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Probiotics are preparations containing live, beneficial microorganisms that occur naturally in the gut—more specifically, in the gut flora. The gut flora, also known as the microbiome, is home to about 98% of all the bacteria in the body and consists of at least 500 to 1,000 different bacterial species. These beneficial gut bacteria play numerous roles in our well-being and health. Not only are they good for the gut and support healthy digestion, but they also ward off harmful pathogens, strengthen the immune system, and produce hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
To improve gut flora, diversity—rather than just the number of good bacteria—is crucial, as the various bacterial strains complement and support one another in their functions. Probiotics should therefore contain a wide range of different bacterial strains, particularly lactic acid bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, each with several sub-strains (e.g., Pro EM san). Soluble dietary fiber (Pro Präbioma), which serves as “food” for the good bacteria, and polyphenols—found in herbal and plant extracts—are also useful supplements. For infants and children up to age 6, a specially formulated dosage and combination of beneficial gut bacteria is recommended (such as in Pro Biom kids).
A healthy gut depends on a balanced microbiome. When our gut flora is in balance, it has several positive effects on the gut and our entire body. The microorganisms in the gut, also known as gut symbionts, perform a variety of functions. Above all, they are important for:
Probiotics, also known as effective microorganisms (EM), can effectively support the gut microbiota and its diverse functions, provided they are administered alive and in sufficient quantities, according to a definition by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
To determine which bacterial cultures are important in probiotics, it’s best to examine the natural gut flora. This flora consists primarily of bacterial strains that produce lactic acid or short-chain fatty acids (e.g., acetic and butyric acid) from soluble dietary fiber. This process is called fermentation.
These lactic acid bacteria include, in particular:
These two groups of bacteria should form the basis of a probiotic. However, in order for them to survive stomach acid intact and reach the intestines unharmed, they must be metabolically active—that is, alive. Probiotics should therefore be taken in liquid form. In addition to liquid probiotics, the bacteria can also be freeze-dried in the form of probiotic powder and reactivated by stirring them into a liquid before consumption.
The bacteria in the gut microbiota consist of numerous sub-strains that complement each other effectively and support or enhance one another’s functions. Probiotics should therefore contain as many different bacterial strains as possible to replicate the natural diversity of the gut flora as closely as possible. Such multi-species probiotics achieve significantly better results than products containing only one or a few cultures.
In addition to the variety of probiotic bacterial strains, the number of microorganisms in probiotics is also crucial, since only a sufficient number of bacteria can provide health benefits. A good probiotic provides at least one billion microorganisms(10⁹ CFU = colony-forming units) per daily dose, rather than just a single intestinal bacterium or a few intestinal cultures.
To thrive, gut bacteria need sufficient “food.” This consists of soluble dietary fiber, also known as prebiotics, which our digestive enzymes cannot break down. The bacteria, however, have the right enzymes. That’s why it makes sense to combine probiotics and prebiotics. Examples of prebiotics include α-gluco-oligosaccharides, dextrin, guar gum, and acacia fiber.
Fermented herbal and plant extracts are also beneficial when combined with probiotics. The polyphenols they contain—which are secondary plant compounds—are activated by gut bacteria and are thus truly available to the body. Conversely, they also serve as a food source for the good bacteria—so it’s like killing two birds with one stone. Ideally, a liquid probiotic supplement also provides polyphenols through fermented herbal and plant extracts.
There are various forms of probiotics. Liquid products, such as Pro EM san, have the advantage that the microorganisms they contain are metabolically active—in other words, they are alive. In this form, they survive stomach acid and reach the intestines alive.
Intestinal flora powders, such as Pro Basan Complete, must first be mixed with water. It takes about 10 minutes for the bacteria to become active and then survive the stomach acid.
Probiotic capsules should have an enteric coating to protect the bacteria. Once they reach the intestines, the bacteria in the probiotic capsules must again be reactivated by liquid.
Conclusion: In liquid form, they reach their destination the fastest and are already alive—that is, “wide awake”—so they can perform their functions immediately. Thus, liquid probiotics are the best gut flora product for fast and effective use.
Microorganisms are microscopic organisms, meaning they cannot be seen with the naked eye. These include bacteria (e.g., lactic acid bacteria), many fungi (e.g., baker’s yeast), microalgae (e.g., Chlorella), and protozoa (e.g., paramecia). It is not clear whether viruses belong to this group, as they are generally not considered living organisms. Nevertheless, they are often classified as microorganisms.
By definition, probiotics contain live microorganisms that—when administered in sufficient quantities—provide health benefits. For example, lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria can increase the number and diversity of physiological—that is, beneficial—bacteria in the microbiome (gut flora), thereby having a positive effect on gut health and overall well-being.
"Microbe" is short for "microorganism," which refers to organisms that live in our bodies—primarily in the gut and on the skin—as well as in the environment, and that are invisible to the naked eye, such as bacteria, fungi, and microalgae.
Prebiotics are soluble dietary fibers that serve as “food” for the good bacteria in the gut.
Live microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the gut. The word is derived from Greek and means “for life.”
Microorganisms (also known as microbes) include, among others, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It is not entirely clear whether viruses are also included in this group. Nevertheless, they are often classified as microorganisms.
They promote the number and diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which are important for, among other things, good digestion, a strong immune system, and overall well-being.
Probiotics contain live microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria, that promote a healthy microbiome (gut flora). Prebiotics, on the other hand, are soluble dietary fibers that serve as “food” for these beneficial gut bacteria in the gut.
Microorganisms are classified into bacteria, fungi, microalgae, and protozoa. Whether viruses are included in this group is a matter of debate, because they are not considered living organisms.
Some microorganisms are good for our bodies, and others are bad. The good microorganisms are important for maintaining a healthy flora on the skin and mucous membranes. They not only produce antibodies but also acidic compounds such as lactic acid, which help ward off harmful pathogens and keep you healthy. About 98% of all the bacteria in our bodies are found in the gut microbiome, where they strengthen the intestinal barrier and the immune system, aid in digestion, and even support detoxification.
Probiotics should ideally contain a high number of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria (at least 1 billion, or even better, 30 billion) and a variety of bacterial strains—for example, 30 different ones. In addition, the bacteria should be metabolically active and thus resistant to stomach acid. Only then can they reach the intestines alive. This is found, for example, in liquid probiotics and in probiotics in powder form. The latter, however, must be allowed to swell in liquid for 10 minutes before consumption.
Lactic acid bacteria, also known as lactobacilli, are among the “good” gut bacteria and produce lactic acid, which means they help create an acidic environment in the gut (acidic pH). This helps them displace “bad” bacteria. They also strengthen the intestinal lining, aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and even boost the immune system.
The most important probiotic foods include, for example, unpasteurized kefir, kombucha, apple cider vinegar, tempeh, fresh sauerkraut, and other fermented, unpasteurized vegetables.
After a course of antibiotics, a multispecific probiotic containing many different bacterial strains is particularly suitable for rebuilding the gut flora that has been disrupted by the medication. Liquid supplements such as Pro EM san contain 31 important lactic acid and bifidobacteria cultures and can thus directly support gut diversity.
Conclusion: Liquid products are the fastest and most effective form when it comes to immediate results.
Probiotics contain live microorganisms, primarily lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus species) and bifidobacteria. They provide at least one billion colony-forming units (CFU) per daily dose. They often also contain herbal extracts and soluble dietary fiber.
The main groups of probiotics: