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Probiotics — Beneficial Microorganisms for the Gut

Probiotics are preparations containing live, beneficial microorganisms that occur naturally inthe 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 theygood for the gutand support healthy digestion, but they also ward off harmful pathogens, strengthen the immune system, and produce hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

Toimprovegut flora,diversity—in addition to the number of good bacteria—is particularlyimportant, as the various bacterial strains complement and support one another. 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 beneficial bacteria, and polyphenols—found in herbal and plant extracts—are also useful supplements. For infants and children up to 6 years of age, a specially formulated dosage and combination of beneficial gut bacteria is recommended (such as inPro Biom kids). 

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Functions of Microorganisms in the Gut

Ahealthy gutdepends on a balanced microbiome. When ourgut florais in balance, it has several positive effects on the gut and our entire body. The microorganisms in the gut, alsoknown as gut symbionts, perform a wide variety of functions. Above all, they are important for:

  • the defense against disease-causing pathogens
  • proper digestion
  • healthy bowel movements
  • A healthy, acidic intestinal environment—through the production of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids from soluble dietary fiber
  • an intact intestinal mucosa
  • A healthyimmune system—about 80% of immune cells are located in the gut
  • the elimination of harmful toxins
  • the production of hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA

Probiotics, also known as effective microorganisms (EM), can effectively support the gut microbiota and its various functions, provided they are administeredalive and in sufficient quantities, according to adefinitionby the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Probiotics: Which bacterial cultures should they contain?

To determine which bacterial cultures are important in probiotics, it’s best to examine thenatural 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:

  • Lactobacilli that produce only lactic acid (homofermentative)
  • Bifidobacteria that produce lactic acid and acetic acid (heterofermentative)

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 takenin liquid form. In addition to liquid probiotics, the bacteria can also be freeze-dried in the form ofprobiotic powderand reactivated by stirring them into a liquid before consumption.

Illustration of the intestine with a magnifying glass showing an enlarged view of the gut flora bacteria

The Number and Variety of Probiotic Bacteria as a Quality Indicator

The bacteria in the gut microbiota consist of numerous sub-strains that complement one another effectively and support or enhance each other’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 achievesignificantly better results than products containing only one or a few cultures.

Examples of subgenera of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria:

  • Lactobacilli:Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei 01, 02, and 03, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, and many more.
  • Bifidobacteria:Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium lactis, etc. 

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 providesat least one billion microorganisms(10⁹ CFU = colony-forming units) per daily dose, rather than just a singleintestinal bacteriumor a fewintestinal cultures.

Prebiotics and Polyphenols as a Useful Supplement

For gut bacteria to thrive, they need sufficient “food.” This consists ofsoluble dietary fiber—also known as prebiotics—which our digestive enzymes cannot break down. The bacteria, however, do have the appropriate 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 extractsare also beneficial when used in conjunction 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 provides additional polyphenols through fermented herbal and plant extracts.

Probiotics in capsules, as a powder, or perhaps in liquid form?

Probiotics come in various forms.Liquid products, such asPro EM san, have the advantage that the microorganisms they contain are metabolically active—in other words, they are alive. In this form, they survive the stomach acid and reach the intestines alive. 

Probiotic powder, such asPro Basan Complete, mustfirst be mixed with water. It takes about 10 minutes for the bacteria to become active and then survive the stomach acid. 

Probiotic capsulesshould have an enteric coating to protect the bacteria. Once they reach the intestines, the bacteria in the probiotic capsules must be reactivated by fluid. 

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 probioticsare the best gut flora product for fast and effective use.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 effective for restoring 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.

  • Liquid probiotics (e.g., Pro EM san) contain metabolically active, “live” bacteria that can survive stomach acid and take effect immediately in the intestines.
  • Powders and capsules must first “activate” in liquid or require enteric-coated capsules.

Conclusion: Liquid products are the fastest and most effective option when it comes to immediate results.

  • support healthy digestion and bowel movements
  • ward off pathogens
  • strengthen the immune system (about 80% of immune cells are located in the gut)
  • produce short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid to promote a healthy gut environment
  • contribute to hormone production (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, GABA)

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:

  • Lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria) produce lactic acid, help maintain the acidic environment of the gut, and thus inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
  • Bifidobacteria produce lactic acid and acetic acid, and promote the health of the intestinal mucosa and its barrier function.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast that has been shown to be effective in treating diarrhea and antibiotic-related disorders.
  • Other microorganisms, such as Streptococcus thermophilus (a lactic acid-producing bacterium commonly found in yogurt) and Bacillus subtilis (which forms spores, is very stable, and is therefore popular in dietary supplements), are also included.

FACT-BASED KNOWLEDGE FOR YOUR HEALTH

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#23 Boosting Gut Flora with Probiotics