5 min
Probiotics
The article in a few key points
Naturally present in the body, probiotics are living organisms, bacteria, constituting several microbiota in our body.
Probiotics are “healthy” bacteria, contributing to the good health of the body; if they become too out of balance with the “bad” bacteria, several harmful consequences can occur.
Probiotics are found in particular in dairy products, but in the event of a deficiency, or in certain specific events, supplementation is possible.
At first glance, when you hear about bacteria , you are a little skeptical, even a little disgusted. Bacteria don't have a very good reputation, and for good reason. However, there are good ones that work in your favor and that of your good health, such as probiotics!
Referred to as allies of our intestines and our immune system in general, probiotics have been on the rise in recent years because science has clearly understood their importance. Between digestive, intestinal, vaginal or oral benefits, probiotics play an essential role in our body.
Are you wondering how mushrooms (yes, they are!) can have a positive effect on your health? We see that right away!
What are probiotics and what are they used for?
Defined by the WHO as “live micro-organisms which, when ingested in sufficient quantities, have positive effects on health”, probiotics are bacteria naturally present in the intestines, the mouth, or even in the mouth. inside the vagina.
These bacteria maintain the balance of the intestinal flora , regulate the immune system, promote transit , and many other things. Probiotics help the body fight possible diseases and infections.
Concretely, these micro-organisms form a shield against bad bacteria which would like to take up residence in your body and create diarrhea, constipation, inflammation and other illnesses. This is why they play an essential role in the entire immune system.
Present naturally in our body, in the event of a deficiency , we can supplement with probiotics by taking a probiotic food supplement in powder or capsule form.
But they are also found in certain foods:
- yogurt,
- kefir,
- pickles,
- certain cheeses.
What are the benefits of probiotics?
Probiotics have multiple functions and contain many benefits . In the family of these positive microorganisms, we can cite lactic acid bacteria (such as lactobacilli) or bifidobacteria, yeasts such as saccharomyces cerevisiae, or even bacillus.
Over the years and through different experiences, the scientific world knows how probiotics help prevent discomfort, infections or inflammation. Probiotics have the virtue of rebalancing the different flora and boosting the immune system.
Here are some of the now recognized benefits of probiotics.
Protection of the intestines
Who says probiotics, says intestines! Logical, since probiotics are born inside them. From the moment you are born, billions of bacteria settle there - for the better. A sort of cozy nest for living organisms, your intestines welcome them above all to benefit from their protection. Probiotics become the defenders of your intestines !
Like warriors, these micro-organisms fight against bad bacteria at all times. Cause of multiple inconveniences, they would like to take the place of your allies, by destroying the existing balance between good and bad organisms.
Probiotics, which are good bacteria , create a protective barrier from the start so that the digestive tract remains healthy.
Thus, in the event of an imbalance that creates inflammation, an allergy or discomfort, it is possible to ingest probiotics in the form of capsules or powders. They then support the good micro-organisms and help them to multiply. They regain the upper hand on pathogenic bacteria and give you relief.
Probiotics and digestion
Between diarrhea, constipation or traveler's illness, digestive balance is often compromised. Probiotics are powerful allies to support your digestion. By fighting against unwanted foods, too sweet, too acidic, or not always very healthy, they help your intestines to properly digest everything you eat, and therefore, to keep the balance of the intestinal flora intact.
Protection of vaginal flora
With menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, the vaginal flora changes and sometimes deteriorates. Stress, taking antibiotics or smoking weaken it and reduce its natural defenses. For affected women, unbalanced vaginal flora can lead to various infections.
Just like the intestines, the vaginal flora is made up of microorganisms , good and bad. As long as there are more good bacteria than bad bacteria, a balance is ensured.
Lactic acid bacteria have this protective role. They create a defense system by producing a fairly acidic environment to fight against potential pathogens. If, unfortunately, there is an imbalance, it is because the bacteria level has significantly decreased.
