Probiotics

What are probiotics?

Definition of a probiotic:

Probiotics are live microorganisms , usually bacteria or fungi, that have health benefits when consumed in sufficient quantities. They are often used to improve digestive health by rebalancing gut flora , but they can also have positive effects on overall health, such as strengthening the immune system , reducing inflammation, and improving digestion . Probiotics can be found naturally in certain fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso and tempeh, but they can also be taken in the form of food supplements in order to control their intake.

Who invented probiotics?

The term "probiotic" was coined in 1965 by Bulgarian scientist Ilya Ilyich Metchnikoff, who noticed that rural populations in Asia and Europe who regularly consumed fermented foods such as fermented milk and yogurt lived longer and had fewer illnesses. He proposed that this was due to the presence of " friendly bacteria " in these foods that improve health by rebalancing the gut flora. So he coined the term “ probiotic ” to describe these beneficial bacteria.

Since then, much research has been done on probiotics to understand how they can improve health, and there are now many probiotic products available on the market, ranging from dietary supplements to functional foods, such as yogurts, cheeses and fermented drinks.

It's important to note that the use of probiotics as a way to boost health long predates Metchnikoff's coining of the term "probiotic."

Additionally, the food industry, with companies like Danone, has begun to integrate probiotics into many food products, such as yogurts, fruit juices and dietary supplements, which has contributed to their popularity and to their accessibility. Natural health and nutrition laboratories have also invested in probiotic research to develop more effective and higher quality products.

What is the link between intestinal health and probiotics?

There is a strong connection between gut health and probiotics , as probiotic dietary supplements can help rebalance gut flora and improve digestion.

Our intestinal tract contains billions of bacteria, which form our microbiota. A healthy microbiota is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, and overall health. Probiotics can help increase populations of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, which can help rebalance gut flora and improve digestion.

Probiotics may also help reduce symptoms of digestive diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They can also help prevent and treat antibiotic- and travel-associated diarrhea .

It is important to note that the effects of probiotics can vary considerably depending on the strains used, doses and populations studied. It is therefore important to consult a professional to assess individual needs and possible risks.

In what cases are probiotic food supplements used?

Probiotic dietary supplements can be used in many cases to improve overall health. Here are some examples of common uses of probiotics:

1. Digestive health: Probiotics can help rebalance intestinal flora and improve digestion . They can also help reduce symptoms of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). see product .
   
2. Prevention and treatment of diarrhea: Probiotics can help prevent and treat diarrhea associated with antibiotics and travel.
3. Strengthening the immune system: Probiotics can help strengthen the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and stimulating immune cells .
4. Skin Health: Probiotics can help improve skin health by reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier.
5. Heart health: Probiotics may help reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. see product .
   
6. Weight loss: Some studies suggest that certain probiotics may help reduce appetite and increase fat digestion , which may contribute to weight loss. see product .
   
7. Taking antibiotics: It has been agreed that taking antibiotics weakens the intestinal flora, it is therefore recommended to take a course of probiotics and prebiotics after this. see product .
   
8. Infections: Certain lactobacilli are used as probiotics to restore the vaginal microbiota and prevent recurrent infections. They have shown their interest in the management of candidiasis and in the prevention of recurrent infections. see product .

What are the strains and indications for probiotics?

There are many different strains of probiotics, each with specific properties and indications. Some of the most commonly used and studied strains include:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus: this strain is frequently used to strengthen and balance the intestinal flora. As in Vital Flora .
  
• Bifidobacterium bifidum: this strain is often used to strengthen the immune system and protect local flora.
• Streptococcus thermophilus: This strain is commonly used in fermented dairy products such as yogurt and is often used to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of diarrhea.
• Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast strain is often used to prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotics and travel.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus : this strain is often used to strengthen the immune system and increase tolerance to allergens. It reduces inflammation and intestinal permeability.
• Lactobacillus reuteri : this strain is known for cardiovascular well-being and for improving cholesterol levels by reducing the level of bad LDL. It would also help relieve the pancreas in the secretion of insulin.
• Lactobacillus plantarum: This strain is often used to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system.
• Lactobacillus fermentum: This strain is often used to strengthen the immune system and improve digestive health.
• Lactobacillus paracasei: This strain is often used to strengthen the immune system and reduce symptoms of diarrhea.
• Lactobacillus casei: This strain is often used to strengthen the immune system and improve digestive health.
• Lactobacillus gasseri : strain of probiotic which belongs to the Lactobacillus family. It is naturally present in the human intestinal tract and can also be found in some fermented foods such as yogurt and fermented milk. It is often used to improve digestive health and it has also been studied for its potential effects on weight loss, helping to reduce abdominal fat, inhibiting the absorption of bad dietary fats.

What are the criteria for selecting a good probiotic food supplement?

There are several important criteria to consider when selecting a good probiotic supplement:

1. Effective Bacterial Strains: It is important to choose probiotics that contain bacterial strains that have been studied and proven effective in treating specific health conditions.
2. Manufacturing quality: It is important to choose probiotics manufactured by reputable companies with high quality standards to ensure the purity and effectiveness of the products.
3. Live Bacteria Count: It is important to choose probiotics that contain a high number of live bacteria to maximize their effectiveness.

Probiotics are typically quantified in terms of the number of live bacteria or colony-forming units (CFU) per serving or dose. CFU represents the number of live bacteria present in a sample and can be used to measure the amount of probiotics in dietary supplements and fermented foods.

It is important to note that the amount of CFU needed to achieve a positive effect can vary depending on the probiotic strain and the health goal being sought. For example, some probiotics may need higher levels of CFU to be effective, while others may be effective at lower levels.

It is also important to consider the quality and stability of probiotics in dietary supplements. Some strains may be more stable and resistant to stomach acid than others, which may influence their effectiveness.

1. Stability: It is important to choose probiotics that are stable and can be stored at room temperature to avoid losing their effectiveness before use.
2. Proper Use: It is important to choose probiotics that are appropriate for age, medical condition and individual nutritional needs.
3. Recognized brand: It is important to choose probiotics from recognized brands to avoid counterfeit products. Our specialists are Vit'all+, Dietaroma and Specchiasol which are recognized natural food supplement laboratories.

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