Why is Probiotics Healthy?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually lactic acid bacteria, that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they keep the gut healthy.
Scientific evidence shows that probiotics have several health benefits, including improving the balance of bacteria in the gut, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal disorders, and boosting the immune system. Research has also shown that probiotics have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of infections, improving skin health, and improving the symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
What are probiotics good for?
Probiotics have several health benefits, including:
- Improving digestion and nutrient absorption: Probiotics can help break down food and absorb nutrients more effectively.
- Reducing the risk of certain infections: Some probiotics help to reduce the risk of certain infections, such as urinary tract infections and diarrhea.
- Improving immune function: Probiotics help to stimulate the immune system and improve its function.
- Reducing inflammation: Studies shows that probiotics may have anti-inflammatory effects and may be helpful in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Improving mental health: Some studies have suggested that probiotics may have a positive effect on mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression.
What are probiotics?
As the name suggests, lactic acid bacteria are the bacteria that cause the milk/yogurt to ferment, but they have nothing to do with milk. Lactic acid bacteria are also called domestic bacteria and probiotics.
To have well-functioning digestion, the intestinal flora must be optimal, i.e. with a predominance of good intestinal bacteria. In a normal person, the intestine contains approx. 2 kg of intestinal bacteria, which is good for healthy digestion.
Unfortunately, good bacteria are not alone in the gut: Among the approximately 500 different types of microorganisms that are naturally found in the gut, there are also harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
If you eat predominantly alkaline food, the good intestinal bacteria are fed and support both the intestinal mucosa and the immune system, while the disease-causing and less beneficial bacteria are starved.
However, eating predominantly acidic food like sweets and junk food benefits the harmful microorganisms, which can lead to intestinal problems, intestinal diseases, lifestyle diseases, and inflammation (inflammatory conditions in the body).
The function of the intestinal bacteria is, among others, to prevent the penetration of and fight against unwanted microorganisms, maintain a normal pH value in the intestine, ensure the absorption of vitamins and minerals and have a detoxifying effect.
To help the body on its way, it is beneficial to eat extra supplements of intestinal bacteria – also called lactic acid bacteria (has nothing to do with milk) or probiotics. If you have been or are on antibiotics/penicillin, it always helps to eat lactic acid bacteria after, during and staggered from the treatment. Antibiotics/penicillin also kill all good intestinal bacteria and therefore most people tend to get sick quickly after a course of antibiotics.
Probiotic means ’for live’ whereas antibiotic means ‘against life’.
Can you eat too many lactic acid bacteria?
No, you can not take too many lactic acid bacteria but you should always practice supplements in moderation. If you have been on antibiotics or penicillin, it is always a good idea to eat probiotics afterward.
It is perfectly fine to continue with probiotics if your body also feels good. If there is too much air in the stomach, cramps, or the feeling of soreness in the gastrointestinal tract, take a short break. However, research says that the first week on probiotics can be a little tough on the stomach, especially if you are not used to eating lactic acid bacteria. This is perfectly normal.