What are probiotics? When is the most effective time to eat? Answers to the benefits and side effects of probiotics
Probiotics refer to active microorganisms that are beneficial to human health, common ones include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. What are the benefits of probiotics? Who is not suitable for taking probiotics? <a href=https://medvoyage.tw/%E7%94%98%E9%9C%B2%E7%B3%96>Cranberry Probiotics</a>This article will introduce in detail the way to consume probiotics and their possible side effects, to help everyone fully understand probiotics.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics refer to active microorganisms that are beneficial to the human body. Peng Delan, a nutritionist at Taipei Municipal Guandu Hospital, pointed out that these microorganisms can enter the intestines in a live state and attach to the intestines, improving the environment of the intestinal flora.
In addition to maintaining a healthy digestive system, probiotics can also enhance immunity and prevent constipation and diarrhea. Research from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Fengyuan Hospital shows that probiotics may also improve allergic reactions.
Common probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The former mainly produces lactic acid by metabolizing sugars, while the latter can synthesize B vitamins in addition to lactic acid.
What are the differences between probiotics, lactic acid bacteria and enzymes?
In health foods, probiotics, lactic acid bacteria and enzymes are common ingredients <a href=https://healthpulse.tw/cranberry_recommendation>Probiotics Recommendation</a>. Enzymes (also known as enzymes) play a "decomposing" role in the process of digesting food. They can help break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, making them easier for the human body to absorb and utilize.
Lactic acid bacteria metabolize sugars to produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH value in the intestines and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. According to Chang Gung Medical News, most probiotics are lactic acid bacteria, which can improve the ecology of intestinal flora and regulate immunity.
The four major functions of probiotics
1. Maintaining the balance of intestinal flora
Taking probiotics in moderation can compete with harmful bacteria for space and nutrients in the intestines, thereby inhibiting their reproduction. The National Taiwan University Hospital Health Newsletter recommends drinking yogurt 2 to 3 times a week to maintain the balance of intestinal flora.
2. Improve constipation or diarrhea
Constipation and diarrhea are often bothering people. Dr. Lin Mingshen, a pharmacist at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital's Department of Pharmacy, said that certain probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been shown to effectively improve these symptoms. However, probiotics need to be taken long-term to significantly improve intestinal problems, and those with acute symptoms should consult a doctor first.
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, the effects of probiotics can also regulate and enhance the function of the immune system.
4. Prevent private part infection
Women's private parts are often susceptible to infection due to hot weather or non-breathable clothing. Lin Ziyin, director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Women's and Children's Hospital of Taipei City, suggested that supplementing with probiotics can not only reduce the chance of infection, but also that one should wear breathable clothing and keep private parts dry.
Benefits of probiotics for babies
There are many probiotic products on the market for babies and pregnant women, so can babies take probiotics? Does taking probiotics during pregnancy help the baby?
Improve baby constipation: Probiotics can promote intestinal health, but babies with constipation problems still need to rely on dietary adjustments to improve and cannot rely entirely on probiotics.
Reduce crying caused by colic: According to research by the American Academy of Pediatrics, probiotics can relieve babies' crying caused by colic, but their effectiveness has not yet been fully confirmed.
Reduce the risk of allergies: The Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Mackay Children's Hospital pointed out that pregnant women taking probiotics can reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis in their babies, but the effect on asthma or allergic rhinitis is limited.
Side Effects of Probiotics
Normal use of probiotics usually has no side effects, but in some individual cases the following problems may occur:
Indigestion: Some people may experience abdominal discomfort or bloating when taking probiotics.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain strains of probiotics and experience symptoms such as rashes and itching.
Produce <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>when to take probiotics</a>resistance: According to the Journal of Pharmacy, some probiotics can promote the development of drug resistance. For example, the strains of bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium that the Food and Drug Administration restricted for use in 2019 carry drug-resistant genes.
