Actobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium bifidus … these names are very complicated microbes, specifically bacteria or probiotics. They are naturally present in our body and help counter the proliferation of harmful microbes. Find out what you need to know about probiotics and their benefits to your body.
The benefits of probiotics and where to find them?
Probiotics are living microorganisms, that is to say bacteria and yeasts which, according to the official definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), “when ingested in sufficient quantities have positive health effects.”
By rebalancing the intestinal flora, they help induce fiber digestion, stimulate the immune system and prevent and treat the diarrhea. You can find probiotics in yogurt, in fermented milk products and in some fermented vegetable dishes such as beans.
They are also found in the probiotic yeast that can be used for making bread or pizza dough. You should know that the acidity of the stomach destroys 90% of ingested probiotics and their beneficial effects are seen after they have reached the bowel. Research is being conducted for understanding the role of probiotics in protecting the body cope with intestinal inflammation.
Probiotics facilitate the digestion of lactose
Depending on races and continents, people are more or less affected by lactose intolerance. It is manifested by bloating, gas, cramps and it is caused by a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose. If lactose is not digested, it is then possible to get diarrhea.
Studies have shown that the presence of probiotics in fermented dairy product facilitates digestion. The fermentation of the dairy product leads to the transformation of lactose, responsible for intolerance in lactic acid that is digestible. The lactic acid present in the probiotics has another positive effect on health: it facilitates the absorption of calcium, iron and phosphorus.
Probiotics alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by malaise, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. There is no way to prevent this syndrome. One can prevent against recurrences by changing eating habits. The effect of probiotics on IBS symptoms is frequently studied since 2000. Recent results showed an overall improvement in the status of persons who suffer with reduced abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating and regularization of transit. It remains difficult to quantify the importance of the benefits.
Probiotics prevent and treat infectious diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea
Acute diarrhea, often caused by gastroenteritis affects both children and adults. Lactic acids in probiotics could reduce the risk of suffering from this type of diarrhea and its duration if it has already been contracted. In addition to a good re-hydration, probiotics help to heal faster gastritis preventing bacteria from adhering to the lining of the stomach.
As for traveler’s diarrhea, also called turista, it affects 15-60% of travelers to developing countries. Probiotics have some efficacy in the prevention of this diarrhea, often caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. Based on 12 studies, taking a minimum dose of probiotics contained in yogurt but also in the yeast boulardii type of beer, would prevent this diarrhea. Travelers can buy probiotics to avoid this issue.
Probiotics prevent complications due to antibiotics and nosocomial infections
In 2006, a study indicated that the risk of diarrhea due to antibiotics could be reduced by taking probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Probiotics also mitigate the risk of contracting a gastrointestinal infection nosocomial (i.e. infection acquired in the hospital).
Following surgery of the abdomen, they can reduce the risk of pneumonia, length of hospital stay and antibiotics resistance. With regard to liver transplantation, they would prevent infection and postoperative complications. Remember that these probiotics are safe, even for children in intensive care.
Probiotics are also very useful in case of food intubation: a yeast-based treatment boulardii, Saccharomyces boulardii, would reduce the risk of diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections.
As you can see probiotics have many health benefits for people of all ages.