What are probiotics, benign and live bacteria that have a positive effect especially on intestinal health, which are beneficial for strengthening the immune system and digestive system. Probiotic, which is used as the opposite of the term antibiotic, means "for life, alive" in Greek. Probiotic benefits increase benign bacteria in the intestines and create a strong immune system. In other words, they are essential, important bacteria for human health. Apart from consuming certain foods, probiotics can also be taken and consumed as supplements from pharmacies.
What is Probiotics?
Probiotics are defined as good bacteria that are beneficial for health. They maintain the natural flora balance between the stomach and intestine. At the same time, they support the digestion process by increasing the absorption of vitamins and minerals taken from food. If probiotics are not consumed, diseases such as immune diseases, intestinal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes or obesity are likely to develop with the disruption of the flora balance. These proven beneficial good bacteria are effective in the treatment of digestive system diseases, strengthening the immune system, preventing allergies, as well as treating genital and urinary tract infections in women.
Why are probiotics important?
The intestines play an important role in the human body for the digestive and excretory systems. On average, there are about 100 trillion live bacteria in the human intestine. This is called intestinal flora. Beneficial and harmful bacteria are balanced in the intestinal flora. A certain number of live bacteria with beneficial effects in the digestive system are called probiotics. The main task of probiotics is to reduce the number of pathogenic and harmful bacteria in the body, to improve and strengthen the immune system and to ensure that the functions in the intestine can function function functionally.
What are the Benefits of Probiotics?
Probiotic benefits, probiotics are very beneficial for the digestive system and immune system. The benefits of probiotics can be listed as follows:
- Prevents Infections: As in the intestines, there is a balanced ecosystem in the vagina. Disruption of this ecosystem balance can cause urinary tract infections. It is also supportive in the prevention and treatment of common female genital disorders such as vaginal fungus. In addition, probiotics reduce the risk of infection after surgeries. For this reason, it is recommended that patients consume probiotic-containing foods such as yogurt before or after surgery. -Strengthens Immunity: There is a strong connection between the intestines and the immune system. Probiotics reduce the harmful bacteria in the intestines and increase the good bacteria that will increase the defense against external factors and harmful bacteria. It helps to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from diseases. Reduces the risk of infection in the body.
- Cancer Prevention: It has been proven as a result of research that probiotics, which help maintain the balance of intestinal flora, have an effect on reducing the risk of cancer.
- Protects from Allergies: The balance of intestinal flora in children is not regular due to unhygienic living conditions, premature or cesarean birth, and therefore the development of the autoimmune system in children is delayed. Probiotics reduce the permeability of the intestine by strengthening the mucosal barrier, which has a protective role in the intestines, and prevent allergenic substances from entering the bloodstream. It is important for the health of the child that the mother consumes probiotics during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Helps Weight Loss: The balance of bacteria in the intestines can make a difference on body weight. Probiotic foods help to lose weight by limiting hunger levels.
- Protects the Heart: According to research, probiotics have had positive effects on heart health by balancing cholesterol.
However, other benefits of probiotics can be stated as follows:
- Prevents the formation of tooth decay
- Helps soothe colic symptoms in infants
- Provides protection against colds
- Helps balance the body's beneficial and harmful bacteria
- Increases the production of vitamin B
- Impacts sleep by improving sleep quality
- Helps reduce depression
- Beneficial for skin health
- Good for stomach ailments such as ulcers
- Prevents diarrhea and constipation caused by antibiotics
What is the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?
The differences between probiotics and prebiotics are microscopic organisms in the intestines. These organisms form the microbiome, the intestinal ecosystem. The healthy microbiome is responsible for balancing harmful and beneficial bacteria. In order to maintain this balance, it is necessary to ensure that live bacteria called probiotics are added to the system and to give them the nutrients they need, namely prebiotics. Probiotics are organisms that directly contribute to the good bacteria in the intestines. Prebiotics are plant fibers. They act as fertilizer in the intestine and promote the growth of good bacteria. In other words, probiotics are beneficial bacteria and prebiotics are the food sources of probiotics living in the intestinal flora.
What are the Harm of Probiotics?
Probiotics are safe to consume as long as they are found in foods. It is the case that probiotics may vary depending on the health status of the person. The harms of probiotics can be listed as follows:
- May cause digestive problems
Some supplements containing bacteria can cause bloating because they contain gas. Some probiotic foods and drinks containing yeast may cause constipation and dehydration. Considering the side effects, it is recommended that the food consumed should be consumed in small amounts, gradually increasing the amount over time. If symptoms such as gas and bloating are present and these symptoms persist for more than a week, stop taking probiotics and contact your doctor.
- May cause headache
Fermented foods rich in probiotics contain amines. If amine-containing foods give you headaches, you may prefer to take supplemental probiotics.
- May increase histamine levels
Some probiotics produce histamine in the digestive system. People who are intolerant to histamine should be careful when consuming probiotics.
- May cause allergic reactions
Foods containing probiotics such as milk, kefir and soy may cause reactions and allergies in some people.
- Infection may occur
In rare cases, probiotic bacteria or yeasts can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in some people. This can cause serious complications in babies with weak immune systems, those who have had surgery or who are seriously ill.
What are the Foods Containing Probiotics?
To answer the question of what are the foods containing probiotics, probiotic foods are foods that can preserve the microorganisms they contain during their shelf life. Probiotic foods that are very beneficial for health protect the intestinal flora. Foods containing probiotics are as follows:
-Kefir
-Buttermilk
-Yogurt
-Pickle
-Fermented milk
-Butter
-Wine
-Boza
-Turnip
-Soy products
-Beer yeast
-Baby food
-Some fruit juices
-Kombucha