What are probiotics? (Probiotics) Let's find out exactly what they are!

When you go to the supermarket, you must have seen yogurt, milk packets, and sometimes even vitamin bottles with the words "Contains Probiotics" printed on them, right? At that time, do you also think, "What are these Probiotics? Are they really good for our bodies?" This is a question that many people have. So today, let's talk about these Probiotics, just as simply as if you were talking to a friend.

Simply put, what are probiotics?

Probiotics are a type of bacteria that are beneficial to our bodies, that is, "good" bacteria . Think of our intestines as a beautiful flower garden. In this garden, along with good flowers, there are also unwanted mosses and weeds. Probiotics are like those good flowers. They live naturally in our digestive system.

There are both good bacteria and bad bacteria in our stomachs. A healthy person's body has a balance of these two. But sometimes, due to the medications we take (especially antibiotics ), our bad eating habits, and stress, these good bacteria can be destroyed and the number of bad bacteria can increase. That's when stomach problems (like bloating, diarrhea) arise. What probiotics do is increase the number of good bacteria in our body and restore that balance.

What are the benefits of probiotics for our body?

Research has shown that different types of probiotics provide different health benefits. However, it is important to remember that not all probiotics provide the same benefits . Each strain of bacteria has different benefits.

Here are some of the main advantages:

• Easier digestion: Some people get stomach upset after drinking milk, right? Also, probiotics can help with things like bloating and gas.
• Preventing diarrhea caused by antibiotics: Do you remember when a doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics, and sometimes you would have diarrhea? The reason is that antibiotics not only kill the bad bacteria that caused the disease, but also the good bacteria in our stomach. Taking probiotics can help control this condition.
• Strengthening the immune system: About 70% of our body's immunity depends on the health of our digestive system. So when the good bacteria in the stomach increase, our immunity also increases. This helps protect us from things like frequent colds.
• Relief from some intestinal conditions: Some probiotics have been found to help control the symptoms of conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

What type of probiotic should I choose?

This is the biggest problem for many people. As mentioned earlier, not everything is the same. If you are buying a yogurt or a supplement, take a look at the strain of bacteria listed on the label.

You can get a good idea about this from the table below.

Do I need to ask a doctor before using these?

Yes. Although probiotics are generally safe, it's wise to talk to your doctor before using any new supplement .

In particular,

• If you have a weakened immune system (e.g., undergoing cancer treatment, HIV infected)
• If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother
• If you are suffering from a serious illness

Always seek medical advice, as taking probiotics may not be appropriate in some cases. Also, only a doctor can recommend the type and dosage of probiotics that is best suited to your condition.

More things to know about probiotics

• What is CFU?: If you look at a bottle of probiotics, you will see a number labeled "CFU" (Colony Forming Units). Simply put, it means how many live bacteria are in a single dose. Generally, between 1 billion and 10 billion is considered good. However, this also varies depending on the condition.
• How to store: Some probiotics need to be refrigerated because they contain live organisms. Read the label carefully and store them as directed. Otherwise, the good bacteria in them may die.
• Expiration date: This is very important. An expired probiotic will have very low levels of live bacteria, so it will not provide the expected benefits.

Probiotics are something that can help our health a lot. But they are not a "magic pill." A well-balanced diet, adequate exercise, good sleep, and awareness of these things are also very important for a healthy life.