What are probiotics? When is it most effective to consume?
What are probiotics? When is it most effective to consume?
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What are probiotics? When is it most effective to consume? Probiotics Benefits, Side Effects and FAQs
Probiotics refer to active microorganisms that are beneficial to the human body. Common types include lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium. What are the benefits of probiotics? Who should not take probiotics? This article will explain in detail the usage and side effects of probiotics to help everyone gain a deeper understanding of these beneficial bacteria.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics refer to active microorganisms that are beneficial to human health. Taipei Municipal Guandu Hospital nutritionist Peng Delan said that probiotics can enter the intestines in a live state and attach to the intestines, improving the environment of the intestinal flora.
In addition, probiotics have been shown to maintain digestive health, enhance immunity, and prevent constipation and diarrhea. The Fengyuan Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare pointed out that probiotics can also help relieve allergic reactions.
Common types of probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The former produces lactic acid by metabolizing sugars, while the latter can synthesize B vitamins in addition to producing lactic acid.
The difference between probiotics, lactic acid bacteria and enzymes
Probiotics, enzymes and lactic acid bacteria are all common ingredients in health foods. Enzymes, also known as probiotics, play a "decomposing" role in digesting food. They can help break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins in food and promote absorption and utilization. Lactic acid bacteria produce lactic acid by metabolizing sugars, which can lower the pH value in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Most probiotics are lactic acid bacteria, which can improve intestinal flora and regulate immunity.
<a href=https://healthport.tw>When to take probiotics</a> The benefits of probiotics
1. **Maintain the balance of intestinal flora**: Appropriate intake of probiotics can compete with harmful bacteria for space and nutrients in the intestines, inhibiting the reproduction of harmful bacteria. The National Taiwan University Hospital Health Newsletter <a href=https://lifenutrients.tw/cranberry_recommendation>Probiotic Recommendation</a> points out that drinking yogurt 2 to 3 times a week can supplement probiotics and help maintain the balance of intestinal flora.
2. **Improve constipation and diarrhea**: Probiotics have been shown to improve intestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea. Lin Mingshen, a pharmacist at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, said that some probiotic strains can improve these symptoms, but they usually need to be taken for a long time. Therefore, if acute diarrhea or constipation occurs, it is recommended to seek medical advice before deciding whether to take probiotics.
3. **Enhance immunity**: Probiotics can form a protective barrier in the intestines to prevent the invasion of harmful bacteria. Since most immune cells are concentrated in the intestines, probiotics can regulate and enhance the function of the immune system.
4. **Prevent private part infection**: Women's private parts are prone to infection due to hot weather and non-breathable clothes. Lin Ziyin, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Women and Children's Hospital of Taipei City, reminds that supplementing with probiotics can help reduce the chance of private area infection. It is also important to keep the private area dry and wear breathable clothing.
The benefits of cranberry probiotics for babies
1. **Improve baby constipation**: Probiotics can promote intestinal health, but for babies with constipation problems, dietary adjustments are more important.
2. **Reduce crying caused by colic**: The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that probiotics can relieve the crying caused by baby colic, but there is no definite evidence to confirm when to take probiotics.
3. **Reduce the risk of allergies**: The attending physician of Mackay Children's Hospital pointed out that pregnant women taking probiotics can reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis in their babies, but it has limited effect on preventing asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Side effects of probiotics
Under normal circumstances, probiotics usually do not cause side effects, but there are a few exceptions:
1. **Indigestion**: A small number of people may feel abdominal discomfort or bloating after taking probiotics.
2. **Allergic reaction**: Some people may be allergic to certain strains of probiotics and experience symptoms such as rashes and itching.
3. **Develop drug resistance**: Some probiotics <a href=https://healthynature.tw/%E7%9B%8A%E7%94%9F%E8%8F%8C%E7%9A%84%E5%85 %A8%E6%96%B9%E4%BD%8D%E7%9B%8A%E8%99%95>recommended probiotics</a> may promote the development of drug resistance, such as Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium.
When is the most effective time to take probiotics?
Probiotics should be taken 30 minutes before meals or with meals to facilitate intestinal absorption. If the probiotics are made by special technology and can withstand stomach acid and bile, they can be consumed at any time or according to the product instructions.
<a href=https://lifenutrients.tw/cranberry_recommendation>When to take probiotics</a> Taboos on the consumption of probiotics
1. **Avoid high temperature hot water**: When taking probiotics, the water temperature should not exceed 50 degrees Celsius to avoid killing the probiotics.
2. **Avoid taking with antibiotics**: Antibiotics and probiotics should be taken at least 2 hours apart.
3. **Avoid fried foods and processed meats**: Fried foods and processed meats containing nitrites will reduce the activity of probiotics.
Do probiotics<a href=https://lifenutrients.tw/cranberry_recommendation>probiotics recommendation</a> take effect quickly?
The time it takes for probiotics to take effect varies depending on the individual's physical condition, and usually takes a few weeks to a few months. If parents give their children probiotics, it is recommended to observe for 2 months. If there is no effect, they can try changing the product.
Probiotics<a href=https://healthport.tw>Probiotics efficacy</a> selection principles
When choosing probiotics, you should pay attention to:
1. **Additive ingredients**: Avoid products that contain too much sugar.
2. **Number of probiotics**: The appropriate amount of probiotics helps the human body absorb it.
3. **Probiotic strain**: Choose the strain that suits your needs.
4. **Strain number**: Determine the specific function and source safety of the selected probiotics.
<a href=https://healthpulse.tw/mannose>Cranberry Probiotics</a> Natural Probiotic Source
Daily foods are also good sources of natural probiotics, such as miso, kimchi, yogurt and natto. These foods are fermented and rich in probiotics, which are beneficial to intestinal health.