What is a probiotic?

Probiotics are bacteria that promote the health of both animals and humans. This idea stems from Nobel Laureate Elie Metchnikoff, who discovered at the turn of the century that persons who ate Bulgarian yogurt on a daily basis lived longer. Probiotics are categorized as dietary supplements, and despite the fact that they have been around for decades, relatively little study has been done on them to yet. We only know that probiotics create enzymes that aid in the digestion of particular meals by the gut flora, allowing for proper nutrient absorption and digestion. Probiotics are suggested to replenish intestinal flora in order to avoid gastro, diarrhea, or constipation, but also against irritable bowel syndrome, some allergies, stress, and more broadly for an improvement. of the immune system, as we will see. It’s also worth noting that certain probiotics are beneficial to the intimate flora, particularly in the case of vaginal yeast infections.

Bacteria: Allies or Enemies?

Until recently, germs were more closely connected with pathology than with good health. While many bacterial species are dangerous and cause disease, others are necessary for human health. The image of bacteria has been restored thanks to advances in research and technology: today, hundreds of scientific publications attesting to the benefits of certain bacteria have been published after nearly two decades of research. health-related issues Bacteria don’t all have the same job. As knowledge has grown, classifications have emerged, resulting in the creation of probiotics, which are “cocktails” of beneficial bacteria.

What is the gut microbiota, and how does it affect your health?

The intestinal flora, also known as the intestinal microbiota, is the collection of microorganisms that live in the intestine, which includes both the small and large intestines. Probiotics, also known as microbiotic strains, temporarily enhance the gut flora in order to restore the good bacteria / bad bacteria balance and allow the former to take over the latter. The better the health effect, the more helpful microorganisms there are. Bacteria play a number of roles, including: Digestive system B and K synthesis The body’s required molecular synthesis (including short-chain fatty acids) Immune system bolstering By preventing the colonization of the intestines by harmful bacteria, a “barrier effect” can be created Probiotics are a unique health solution since they provide the body with huge amounts of carefully chosen and tested microorganisms, therefore enriching the microbiota, which has been linked to improved health.

The microbiota’s influence on human health

The condition of the intestinal microbiota has been connected to a variety of health indicators and diseases, according to several studies: GI Tract (bloating, constipation, diarrhea) IBD (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) is an inflammatory bowel illness. Diabetes\sObesity Cancers of many types Neuropsychiatric disorders are a type of mental illness that affects people in different ways (autism, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder) Probiotics are gaining popularity as a result. Taking care of the intestinal microbiota would allow us to intervene in a wider range of digestive disorders than we now have.

Evidence based on science

The scientific and medical communities have come to terms with probiotics’ importance. They’ve been investigated in a variety of settings, providing for a more comprehensive understanding of their health effects. Their positive benefits have been demonstrated in a number of studies, including:

• Prevention of diarrhea due to antibiotics (see study)
• Improvement of irritable bowel syndrome (see the study)
• Relief for lactose intolerance (see the study)
• The treatment of constipation (see the study) and the improvement of transit (see the study)
• The fight against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes inflammation of the stomach (chronic gastritis) which can lead to ulcers or even cancer (see the study)
• The treatment of allergies (see the study)

Strains of probiotic bacteria with specialized functions

There are many different bacteria, but only a few of them qualify as probiotics. Those that are are lactic bacteria, or bacteria that ferment sugars into lactic acid, and they are divided into four genera (Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Streptococci, and Lactococci), each with thousands of species and hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of strains. Each strain has its own set of characteristics. As a result, there is no such thing as a universal probiotic. Each health issue is associated with a strain that has been thoroughly examined and proven to be useful.

Selection criteria for probiotics

Probiotics must meet specific characteristics in order to be of good quality and have beneficial effects, which should be considered while purchasing one.

Strain discovered (s)

It’s crucial to pick a probiotic whose strain or strains have been researched and whose effects have been proven.

Tested for gastro-resistance

When a probiotic is consumed, it must survive harsh conditions such as stomach acidity, digestive enzymes, bile salts, and other substances. If the bacteria aren’t resistant to these conditions, they won’t make it to the small intestine or colon alive, and they won’t be able to do any good.