For prevention or treatment, you can use probiotics orally or locally. Lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria) multiply, promote good bacteria and once again create an acidic environment, protective of the vaginal flora.
Protection of oral flora
Also called oral microbiota, the oral flora also contains various types of bacteria, healthy and less healthy, which must respect a certain balance (always!) to maximize your well-being.
In order to keep flora healthy, good micro-organisms must be in superiority. They then prevent pathogenic organisms from clinging to the walls of the mouth and teeth and creating infections or inflammations.
This imbalance can occur because of:
- poor diet,
- stress,
- poor oral hygiene,
- of antibiotic treatment.
This is where probiotics come into play. In the event of loss of this precious balance, they repair the oral flora. Thanks to their localized action, these good bacteria multiply, fight against infections and regain the upper hand over pathogenic agents.
Knowing that certain oral bacteria can descend into the intestines and develop diseases there, it is better to take care of your mouth and your flora. This way you avoid cavities, chronic intestinal problems, gum inflammation, etc.
When to take a course of probiotics?
You are now knowledgeable about probiotics and their benefits. You know how precious they are for the body and the balance of the different flora in your body.
You then want to take a cure. But when ?
To regain strong health, here are different opportunities to take a course of probiotics :
- after diarrhea to regain intestinal balance;
- in the case of constipation ;
- to treat or prevent vaginal infections ;
- in order to boost your immune system , especially in children or the elderly;
- during pregnancy, in order to regulate your transit ;
- after a course of antibiotics ;
- after a major period of stress ;
- following an infectious period .
To be sure of their effectiveness, taking them at the start of your breakfast is the best tip. Remember: probiotics are live microorganisms. To fully fulfill their role, especially if you take them orally, they must arrive in your intestines alive!
So, at the start of your meal, the intestinal environment is a little less acidic and a little more “probiotic friendly”. Our friends the bacteria will have a better chance of arriving safe and sound at their destination.
We recommend you
Probio Formula
Formula with clinically proven effectiveness on intestinal flora.
- ✅ 60 Billion CFU per dose
- ✅ Synergy of 6 microbiotic strains
- ✅ DRcaps® gastro-resistant capsules
- ✅ Prolonged effectiveness
How to choose the right probiotic food supplement?
1) Concentration: the UFC
This is the quantity of probiotics present in a capsule (Colony Forming Unit). If this level is too low, your food supplement will not be effective, because all the microorganisms will die during the journey between your mouth and your intestines. For optimal effects, opt for a capsule containing 30 billion CFU , and preferably gastro-resistant so that the microorganisms are protected as they pass through the stomach.
2) The quality of the strains and their resistance
Before purchasing your supplement, ensure the quality of the probiotic strains. These must be excellent to ensure a good cure. The best are lactobacillus paracasei and reuteri. They must also be very resistant in order to survive the acidic environment through which they pass, to finally arrive in the small intestine and the colon. Strains that have been the subject of clinical studies is a real plus.
3) The origin of your supplements
To be certain of good traceability of the elements used in the food supplement, their quality and their effectiveness, choose products tested and manufactured in France . If probiotic food supplements are also clear about their composition and use a minimum of additives, you also have another guarantee of quality.
Probiotic supplementation: contraindications
Generally, probiotics are not dangerous for your health. As you have seen, these are good bacteria which aim to protect you against possible infections. However, excess is always harmful.
Too much of these micro-organisms can do you more harm than good, notably leading to bloating and constipation. It is therefore important not to overdose on daily amounts. 100 billion bacteria, from the same family, ingested per day during a treatment, is the maximum. We recommend 60 billion CFU per day , which is more than enough and will be just as effective, without risk of inconvenience.
Furthermore, it is preferable to avoid giving probiotics to premature babies, children or immunocompromised adults. As a precaution, and in order not to create side effects which could weaken their health, supplementation is strongly discouraged for them.
And There you go ! We hope that this guide has reconciled you with bacteria, and demonstrated the importance of caring for your different flora using probiotics and our friends the (good) bacteria 🦠