If you feel unwell while taking probiotics, you should stop taking them immediately and seek medical advice. Nutritionist Wu Boshan from the Department of Nutrition at Taipei Veterans General Hospital said that critically ill patients, those with compromised immune systems and children with short bowel syndrome should use probiotics with caution to avoid the risk of bacteremia.
When is the most effective time to take probiotics?
Should probiotics be taken in the morning or at night? What are the effects of taking it on an empty stomach? Chen Wenzhao, a gastroenterologist at Peking University Health Science Center, pointed out that probiotics can be taken 30 minutes before meals or with meals, which helps the probiotics to be absorbed by the intestines.
If the probiotics are made through special technology and can tolerate stomach acid and bile, they can be taken at any time, such as before meals, after meals, in the morning or before going to bed, according to the product's instructions.
As for when is the best time for pregnant women to take probiotics? To prevent allergies in their babies, many pregnant women take probiotics during pregnancy. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) recommends that pregnant women can take cranberry probiotics after 35 weeks of pregnancy, but they should choose products with simple ingredients to avoid taking other chemical substances, which will not be worth the cost.
Taboos on taking probiotics
Probiotics have the functions of maintaining the balance of intestinal flora and enhancing immunity, but if they are not consumed correctly, their effects may be affected. Here are a few things to note about cranberry probiotics:
Avoid high temperatures: When taking probiotics, the water temperature should not exceed 50 degrees to prevent high temperatures from killing the probiotics. It is also not recommended to drink it with coffee, milk, juice or soda.
Avoid taking with antibiotics: Antibiotics and probiotics should be taken 2 hours apart, because antibiotics may kill both good and bad bacteria in the body, including probiotics.
Avoid fried and processed meats: The Chiayi County Health Bureau reminds that fried foods and processed meats containing nitrites will reduce the activity of probiotics and are therefore not suitable for consumption at the same time as probiotics.
<a href=https://healthpulse.tw/mannose>Cranberry Probiotics</a> How long does it take for probiotics to take effect?
The duration of the effectiveness of probiotics depends on factors such as personal constitution, the number of probiotics and the strain of probiotics. If you want to maintain a healthy gut, it may take several weeks to months to see noticeable improvements.
Pediatrician Guo Yanliang recommends that children should be observed after taking probiotics for two months. If conditions such as constipation do not improve, you can consider switching to another product. Don't mistakenly think that it will take six months or a year for the product to be effective. Criteria for judging whether probiotics are effective include increased flatulence, increased frequency and volume of bowel movements, etc.
<a href=https://medvoyage.tw/%E7%94%98%E9%9C%B2%E7%B3%96>Cranberry Probiotics</a> Can probiotics be consumed for a long time? Generally speaking, daily consumption is harmless to health, but if your stomach and body are in good condition, you do not need to take it every day. You can consult a doctor first to confirm your need.
Probiotic selection principles
When purchasing probiotics <a href=https://lifenutrients.tw/mannose>Cranberry Probiotics</a> products, you should consider your personal constitution and needs and pay attention to the following points:
Added ingredients: Some probiotic products contain sugar or juice powder to enhance flavor, which may lead to excessive sugar intake.
Number of probiotics: An appropriate amount of probiotics is best for the human body, and it is generally recommended to be between 1 billion and 10 billion.
Selection of bacterial strains: Pediatrician Wu Hanmeng pointed out that the number of probiotic strains taken by children should not exceed 4; there is no limit for adults.
Strain number: Different strains have different functions, and the strain number can be used to determine their actual effects and source safety.
Foods that naturally supplement probiotics
Some foods are naturally rich in probiotics, such as miso, kimchi, yogurt, yogurt and natto. These fermented foods help maintain the balance of intestinal flora and promote digestion and absorption.
Summarize
Probiotics can improve intestinal health, enhance immunity, and prevent a variety of health problems, but the correct method must be followed when purchasing and taking probiotics. If you experience any discomfort during use, stop immediately and consult a professional physician.
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