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Probiotics are familiar for their role in digestive health, but what are they really? How do they work, and what benefits do they offer? Today, we'll delve into the question 'What are probiotics?' to uncover the truth!
Exploring the Essence of Probiotics
To grasp the essence of 'What are Probiotics?' let's dive into their nature, forms, and benefits.
Deciphering the Meaning of Probiotics
Probiotics, commonly known and often advertised for their digestive benefits. However, many may still wonder, what is Probiotic, what are probiotic bacteria or yeasts? According to experts, Probiotics are often referred to as beneficial bacteria, with the function of preventing and reducing the ability of harmful bacteria to adhere to tissue cells in the intestine.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria or yeasts for the digestive system
Simply put, Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support the digestive system in processing food and enhancing immunity against harmful agents to health.
What is Probiotic? Types of Probiotics
Probiotics come in various strains, and below are some of the most common ones:
- Bifidobacterium Strain
This strain of beneficial bacteria accounts for up to 90% of the total beneficial bacteria in the elderly gut. It can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and bile fluid. Moreover, these bacteria have an exceptional ability to adhere to the intestinal mucosa, promoting digestive system function to eliminate harmful bacteria and stabilize the gut microbiota.
- Lactobacillus Strain
Beneficial bacteria are commonly found in the human intestines or fermented dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, kimchi, etc. According to many experts, Lactobacillus has the ability to produce Lactic acid, which helps eliminate fungi and harmful bacterial strains. Consequently, it effectively maintains the gut microbiota. Additionally, these beneficial bacteria can break down lactose, thereby contributing to preventing and reducing the risk of lactose metabolism disorders.
- Bacillus Strain
Bacillus is an extremely diverse group of beneficial bacteria, commonly encountered everywhere. Bacillus spores can withstand the acidity of the stomach very well, safely traveling to the elderly intestine to germinate and develop.
What is Probiotic? Benefits of Probiotics
The digestive process begins as soon as food enters the mouth and travels down to the stomach and intestines. At this point, the microbiota's task is to support digestion by stimulating the immune system while eliminating pathogenic bacteria and restoring intestinal balance. The effects vary depending on each strain of Probiotics. However, generally, Probiotics provide the following benefits:
Health Benefits of Probiotics
- Balance Digestive System.
Probiotics maintain the balance of intestinal bacterial and fungal ecosystems, sustaining a neutral environment between acid and alkali in the gastric fluid, facilitating food digestion.
- Support Treatment and Prevention of Diarrhea
Probiotics restore digestive health by overpowering the invasion of certain viruses and harmful parasites with a large quantity of beneficial bacteria. This contributes to preventing acute diarrhea effectively.
- Produce and Absorb Vitamins for the Brain
These probiotics function to produce and absorb vitamin A, various types of vitamin B6, B12 into the body, which lower blood pressure and protect the development of the nervous system.
- Reduce Gastric Ulcers
Due to their ability to regulate a stable environment in the stomach, probiotics effectively limit the occurrence of acidity, bloating, and many uncomfortable symptoms of gastric ulcers.
- Strengthen the Immune System
Probiotic bacteria support the creation of natural antibodies and enhance the function of white blood cells, boosting the immune strength of the stomach.
- Assist in Lactose Absorption
Probiotics produce various enzymes, including lactase enzyme, which aids in lactose absorption, reducing the symptoms of food allergies in individuals.
Probiotics contribute to cardiovascular health protection
- Heart Protection
Probiotics help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, leading to better blood pressure regulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Support Skin Beauty
Boosting probiotic bacteria effectively enhances anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling to minimize acne breakouts.
Who Should Use Probiotics?
Given the numerous health benefits of probiotics, who should use them:
- Individuals with Diarrhea
Researchers indicate that probiotics help treat and prevent diarrhea, especially in those who have been using antibiotics for an extended period. Probiotics also reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea, as well as prevent related conditions in both adults and children.
- Individuals with Constipation
Consuming probiotics or using some products with high probiotic supplementation is an extremely effective remedy for constipation in both adults and children. Probiotics help soften stools and move more easily through the colon, facilitating regular bowel movements.
Probiotics help improve digestive disorders
- Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms including lower abdominal swelling, bloating, and stomach pain, ... are significantly reduced after patients use probiotics through their diet. And it is very effective for both adults and children. Therefore, probiotics are used in treating some digestive diseases for both adults and children.
How to Use Probiotics?
Above, we have learned what Probiotics are and their benefits. Next, let's explore the most effective ways to take probiotics. According to some experts, you can take Probiotics right before eating, while others believe it's best to take them after eating or during meals. Many scientists explain that probiotics are living microorganisms so they are easily destroyed in the acidic stomach environment. Therefore, if taken too long before meals when the stomach secretes a lot of acid, it will also limit the number of beneficial bacteria entering. Therefore, the best time to take probiotics is right before or after meals. However, you don't have to wait until the main meal, you can take them after a light meal. However, nowadays with advanced technology, scientists have discovered various types of probiotics in different forms that have good resistance. Therefore, how to use probiotics will depend on the type of bacteria as well as the manufacturing company. Because these products can resist stomach acid, they can be taken at any time of the day.
Each probiotic product will have its own usage instructions
However, an important thing to note is that for high results, you must use probiotics regularly, consistently, following the manufacturer's instructions, and continuously every day. Much evidence has clearly indicated that using probiotics regularly for about 1 month will bring about good effects on the digestive microbial system, whether taken before or after meals.
In summary, what is Probiotic? It is beneficial bacteria or yeast for the digestive system. They live in our intestines and provide many benefits to digestion. Such as improving constipation, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, ... However, to use probiotics safely, you should choose reputable products and use them according to the instructions!
Learn more:
>> What to Drink to Quickly Recover from Diarrhea?
>> What Should Pregnant Women Do for Late-Stage Diarrhea?
>> Natural Remedies for Treating Diarrhea in Children
