Probiotics

Description of probiotics

Probiotics are useful micro-organisms that make up the oral, intestinal and vaginal flora. Their presence helps counter the proliferation of harmful micro-organisms that can, for example, cause infectious diarrhea or vaginitis. Probiotics also contribute to the digestion of food.

Probiotics act through 3 main mechanisms.

The first is to modulate the activity of the intestinal immune system. Probiotics reinforce immunity when it is weak, for example during the development of the immune system in children, or its aging in the elderly. They also reduce the overactivation of the immune system, especially in cases of allergies or inflammatory bowel diseases.

Secondly, probiotics increase the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, for example by increasing the production of mucus or IgA type antibodies.

Finally, probiotics have direct antimicrobial effects, by taking the place of pathogenic bacteria (competition phenomenon) and by preventing their adhesion to the intestinal walls.

Preventing traveler's diarrhea.

Probiotics have also shown effectiveness in preventing traveler's diarrhea (tourista). It affects 15% to 60% of travelers to developing countries and is usually caused by infection with a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli bacteria.

The prophylactic use of probiotics concludes that daily doses of at least 10 billion CFU of Saccharomyces boulardii or a mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifibobacterium bifidus, offer protection against tourista.

Stimulate the immune system.

There is now experimental and clinical evidence that the interaction of probiotics with the immune system is not limited to the digestive system.

Results from several clinical trials indicate that lactic acid bacteria stimulate the production of various antibodies in the human body. For example, Lactobacillus GG supplements provided mild but significant protection against respiratory system infections.

Through their regulatory action on the immune system, lactic acid bacteria could also reduce the intensity of allergic rhinitis, especially in children.

The idea of using probiotics for the treatment of constipation arose from three observations:
1. the composition of the intestinal flora of people suffering from it sometimes differs from those who have a regular transit;
2. it has already been noticed that the administration of Bifibobacterium lactis accelerates the intestinal transit;
3. probiotics acidify the interior of the intestine, which increases its peristalsis

Adverse Effects

Temporary increase in intestinal gas in some people. High consumption of probiotic supplements may also cause mild intestinal irritation in some people at the beginning of treatment.

Live brewer's yeast can cause bloating and intestinal gas.

If this is the case, it is recommended to start with small doses and increase them gradually to give the body time to secrete the appropriate enzymes.

Notice

Probiotics are mainly used in prevention and as an adjuvant to treatment. They have a beneficial effect on the ecology of intestinal bacteria and prevent the appearance of pathogens.

Intestinal bacteria play an important role in metabolism. For example, they secrete enzymes that facilitate the absorption of nutrients.

In higher doses, probiotics are used to stimulate immunity and inflammatory and functional disorders of the intestine.