On TV, we all constantly hear: "prebiotics", "probiotics", "lactobacilli", "bifido bacteria". And we know only one – it is good for health, especially for the intestines. But how are they different? Isn't a probiotic the same as a prebiotic?
And yogurts, as the smiling women from the advertisement say, are just a panacea for the intestinal microflora, since they consist of these most beneficial bacteria. But is it really so? What other sources of probiotics for the gut are there? The online publication estet-portal.com will help you figure this out.
1. Gut Probiotics & Prebiotics – it is the same
2. What is the function of probiotics for the intestines
3. Modern yoghurts and other advertising tricks
Gut Probiotics & Prebiotics – is it the same or not
Probiotics for the intestines are preparations or products that contain beneficial bacteria necessary for the normal functioning of the body. These include lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, and their strains are individual for each person.
While prebiotics are food components that stimulate the development of one's own microflora, they are a kind of food for beneficial bacteria. Most prebiotics contain fiber, which serves as a building block for the right microorganisms. The function of prebiotics is also the creation of the necessary pH level, at which living bacteria develop faster, and pathogenic ones slow down their development.
Prebiotics are not digested in the stomach, they are amenable to the action of the enzymes of the intestinal microflora, ensuring the growth of the right bacteria.
In fact, probiotics and prebiotics perform similar functions and are required by the body in the same amount. For the treatment and prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a complex effect of these components is necessary. Only with enough prebiotics, the bacteria contained in probiotics will actively develop.
What is the function of probiotics for the intestines
Without probiotics, the human body stops working so smoothly and clearly.
What are the benefits of probiotics for the gut:
- protect against infections, fungi and yeast;
- promote the digestion of food and the absorption of useful components;
- eliminate bloating (diarrhea, constipation), often caused by fungi;
- reduce the percentage of lactose intolerance;
- lower cholesterol;
- counteract the development of cystitis by blocking E. coli that provokes it;
- increase immunity;
- help to recover after taking antibiotics.
Modern yoghurts and other advertising tricks
We used to think that yoghurts – salvation from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but unfortunately, this is far from being the case. Indeed, ideally, yogurt fights foreign bacteria, promotes normal bowel function, reduces the risk of infection and performs all the functions of a probiotic.
But the problem is that most of the yogurts on the supermarket shelves only create the illusion of a healthy product. They contain a large amount of sugar, dyes, flavors and various additives, which in turn contribute to the development of pathogenic bacteria.
Sugar creates insulin resistance, which is bad for human health. The fruits found in yogurt also seem to be healthy and natural. But it is important to understand that they succumbed to tough processing, after which only one name remained from the real fruit. Pleasant aftertaste of pear/apple or other fruits – it is only an essence that deceives our receptors.
It is worth noting that many yoghurts are made from pasteurized milk heated at high temperatures. The higher the pasteurization temperature, the more beneficial bacteria are killed. And therein lies the main problem. After all, yogurts are interesting precisely for their content of the necessary bacteria, but it turns out that they are not there and close.
The desire of marketers to make a product long-term exceeds the desire to create probiotic-rich yogurt for the gut.
Healthy yogurt can't last more than a week. Yoghurts with a shelf life of up to three months not only do not contain beneficial fermentation bacteria, but can also develop the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
When choosing yogurt, try not to choose long-lasting yogurts and those that have fruit additives. Check carefully if the yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bicfidobacterium bifidum.
In addition to yogurt, many gut probiotics contain the following foods (provided they are made with the right ingredients and not cooked):
• kefir;
• cheese;
• buttermilk – low fat cream;
• tempe – bean cakes;
• miso soup – Japanese soup that can be prepared at home;
• pickled vegetables, especially cabbage;
• cottage cheese.
Probiotics – an important component, without which it is difficult to imagine the normal life of a person. Probiotics work in tandem with prebiotics. Only their joint work helps to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, enrich the body with the necessary "good" nutrients. bacteria and prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
Probiotics for the gut can be taken as tablets and capsules, but they are also abundant in foods such as yogurt. It is important to choose the right yogurt so that it has a positive effect on the body. To do this, carefully read the composition and look at the expiration date.
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