What are probiotics?

Probiotics refer to microbial strains that are beneficial to the human body and mainly exist in the human intestinal tract. They can promote the balance of the normal microbial flora in the gut, aid in digestion, absorb nutrients, improve immunity, prevent intestinal diseases, and more.

Probiotics are mainly divided into two types: lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Lactic acid bacteria refer to fungi that can produce lactic acid, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, diplococcus lactis, etc.

Common probiotic foods include yogurt, yogurt, fermented soy milk, lactic sauerkraut, vinegar pickles, etc. Alternatively, it can be taken as a probiotic supplement.

It should be noted that probiotics also have some contraindications, such as impaired immune system, blood circulation system diseases, etc., and should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

When should probiotics be taken?

Probiotics can be eaten at any time, but it is best to eat them about 30 minutes before or after meals to facilitate the survival and growth of probiotics in the intestinal tract. In addition, how and when to take probiotic supplements should be carried out according to the product instructions or the doctor's advice.

If you want to take in probiotics through diet, it is recommended to choose foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, yogurt, fermented soy milk, lactic sauerkraut, vinegar pickles, etc. In addition, you should pay attention to a balanced diet and eat more foods rich in dietary fiber and active substances, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which will help promote intestinal health and the growth of probiotics.

Probiotics have a variety of effects, mainly including the following:

1. Improve the balance of intestinal flora: Probiotics can increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, improve the balance of intestinal flora, and help maintain intestinal health.
2. Improve digestive function: Probiotics can decompose indigestible substances in food, promote food digestion and absorption, reduce intestinal discomfort and indigestion and other problems.
3. Improving immunity: Probiotics can stimulate immune cells in the intestine, promote the development and function of the immune system, enhance human immunity, and reduce the risk of infection.
4. Prevention of intestinal diseases: Probiotics can maintain the stability of the intestinal environment and prevent intestinal inflammation, intestinal cancer, chronic intestinal diseases and other diseases.
5. Lower blood fat and blood sugar: Some probiotics can lower blood fat and blood sugar, which can help prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

It should be noted that different probiotic strains have different effects on the body, and suitable probiotic products should be selected according to individual needs and physical conditions. In addition, probiotic supplements should also be used in moderation to avoid intestinal discomfort caused by overdose.

There are many types of probiotics, common ones include the following:

1. Lactobacillus: Such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, lactic acid bacteria, etc., which are commonly found in fermented dairy products such as yogurt and yogurt, have the functions of regulating intestinal flora, enhancing immunity, and promoting digestion.
2. Bifidobacteria: such as Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacterium longum, etc., common In probiotic supplements and dairy products, it has the functions of regulating intestinal flora, promoting calcium absorption in the body, and preventing enteritis.
3. Cocoacid bacteria: Such as butyric acid bacteria, bacilli, etc., which are commonly found in vinegar pickles and fermented vegetables, have the effects of regulating intestinal flora, reducing blood lipids, and anti-tumor.
4. Monos: Such as yeast, yeast staphylococcus, etc., which are commonly found in fermented foods, have the functions of regulating intestinal flora, promoting digestion, and lowering cholesterol.

Short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria: such as Clostridium difficile, probiotics, etc., It can produce short-chain fatty acids, promote intestinal health, lower blood sugar and blood lipids, etc.

In addition, there are other types of probiotics, such as halophilic bacteria, thermophilic bacteria, etc. Different types of probiotics have different effects on the body. You should choose suitable probiotic products according to your needs and physical conditions.
Types of probiotics

What's the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics?

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Prebiotics and probiotics are common names for intestinal health products, and the following are the differences between them:

• Probiotics: refers to a kind of The beneficial bacteria that survive and reproduce in the human body are beneficial to the human body, such as common lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Probiotics can regulate intestinal flora, promote digestion, enhance immunity, etc.
• Prebiotics:
  Refers to substances that cannot be directly digested and absorbed by the human body, but can be fermented and utilized by beneficial bacteria in the intestines, such as oligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides. Prebiotics can promote the reproduction of beneficial bacteria, regulate intestinal flora, and promote intestinal health.
  
