What can probiotics do for you?

Many of us have grown up with the information that germs are harmful and cleanliness is good. While this general consensus is still valid, scientists have discovered in recent years that good bacteria and other micro-organisms present on our skin, in our mouth and throughout our body play a crucial role in our health and our mental mood. These good bacteria in the intestine are similar or identical to probiotics. Probiotics have attracted a lot of attention recently and researchers are studying them to find out how they could be used to prevent or treat a variety of medical problems.

In our gut, there are over 500 different types of beneficial bacteria. Common probiotic bacteria include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum.

Benefits of probiotics

Probiotics can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Probiotics can improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression by their ability to synthesize biologically active compounds such as neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), catecholamines, and acetylcholine can be produced and secreted by bacteria in the intestine. When they are released, they can trigger release by epithelial cells of neurochemicals that signal brain activity and affect mood and behavior. Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a probiotic well studied for depressions because of its ability to produce GABA.

Anti-inflammatory effects on the brain can also reduce the symptoms of depression. It is now known that persistent inflammation in the body and brain is one of the main underlying causes of depression and other mood disorders and cognitive disorders. This inflammation can come from the intestines and some probiotics can exert their effects in the brain by reducing inflammation in the intestine.

Probiotics can reduce blood lipids and cholesterol levels

Statins and low-fat diets are an effective way to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Probiotic supplements offer a new non-pharmacological alternative to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Studies have shown that elevated plasma cholesterol levels can be prevented by introducing a strain of bile-resistant L. acidophilus that assimilates cholesterol.

The possible mechanisms of action of probiotics are the digestion of cholesterol by bacteria, the deconjugation of bile salts, the binding of cholesterol to the walls of bacterial cells and the reduction of cholesterol biosynthesis. Probiotics did not have an impact on HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)

Anticarcinogenic properties

Colon cancer is the second most common type of cancer in western industrialized countries. Diet and intestinal bacteria are of great interest in the development of colon cancer as they represent manageable risk factors. The anticancer effect of probiotics is based on its ability to inhibit intestinal bacterial enzymes that convert procarcinogens to more proximal carcinogens. Normal intestinal flora can influence carcinogenesis by producing enzymes (glycosidase, B-glucuronidase, azoreductase and nitroreductase) that transform pre-carcinogenic substances into active carcinogens. Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. casei species in humans can help lower the levels of these enzymes.

In addition, fermented dairy products such as kefir have attracted attention as a potent probiotic with anticancer properties. Kefir contains bioactive compounds capable of inhibiting the proliferation and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells

Probiotics in diabetes and obesity

Recent studies have suggested that selective strains of probiotic-based Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria have beneficial effects on obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both of these strains have decreased insulin resistance and increased resistance to insulin resistance. inflammatory markers in human subjects. Other studies have indicated that probiotics can reduce glucose and insulin levels in diabetics.

Probiotics can help boost immunity

A probiotic supplement can help restore normal intestinal flora to strengthen your immunity against allergies, infections and cancer. It has also been shown that it can prevent or treat urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections in women.

Probiotics are effective against diarrhea

The use of antibiotics is a common cause of diarrhea. When antibiotic medications are prescribed to remove the harmful bacteria that cause the infection, the beneficial bacteria are also destroyed. The evolution of bacterial balance can lead to a proliferation of harmful bacteria and diarrhea. Probiotics can help reduce the diarrhea that can result from antibiotics in children and adults. Probiotics have also been found to reduce stool frequency in infectious diarrhea that occurs with food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

The best food sources of probiotics

• Fermented vegetables such as pickles and sauerkraut.
• Kefir: This is a probiotic generally considered safe and effective for fighting diarrhea. Kefir is a tart milk drink with a slightly thicker consistency than regular milk, but not as thick as yoghurt. There are many products and varieties that combine the natural flavor of kefir with fruit or other natural flavors.
• Yakult: is a cultured dairy drink containing an exclusive bacterial strain, Lactobacillus casei
• Tempeh: Tempeh is a popular staple of Indonesia. It is made by controlled fermentation of soy beans cooked with a Rhizopus mold (tempeh starter). This process binds soy in a compact white cake. This food also contains antioxidants and isoflavones.
• Probiotic soy milk, soy yogurt

Are probiotics safe?

Probiotics can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Other side effects include mild stomach upset, diarrhea or flatulence (passing gas), and bloating during the first few days after you start taking it.

There are different types of probiotics available on the market. Currently, some researchers do not know if probiotic supplements are effective. Despite these contradictions, some studies have produced positive results. However, additional research is needed to confirm that probiotics are safe and effective.

Always consult your doctor before taking any probiotic supplement. A supplement may interfere with the medications you take.

The references

Nikkhah, A. (2014). The most natural and healthiest yogurt of probiotics: history reveals. Journal of Probiotics and Health, 02(02). doi: 10.4172 / 2329-8901.1000e110

Nikkhah, A. (2015). A milky way for the healthy gut: the probiotic of all ages. Journal of Probiotics and Health, 03(02). doi: 10.4172 / 2329-8901.1000e115

Prebiotics and probiotics. (2015). Journal of Probiotics and Health, 03(02). doi: 10.4172 / 2329-8901.1000e120

Riscuta, G. (2013). Probiotics and cancer prevention as part of the healthy microbiome. Journal of Probiotics and Health, 01(03). doi: 10.4172 / 2329-8901.1000e103