Understanding the basics: A quick and simple guide to probiotics!

Specific Health Concern 22 December 2017

I often find myself tempted by the impressive array of probiotic-containing products that now line our shelves, supposedly able to give us that ‘happy gut feeling’ we all long for… but what really are probiotics, what do they do, and are they really worth it?

Our products Bioharmony Balance and Immunity Support contain seven of the most effective probiotic strains and behind the fancy names, there is in fact some important information that’s really worth knowing – so if you find yourself slightly lost when identifying your Lactobacillus Casei from your Streptococcus Thermophilus, then start simply by getting to grips with some of the basic facts!

 

Firstly, it’s important to distinguish probiotics from prebiotics – probiotics are living microorganisms naturally present in our bodies and have beneficial effects on our health. Prebiotics on the other hand, are the ‘food source’ for these probiotics and allow them to grow and develop.

Simple, right?

 

But just how beneficial are probiotics and are they really worth it?

Well, our digestive system is made of many different microorganisms, from those to help us digest the food we eat, protect us from pathogens and regulate our immune system to those producing vitamins. So I think it’s fair to say that these roles are pretty vital to our survival, let alone good health!

 

Where do probiotics come in to play?

Unfortunately, our lifestyle choices or simply circumstances don’t always make for a healthy gut… from a poor diet and antibiotic use to flus and infections, the microorganisms in our gut can be damaged. As the ‘good bacteria’ in our gut is taken over by ‘bad bacteria’, the loss of certain strains can cause imbalances. This ‘bad bacteria’ then leads to a variety of unpleasant digestive problems, from food intolerances and allergies to bloating, constipation and many more!

Probiotics therefore not only ensure a proper functioning of our gut, but also act to prevent an entire range of digestive problems – That should be enough to convince anyone that probiotics really are more than worth it!

By MATTHIEU MARFOGLIA, FOURTH-YEAR MASTER’S STUDENT IN BIOSCIENCES AT THE ECOLE NORMALE SUPÉRIEURE OF LYON