from Züleyha Aydin
According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are living microorganisms that bring health benefits to humans when consumed in sufficient quantities. There is a lot of hype about the health-promoting bacteria, but what needs to be taken into account so that these little helpers can help us lead healthier lives?
Why, why, why? Our 5-point list will help you avoid the 5 biggest mistakes when taking probiotics.
Content:
- Multiculturalism is better - also for the intestinal flora
- The right brand makes the difference
- And daily greets the groundhog
- Antibiotics and alcohol have side effects - also for probiotics
- Probiotics are easy to keep
1. multiculturalism is better - also for the intestinal flora
When choosing your probiotic, make sure that your product contains a sufficiently high amount of health-promoting bacteria. Because with probiotics, more is more. Many products contain only a small number of bacteria or unbalanced bacterial cultures, which means that no significant effect is achieved by taking them.
The human body Gut is the most densely populated place in the world and diversity is good for it. So when buying your product, keep an eye not only on whether probiotics are included, but also whether there are enough and different ones.
2. the right brand makes the difference
When buying probiotics, only trust a transparent company. Transparency is not only about the products and the ingredients, but also about the information that the brand offers. With what ulterior motive does the brand approach its products? Does the company rely on studies or ingredients with proven positive properties? Does the company provide enough education, whether through social media or other forms? All points to consider.
3. and daily greets the groundhog
If you follow the first two points, you have hopefully bought a good product. But that's only half of it, because probiotics also need to be taken properly. It's not enough to pop a few pills now and then - with probiotics, regular intake is crucial.
You probably know regularity from all other things that are supposed to be good for your body, such as medications. Probiotics are no different: it's best to take them every morning. Avoid hot foods for about 30 minutes before and after taking them. The little helpers are sensitive to heat and can only reach your Gut intact and settle optimally in this way. But don't worry, half an hour later you can drink your coffee or tea without any worries.
4. antibiotics and alcohol have side effects - also for probiotics
Your doctor only means well when he prescribes antibiotics: Pathogenic bacteria that affect your health must be killed to relieve your immune system. Unwanted side effect of many antibiotics: Digestion is turned upside down.
According to studies, probiotics seem to be the solution during antibiotic therapy to strengthen the Gut during the illness phase - as long as the probiotic is taken with a time delay of a few hours. If taken at the same time, the antibiotic would eliminate the pathogens and the good bacteria at the same time.
Another disruptive factor for the intestinal flora is alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption damages the intestinal barrier in the long term, causing the microscopic intestinal helpers to enter the bloodstream and mutate into sources of inflammation. So do your body a favor while taking the probiotic and refrain from drinking too much alcohol.
5. probiotics are easy to keep
Whether in the refrigerator, medicine cabinet, or at room temperature on the kitchen island - bacterial cultures are easy to keep. As long as they don't get heat above 40°C or direct sunlight, nothing happens to the little helpers. At temperatures above 40°C, however, it becomes dangerous not only for human cells - probiotics also denature.
Denaturation means that the cell structure breaks down, splits or deforms. And this results in cell death in all living organisms. In summer, probiotics can therefore be stored in the refrigerator. On all other days, however, it will rarely happen that the little helpers will not survive at room temperature.
To summarize: Find a balanced probiotic from a good company and take it daily. Additionally, pay a little attention to your health and store your gut helpers in a cool place. Actually not that difficult.
Inner Beauty - with 25 billion viable, natural lactic acid bacteria
Suitable for:
✅ Vegetarian/vegan
✅ Pregnant/breastfeeding women
✅ Free of allergens (lactose, gluten, nuts)
Sources:
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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Health Organization (eds.): Probiotics in food: health and nutritional properties and guidelines for evaluation. FAO food and nutrition paper, 85. Rome 2006.