Probiotics

What are probiotics?

Definition of a probiotic:

Probiotics are living micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi, which have beneficial health effects when consumed in sufficient quantities. They are often used to improve digestive health by rebalancing the intestinal 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 like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, and tempeh, but they can also be taken in the form of dietary supplements in order to manage one's intake.

Who invented probiotics?

The term "probiotic" was coined in 1965 by the 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 diseases. He proposed that this was due to the presence of "friendly bacteria" in these foods that improve health by rebalancing the intestinal flora. He therefore invented the term "probiotic" to describe these beneficial bacteria.

Since then, numerous studies have been conducted 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 is important to note that the use of probiotics as a way to boost health long predates the invention of the term "probiotic" by Metchnikoff. 

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

What is the link between gut health and probiotics?

There is a close link between gut health and probiotics, as probiotic dietary supplements can help to rebalance the intestinal flora and improve digestion.

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

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

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

In which cases are probiotic dietary supplements used?

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

1. Digestive health: Probiotics can help to rebalance the intestinal flora and improve digestion. They can also help reduce the symptoms of diseases 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 antibody production 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 can help lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.see product.
   
6. Weight loss: Some studies suggest that certain probiotics can help reduce appetite and increase fat digestion, which can contribute to weight loss.see product.
   
7. Antibiotic use: It has been agreed that taking antibiotics weakens the intestinal flora; it is therefore recommended to take a course of probiotics and prebiotics afterward.see product .
   
8. Infections: Certain lactobacilli are used as probiotics to restore the vaginal microbiota and prevent recurring infections. They have shown their value in managing candidiasis and in preventing recurrent infections.see product .

What are the strains and indications for probiotics?

There are many different strains of probiotics, each having 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 intestinal flora, as in Flore Vital.
  
• Bifidobacterium bifidum: this strain is often used to strengthen the immune system and protect the 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 decreases inflammation and intestinal permeability. 
• Lactobacillus reuteri: this strain is recognized for cardiovascular well-being and for improving cholesterol levels by lowering bad LDL levels. It may also help support the pancreas in insulin secretion.
• 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.
• The Lactobacillus gasseri: a probiotic strain belonging to the Lactobacillus family. It is naturally present in the human intestinal tract and can also be found in certain fermented foods such as yogurt and fermented milk. It is often used to improve digestive health and has also been studied for its potential effects on weight loss by helping to reduce abdominal fat and by inhibiting the absorption of bad dietary fats.

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What are the criteria for selecting a good probiotic dietary 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 issues.
2. Manufacturing quality: It is important to choose probiotics manufactured by reputable companies that adhere to high-quality standards to ensure the purity and effectiveness of the products.
3. Number of live bacteria: It is important to choose probiotics that contain a high number of live bacteria to maximize their effectiveness.

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

It is important to note that the quantity of CFU required to achieve a positive effect can vary depending on the probiotic strain and the health objective. For example, some probiotics may need higher CFU levels 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 can influence their effectiveness.

1. Stability: It is important to choose probiotics that are stable and can be stored at room temperature to avoid loss of effectiveness before use.
2. Appropriate 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; for us, the specialists are Vit'all+, Dietaroma, or even Specchiasol, which are recognized natural dietary supplement laboratories.

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