Do you really need probiotics for intestinal health?

For the proper functioning of our intestine it is useful to supplement the diet with probiotics: this is what they are and what they are used for.

Probiotics are good microorganisms already present in our intestines, which have numerous benefits for the whole organism. We do not always take enough, so it is important to supplement them through nutrition or by using over the counter drugs that allow the recolonization of the intestinal bacterial flora . Let’s find out what are the foods and products that contain probiotics and when to use them.

Probiotics: what are they for?

An alteration of the bacterial flora, that is the set of microorganisms that live in our intestine, can cause various ailments. This happens for example when we take antibiotics , or when we suffer from intestinal problems.

To get back to good health, it is important to restore the good bacterial colonies that allow the colon to function properly. Probiotics help repopulate the intestinal bacterial flora and solve many annoying health problems .

Probiotics have been shown to be useful for fighting diarrhea and constipation, for protecting the entire digestive system, but also for alleviating the symptoms of diseases such as lactose intolerance, irritable bowel and Helicobacter pylori infection .

Where probiotics are found

In pharmacies and supermarkets, probiotics are found in the form of lactic ferments , to be used according to the indications on the packaging and on the basis of the complaints. They generally have no side effects whatsoever and are very effective.

How to take probiotics? It would be better to do this on an empty stomach , since it is essential that bacteria pass through the stomach without being subjected to the action of gastric juices and reach the colon. If a digestive process is underway, the quantities of gastric acids are greater and the risk of probiotics not reaching the intestine is higher.

Probiotic foods: what are they?

If you do not want to take a supplement, you must evaluate that you have a good supply of natural probiotics , i.e. those found in food. Foods that contain probiotics are mainly dairy products , even more so if they are fermented.

So go ahead for yogurt and low-fat cheeses, but also for vegetable alternatives such as tofu and sauerkraut – which are fermented cabbage. Warning: the probiotic intake of these foods is rather low, because passing through the destructive action of gastric juices very few bacteria survive.

So if you think you need probiotics in large quantities, it is definitely better to use a supplement. The above mentioned foods are however fundamental for the well-being of the intestinal flora, and therefore must not be missing from our diet.

Photo source: https://pixabay.com/it/photos/cibo-colazione-yogurt-mirtilli-2726168/