  
• Prebiotics:
  It refers to substances that can be fermented and utilized by intestinal flora to produce short-chain fatty acids and other substances beneficial to the human body, such as dietary fiber. Prebiotics can promote intestinal health, regulate intestinal flora, lower cholesterol, etc.
  
  
• Probiotics:
  It is a kind of intestinal health product, which usually contains ingredients such as probiotics and prebiotics, which can promote intestinal health, regulate intestinal flora, enhance immunity, etc.

In general, probiotics, prebiotics, prebiotics, and prebiotics are all substances that are beneficial to gut health, but they work in different ways and have different ingredients. You should choose suitable intestinal health products according to your needs and physical condition.

Mode of action and ingredients of probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can live and multiply in the human gut. They are usually made into intestinal health products to regulate intestinal flora, enhance immunity, promote digestion, etc. Here's how probiotics work and what they're made of:

1. Regulate intestinal flora:
   Probiotics can compete with other bacteria in the intestinal tract, thereby inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria, and regulating the balance of intestinal flora.
   
   
2. Improve digestion:
   Probiotics can promote the reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, help digestion and absorption of nutrients in food, thereby maintaining intestinal health.
   
   
3. Boost immunity:
   Probiotics can promote the activity of immune cells in the intestinal tract, enhance human immunity, and prevent infection and disease.
   
   
4. Regulate intestinal environment:
   Probiotics can produce organic acids such as lactic acid, lower the pH value in the intestines, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby maintaining intestinal health.

The main components of probiotics are live and dead bacteria. Among them, live bacteria can survive and reproduce in the human intestinal tract and play a role; while dead bacteria cannot grow and reproduce, but can still play a role in regulating intestinal flora. In addition, probiotics can also produce a variety of substances, such as lactic acid, acetic acid, pyruvic acid, amino acids, etc., which also play an important role in intestinal health.

Probiotics have many effects and benefits on the human body, mainly including the following:

1. Regulating intestinal flora: Probiotics can regulate the balance of intestinal flora, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and increase the number of beneficial bacteria, thereby maintaining intestinal health.
2. Enhance immunity: Probiotics can promote the activity of immune cells in the intestinal tract, enhance human immunity, and prevent infection and disease.
3. Improve intestinal digestive function: Probiotics can promote the reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, enhance digestive function, and improve intestinal health.
4. Maintain cardiovascular health: Probiotics can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. Constipation Relief: Probiotics can relieve constipation by increasing water and volume in the gut, softening stools.
6. Improve mood and cognitive function: Probiotics can regulate neurotransmitters in the gut, improve mood and cognitive function, and reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Protect oral health: Probiotics can produce antibacterial substances, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, and protect oral health.

In general, probiotics have many benefits to the human body, and can help maintain intestinal health and physical health, but the specific efficacy and effect need to be evaluated according to different types and methods of use of probiotics.

Side Effects and Drawbacks of Probiotics

Probiotics are generally considered safe and do not cause serious side effects in humans. However, probiotics also have some disadvantages and possible side effects, mainly including the following:

1. Excessive use may cause intestinal distress:
   Excessive intake of probiotics may cause intestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, etc. Therefore, proper dosage should be followed when using probiotics.
   
   
2. The effectiveness of probiotics varies by species:
   Different types of probiotics have different efficacy and effects, therefore, carefully research and evaluate the selected type of probiotics before using probiotics.
   
   
3. Probiotics may interact with other medications:
   Probiotics may interact with certain drugs, such as antibiotics and immunosuppressants, so before using probiotics, you should inform your doctor of other drugs you are taking.
   
   
4. Probiotics may not be for everyone:
   Probiotics are not suitable for everyone, such as immunocompromised persons, sick people, children and pregnant women. Before using probiotics, you should consult your doctor for advice.

In general, probiotics are generally safe, but before using probiotics, you should carefully evaluate their efficacy, risks, and side effects, and choose a probiotic product and dosage that suits you. Also, if you experience any discomfort or side effects, you should discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.