Probiotics: Benefits for Health and Intestinal Flora

Probiotics represent a fascinating field of science that has the potential to improve health and wellbeing.

Although research is still ongoing, a lot of evidence suggests that including probiotics in our diets can provide a range of health benefits.

As awareness of the importance of gut flora increases, probiotics are becoming increasingly popular and their use in everyday life can have a positive impact on our health.

History and origins

Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide great health benefits, have been used for a long time.

Their roots go back to ancient times, when people fermented foods to extend their shelf life and improve their taste.

For example, yogurt and sauerkraut are traditional foods that contain probiotic cultures. (1)

The modern concept of probiotics began to emerge in the early 20th century, when Russian scientist and Nobel Prize winner Elie Metchnikoff first introduced the concept that the gut flora could be altered and harmful microbes replaced with beneficial ones to help health.

In 2001, probiotics were defined as “live microorganisms that, in sufficient quantities, provide health benefits to the host.” (2)

Studies and Research

In recent decades, probiotics have become the subject of intense research.

Many studies have examined their effects on gut health, the immune system, and overall digestive health.

For example, meta-analyses have shown that probiotics can help treat and prevent various digestive disorders. (3)

Probiotics are often recommended for diarrhea caused by antibiotics or viral infections.

Certain strains of probiotics show positive effects in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Probiotics may help maintain remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Recent research suggests that probiotics may also affect mental health and even metabolism, suggesting a gut-brain connection. (2)

Positive effects on the body

Probiotics help maintain the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut, which may improve digestion and reduce the risk of infection. They also maintain healthy gut flora, support the immune system, and may help protect the body from disease.

Probiotics are also being studied in the context of skin health, where they may help with skin problems such as acne or eczema. (1)

Uses in life

Probiotics can be obtained from various sources via fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh.

Today, there are various probiotic supplements available that contain specific strains of bacteria. Before using, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist.

To get the most benefit from probiotics, it is important to eat a balanced, fiber-rich diet that supports the growth of probiotic cultures in the gut. (3)

Cultures included in our probiotics:

Bifidobacterium longum

• Characteristics: This species is a common part of the gut flora of adults and children.
• Benefits: Aids digestion, supports the immune system, and may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Bifidobacterium breve

• Characteristics: It is commonly found in the gut of infants and is important for the development of healthy gut flora.
• Benefits: It can help digest lactose, boost immunity, and suppress inflammation.

Bifidobacterium infantis

• Characteristics: This strain is predominant in the digestive system of newborns and infants.
• Benefits: Supports healthy digestion, improves nutrient absorption, and may help prevent and treat colic.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Characteristics: This strain is one of the most well-known probiotics and is often found in yogurts and fermented foods.
• Benefits: Helps with lactose digestion, supports the immune system and may improve the health of vaginal flora.

Lactobacillus plantarum

• Characteristics: This strain is found in many fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi.
• Benefits: Supports gut health, promotes digestion and may relieve allergy symptoms.

Lactobacillus paracasei

• Characteristics: This strain is commonly used in probiotic supplements and fermented foods.
• Beneficial effects: May improve immunity, support gut health, and help prevent allergies.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus

• Characteristics: Traditional yogurt strain used to ferment yogurt.
• Beneficial effects: Promotes digestion, increases nutrient bioavailability, and may support gut health.

Bifidobacterium lactis

• Characteristics: This strain is commonly found in the gut of adults and children.
• Beneficial effects: Supports healthy gut flora, strengthens the immune system, and may support digestion.

Lactobacillus casei

• Characteristics: This strain is known for its ability to survive in an acidic environment, making it effective in the digestive tract.
• Beneficial effects: Supports gut health, improves immunity, and may help reduce inflammation.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

• Characteristics: This strain is widely studied and used in probiotic supplements.
• Beneficial effects: May prevent diarrhea, improve gut health, and have a positive effect on mental health.

Probiotic cultures play a key role in maintaining gut and body health.

Each of the strains mentioned has its own specific properties and positive effects on the organism, and their inclusion in the diet can bring a number of health benefits. (3)

It is important to select high-quality probiotic sources and consider individual needs and health status. You can try our own probiotic complex for healthy digestion and absorption.

Thanks for reading,

Your Kratom World

1. History of Probiotics. (n.d.). News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Probiotics-History.aspx
2. Recycling Metchnikoff: Probiotics, the Gut Microbiome, and the Quest for Longevity. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3859987/
3. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics - WikiScript. (n.d.). WikiScript. https://www.wikiskripta.eu/w/Probiotics,_prebiotics,_synbiotics