What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms found in our intestines, mainly including various types like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These microorganisms help maintain intestinal flora balance, promote digestive health, and enhance immune function. By consuming probiotics, we can prevent gut diseases, boost immunity, and even improve allergies and mood disorders. In recent years, the benefits of probiotics for the skin have also been discovered.
Difference Between Lactobacillus, Probiotics, Yeast, and Brewer's Yeast:
When it comes to gut health, here’s a comparison:
- Probiotics
Probiotics are a general term for beneficial bacteria, including lactobacillus and other microorganisms that support gut health, promote digestion, and enhance overall immune function. - Lactobacillus
- Benefits: Produces lactic acid that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, maintains gut flora balance, improves digestion, reduces gut diseases, and boosts the immune system.
- Suitable for: Lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, etc.
- Yeast (Saccharomyces)
- Benefits: Saccharomyces boulardii is a fungal-type probiotic that fights pathogens, enhances intestinal immune response, and helps remove intestinal pathogens.
- Suitable for: Particularly effective in treating gut infections, antibiotic-induced diarrhea, and traveler's diarrhea.
- Brewer's Yeast
- Benefits: Brewer's yeast (typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is rich in B vitamins and minerals, improving digestion and bloating, but it doesn’t directly affect gut flora like traditional probiotics.
Two Major Benefits and Effects of Probiotics:
- Helps with Food Digestion
Lactobacillus helps break down food and increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, thereby promoting digestion and nutrient absorption. - Promotes Gut Motility and Improves Constipation
Bifidobacterium helps maintain a balanced gut environment, promotes intestinal motility, prevents allergies, and improves constipation.
Two NG Practices for Taking Probiotics:
- NG Practice 1: Taking with Hot Beverages
High temperatures can destroy the probiotic’s viability. - NG Practice 2: Taking with Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of probiotics.
Best Time to Take Probiotics: Morning or Night?
It is generally recommended to take probiotics on an empty stomach because stomach acid secretion is lower, which helps probiotics pass through the stomach to the intestines. Whether to take them in the morning or at night depends on personal habits and comfort.
7 Key Points for Correctly Taking Probiotics:
- Avoid High Temperatures
Probiotics are typically sensitive to high temperatures. Temperatures over 40°C may affect their activity. It’s best to take them with lukewarm water, or with juice or cold milk for infants. - Avoid Stimulating Foods
Fatty foods, propolis, garlic extract, and other stimulating foods can affect the growth or absorption of probiotics. It’s recommended to wait at least an hour before taking probiotics after consuming these foods. - Separate from Medication
Probiotics and antibiotics should be taken at least 2-3 hours apart to reduce the damage antibiotics may cause to probiotics and increase their chances of surviving in the gut. - Choose the Right Time for Supplementation
It’s suggested to take probiotics on an empty stomach in the morning or before bed to avoid interference from food. - Proper Storage
Probiotics need to be refrigerated to maintain their activity. Avoid storing them in humid, hot, or direct sunlight environments. - Long-Term, Regular, and Proper Dosing
Probiotic supplementation should be part of a long-term maintenance plan. Take them at a regular time and dosage for at least 1-3 months to maintain intestinal flora balance. - Pay Attention to Ingredients
Avoid probiotics with excessive chemical additives or flavorings. Choose high-quality, additive-free probiotic products.
How to Choose Probiotics:
- Amount of Active Bacteria
The number of active bacteria in probiotics is very important. It’s recommended to choose products containing at least 10 billion active bacteria. - Clear Labeling of Strain Information
Pay attention to whether the product label specifies the source, name, and production method of the probiotic strains. - Avoid Excessive Additives
Choose products that do not contain excessive sugars, juice flavorings, or other artificial additives. - Choose According to Personal Needs
Select the appropriate probiotic product based on your health needs. Different strains have different functions, so choosing the right one will lead to the best results.
Common Questions About Probiotics:
- Can Probiotics Be Taken on an Empty Stomach?
It is generally recommended to take probiotics on an empty stomach to minimize the damage from stomach acid. However, depending on the product, some may be better suited for post-meal use. - Who Should Not Take Probiotics?
People with immune system diseases or those on immunosuppressants should be cautious when taking probiotics. - Can You Take Probiotics During an Antibiotic Course?
Yes, consider the following methods:
- Take Separately: Wait at least 2-3 hours between taking antibiotics and probiotics.
- Use After the Antibiotic Course: Continue taking probiotics for a period after the antibiotic course to restore gut flora.
- Take Simultaneously: Some studies suggest that taking probiotics during an antibiotic course may reduce gut side effects, though this varies by individual.
More instructions:
Cranberry probiotics
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