best probiotic is today, it is necessary to study their composition. Thus, testing was carried out with the most popular drugs - Linex, Bifiform, Rozel yogurt, Simbiter, Lactovit Forte and Dr. Goodman yogurt.

After conducting the study, it was found that only Bifiform and Linex contained the amount of beneficial bacteria that was stated by the manufacturer. As for Lactovit and Simbiter, they contain significantly fewer beneficial microorganisms.

Roselle yogurt actually has 2 times less lactobacilli, and Dr. Goodman yogurt has half as many bifidobacteria.

In addition, it should be noted that when studying the drugs for their delivery to the intestines in an intact form, it was found that only bifiform did not succumb to the influence of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and entered the intestines as a whole composition.

As a result, the best probiotic is bifiform, as it has completely entered the intestines. The rest, for example, linex - as it moves through the gastrointestinal tract, about 99% of bacteria die, in symbiter - approximately 90%, despite the fact that the number of bacteria in the composition was initially exaggerated.

Microorganisms from lactovit forte showed a 40% survival rate, while yoghurts showed no more than 15%.

Products containing probiotics

Probiotics contain beneficial types of bacteria, but it is not necessary to take these drugs constantly, because food products also contain such bacteria.

Thus, numerous products containing probiotics can be regularly included in your diet and you can forget about dysbacteriosis and intestinal dysfunction.

First of all, it is worth mentioning kefir, which is obtained from whole milk. It contains more than a dozen types of beneficial microorganisms obtained naturally. However, not only kefir has similar properties, but also other representatives of dairy products - yogurt, fermented baked milk and sour milk.

Probiotic-containing foods such as pickles and fermented foods – apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, to which no vinegar was added during the preparation process – are also an excellent source of beneficial microbes.

A huge number of microorganisms necessary for microflora are contained in cheese, cottage cheese, onions, soy, raisins, rice, rye flour and many other products. In addition, from the listed ingredients you can prepare quite tasty dishes, which will be doubly pleasant.

Probiotic Reviews

Probiotics are a universal assistant for a large number of pathologies. It can concern the digestive system, when the intestinal microflora suffers from the influence of pathogenic microorganisms or the use of antibacterial agents.

Also, one should not forget about the ability of this drug to have a stimulating effect on the body's immune system, increasing the production of interferon.

Reviews of probiotics are mostly positive. Side effects from the drugs are almost non-existent. In exceptional cases, if there is intolerance to any component, an allergic reaction may occur. However, this phenomenon is very rare.

Each person selects a probiotic individually for themselves, because for one person the drug may bring a positive effect, while others will not notice any improvement at all.

In addition, positive reviews of probiotics also concern drugs that are used in the neonatal period and at a younger age. After all, it is babies who most often encounter dysbacteriosis due to the lack of their own strong microflora.

Probiotics are used in numerous pathological conditions in the development of which the body's flora takes part. Due to the normalization of the ratio of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms, stabilization of the body's functioning is observed.