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What is it and what its benefits?

The probiotics and probiotics have been the subject of research because of their positive contribution to the preservation of health and the treatment of various diseases.

Today it is now known that intestinal microflora plays a key role in human health. Disorders of intestinal microflora have been associated with the occurrence of various diseases.

Coexistence between the intestinal microflora and the host provides mutual benefit. When this equilibrium is disturbed by various factors such as, for example, diet, use of antibiotics, stress and age, there is a phenomenon of 'dysbosis' with negative health effects.

Here the probiotics-prebiotics help.

What are probiotics?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are living microorganisms which, when administered in sufficient quantities, offer benefits to human health.

Probiotics, that is, are good bacteria. "Good" microbes also exist in fermented foods such as yoghurt and sour milk. 

What are prebiotics?

They are the non-food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of one or more friendly bowel bacteria, thereby positively influencing human health.

These substances are found naturally in foods such as radishes, onions, garlic, artichokes, asparagus, barley, rye, soybean and lupine.

Probiotics are often combined with prebiotics, acting synergistically and collectively called 'symbiotic'. The presence of prebiotics allows probiotic bacteria to survive and thus ensures the balance of intestinal microflora.

What are the benefits?
  They seem to reduce the duration of diarrheal episodes caused by antibiotics, effectively treat diarrhea of ​​travelers and cure diarrhea in children.
  They relieve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease with their anti-inflammatory action and protect the intestinal mucosa.
  They contribute positively to the disorder and the digestion of milk.
  They increase the absorption of metals such as calcium, iron and magnesium.
  They strengthen the body's defense and reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, thereby delaying the progression of the disease.

At the same time, studies have been made as to their potential beneficial effects in the prevention or treatment of a variety of health problems such as:
 Allergic disorders such as e.g. atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) and allergic rhinitis
  Tooth decay, periodontal disease and other oral health problems
  Colic in infants
  Liver diseases
  The reduction in cholesterol
  Obesity
  Prevention of bowel cancer
  The common  flu

 

The up to date data on the role of probiotics and prebiotics in health is encouraging, but further research is needed.

Some of the questions that remain to be answered in the future relate to quantity, proportion, species, and the combination of probiotics and prebiotics required to achieve maximum health benefits.