Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Probiotics (which literally means for life) are all those microorganisms that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, are able to perform beneficial functions for the health of the intestine and the body in general.
What are probiotics
Probiotics are essentially represented by lactic bacteria, which are so called because they are characterized by a particular fermentative metabolism that leads to the final production of some organic acids of which, the main one (and always present), is lactic acid.
Within the intestine of man there are many microorganisms that constitute the intestinal microbial flora. Among the most important are the L actobacillus acidophilus and the Bifidobacterium bifidum .
Properties of probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria that are normally present in our intestines. I am able to reproduce in the gastrointestinal mucosa and survive despite the acidity of the stomach and the presence of bile. Our body tolerates them perfectly, indeed, it needs them to maintain the correct composition of the microflora.
Probiotics contribute to the balance of the mucosa and, consequently, of the entire immune system, have a positive effect because they regulate the movement of immune cells towards the center of inflammation . Thus probiotic bacteria protect the human body from intolerances, allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Probiotic food supplements
Several ways are currently available to add probiotic bacteria to the intestine; in fact, there are many dietary supplements with a high concentration of lactic bacteria.
Probiotics must be contained in capsules that are resistant to stomach acid so that the bacteria can pass through it and reach the intestine unharmed. Colonization occurs in the intestine.
The probiotic bacteria in capsules are in lyophilized form . In this case then the probiotics are first frozen, then sublimated (with ice removal). In this way a 100% natural bacterial powder is obtained, where the morphological and biochemical characteristics of probiotics are kept unchanged and can be preserved even for some years.
Once in the intestine, when the capsule in which they are contained dissolves, probiotics draw moisture from the outside and can thus multiply.
The best forms of nutrition for probiotics are the so-called prebiotics, which, in the form of high quality food supplements, are already included in the capsules.
What are probiotic foods?
Natural probiotic supplements
Probiotics are found naturally in some foods .
First of all, fermented food which in itself can be considered a natural probiotic supplement.
Fermented foods are those left to age for days or weeks so that they are then naturally colonized by good bacteria and yeasts. In this way, undergoing a sort of pre-digestion, the nutrients are more easily assimilated by the human body.
These bacteria are beneficial and help restore the balance of intestinal flora. One of the strains that has excellent properties is that of Lactobacillus that release lactic acid during fermentation. Lactic probiotic bacteria (lactobacillus and bifidus) settle on the colon walls and produce lactic acid and several other organic acids.
The most commonly used lactic bacteria as probiotics are Streptococcus thermophilus, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. They can be found in whole yoghurt, ricotta with live lactic cultures, sauerkraut and fermented gherkins.
