You've probably heard about these 'good bacteria' in yogurt ads on TV, right? Or maybe you've heard a friend say that these are good for you when you have a stomach ache. What exactly are these 'probiotics'? How good are they for our bodies? What diseases can they help with? Let's talk about everything in a very simple way today.
Simply put, what are probiotics?
Probiotics are a type of living microorganisms that are beneficial to our bodies, especially our intestines. Don't be afraid, when we think of microorganisms, we think of disease-causing germs. But this is not the case. We call these people "good bacteria" . Both good and bad bacteria live in our intestines. To stay healthy, there needs to be a good balance between these good and bad bacteria. Sometimes, due to illness or the medications we take (especially antibiotics), this balance is disrupted and bad bacteria increase. That's when probiotics come to our rescue.
We can get these good bacteria naturally from foods like yogurt and cow's milk. These are also available in pharmacies today in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. But the most important thing is that there are different types, or strains, of these probiotics. Each type helps with different diseases. Therefore, just taking one and drinking it is not enough. It is important to know exactly how to use it.
What diseases can probiotics really help with?
As research has proven, probiotics can help with many ailments. Let's take a look at what they are. I've put this information in a table below to make it easier to understand.
| Medical condition | How Probiotics Help and Types |
|---|---|
| Childhood Diarrhea | Studies have shown that probiotics can help reduce the duration of diarrhea in children. In particular, strains such as Saccharomyces boulardii , Lactobacillus GG (LGG) , Lactobacillus reuteri , and Lactobacillus rhamnosus are very helpful. They can also help prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus. |
| Diarrhea caused by antibiotics | We know that sometimes when we take antibiotics, our stomachs get upset. The reason for this is that while these drugs kill bad bacteria, they also kill good bacteria that are beneficial to our bodies. Taking probiotics at that time can be a great help for adults and children alike to prevent diarrhea. |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | This article discusses two main conditions. One is Pouchitis. This occurs after surgery for a condition called Ulcerative Colitis. Probiotics can help prevent this condition from occurring, but they don't have much effect on curing it once it occurs. The other is that Probiotics can also help prevent Ulcerative Colitis from recurring. |
| Eczema | If your child has eczema due to an allergy to cow's milk, probiotics may help. Lactobacillus GG (LGG) , Lactobacillus rhamnosus , or Bifidobacterium lactis are particularly good for this. More importantly, if there is a family history of eczema, research has found that taking probiotics during pregnancy, as directed by your doctor, can reduce the risk of your baby developing eczema. |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | People with IBS experience alternating symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Strains such as Bifidobacterium infantis , Bifidobacterium lactis , and Lactobacillus plantarum can help control these symptoms. |
| Serious intestinal infections in newborns (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) | This is a serious condition that occurs in premature babies. In this, the intestinal tissue begins to die. New research has shown that probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can help control this serious condition. But this is something that is done entirely in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. |
What else do you think probiotics can help with?
In addition to the above, researchers are finding that probiotics can help with a number of other conditions. However, since these are still being researched, they are not 100% proven. However, they have shown good results.
- Colds in children
- Urinary tract and vaginal infections
- Various allergies and asthma
- Lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting milk and dairy products)
- Stomach and lung infections in children
- Mouth health
- Joint stiffness
- Traveler's diarrhea
The important thing is that not all probiotics are the same. There are specific strains that are suitable for each condition. That's why it's so important to seek medical advice.
Be sure to keep this in mind before using probiotics!
Although probiotics are generally safe for most people, like anything else, there are a few things to be aware of before using them.
Talk to your doctor: Before you or your child start taking probiotics, be sure to talk to your family doctor (doctor). He or she can recommend the right type of probiotic and dosage for your condition. Just going to the pharmacy and picking up one that you see may not give you the exact results you want.
People who need special care: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened immune system (such as a cancer patient), avoid taking probiotics without medical advice, as they can cause other complications in such cases.
Simply put, probiotics are good friends that can help our health a lot. But to maintain that friendship properly, proper knowledge and medical advice are essential.
Take-Home Message
- Probiotics are a type of "good bacteria" that are beneficial to our gut and overall health.
- Probiotics have been well proven to provide relief from conditions such as diarrhea in young children, antibiotic-induced diarrhea, eczema, and IBS.
- Since different probiotic strains help with different medical conditions, choosing the right strain is very important.
- Always consult your doctor before using probiotics for yourself or your child. Never use them on a whim or based on what others say.
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