Traceability

Traceability is established by standardized protocols that ensure customer safety, product registration, and manufacturer responsiveness in the event of an event. Choose probiotics from companies that follow acceptable pharmaceutical production methods, have extensive experience handling this living material, and are frequently inspected by the appropriate authorities.

Stability of the strain

Under normal storage circumstances, this value ensures the probiotic’s viability in the ambient environment (temperature/humidity) throughout time. This stability is based on the strain’s properties, the substances employed in the probiotic’s formulation, and air and humidity-resistant packaging, preferably sachets or capsules in blister packs.

Adhesion to the mucosa of the intestine

The probiotic’s ability to bind to the cells of the intestine is measured by its adhesion. If the adhesion is satisfactory, the probiotic bacteria’ presence period in the colon will be extended. A probiotic, after all, only travels through the body (except in the case of very high dosages). The relationship between bacteria in the microbiota and the systems that support them is improved by good adherence (immune system in particular).

How to choose a probiotic that meets these criteria? The good reflex

Health professionals (doctors, pharmacists, etc.) are increasingly trained in advising probiotics and update their knowledge regularly. Choosing the right probiotic will be easier with the help of your doctor or pharmacist. He will share valuable advice with you. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested in sufficient amounts, exert positive health effects. Each probiotic strain is unique and non-substitutable. Its properties are specific to it and cannot be extrapolated to other strains of the same species. For probiotics to have beneficial effects, they must meet certain conditions: the strains must be identified and tested, they must be gastro-resistant, or adhere to the intestinal mucosa Health professionals are able to advise the most suitable probiotic for each situation.

The best probiotics for gut health

Pendulum Akkermansia

Akkermansia has transformed the way we think about gut health. Akkermansia is a distinct and unusual probiotic strain found naturally in the gastrointestinal system. It interacts directly with the gut lining and helps control the mucus lining of the gut, which aids in the maintenance of the gut lining. Akkermansia can account for up to 4% of gut bacteria in healthy adults. What’s one healthy probiotic strain you’re not receiving from your daily yogurt? Akkermansia muciniphila (or Akkermansia for short), a naturally occurring strain in the body that cannot be absorbed by food. In contrast to probiotic strains such as lactobacillus, which may be found in foods such as yogurt, Akkermansia muciniphila is not present in food. This is the first brand to provide Akkermansia as a daily probiotic. It is unknown why some people have this strain while others do not. Genetics, illness, food, and antibiotic usage are among variables that might influence microbiome alterations. Once all of the beneficial bug (Akkermansia) has been removed from the stomach, there is no way to ‘eat it back,’ and it can only be replaced by supplementing with the strain itself. Akkermansia feeds on proteins (called mucin) in the mucus layer of your intestines, and the more it eats, the stronger your gut lining gets. A healthy gut lining is crucial because it has a direct impact on your overall gut health, which can affect a variety of other aspects of your overall health. What makes Akkermansia’s capsule so special? The enteric coated capsule from Akkermansia is acid-resistant, which means it can make it through the stomach’s acidity, the small intestines, and into the large intestines to perform its function.  

Now Foods Probiotic-10 25 Billion 10 Probiotic Strains 

Now Foods introduces Probiotic-10, a high-potency probiotic made with quality-assured components. This vegetarian formula is available in strengths of 25, 50, and 100 billion organisms. Through the Best By date, this product is formulated to deliver a potency of at least 25 billion CFU.  

Jarro-Dophilus EPS 

Jarro-Dophilus EPS is a multi-strain, shelf-stable probiotic formulated with clinically proven strains. With a blend of eight probiotic species from four genera: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus, Jarro-Dophilus® EPS supports the health of the entire intestinal tract. Scientific research has clinically validated each strain, and it has been given a strain designation (e.g., R0011) that corresponds to its beneficial effects on intestinal and immune health. The proprietary EnteroGuard coating, blister packing defense against air and moisture, and use of strains with excellent room temperature stability make Jarro-Dophilus EPS an Enhanced Probiotic SystemTM formula. This guarantees that the greatest number of probiotic bacteria reach the intestinal tract, where they can completely exhibit their beneficial effects. ]]>