If you’re among those more aware of personal health issues, no doubt you’re familiar with probiotics. Besides being present in the likes of yogurt, fermented milk, kimchi, miso and more, we can also choose to consume these so-called “good microorganisms” as dietary supplements. But before picking a probiotic product to boost your health care regimen, it’s a good idea to understand more about them so you can be sure they’re actually doing you good.

 

More about probiotics or ‘good microorganisms’

Our bodies are home to both beneficial and non-beneficial microorganisms. Probiotics are among the microorganisms that are good for health. Their outstanding qualities include acid and alkali resistance. Naturally located on the surface of the intestinal mucosa, probiotics produce substances that fight and eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. We can find this type of microorganism among the above-mentioned items along with probiotic supplements that come in capsule, powder and chewable tablet forms.

 

What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

               Prebiotics aren’t microorganisms. Found in onions, garlic, soybeans, red beans and the fiber in fruits and vegetables, they’re a type of food that our small intestines don’t absorb or digest. They enter the colon without having been digested but eventually get broken down by probiotic microorganisms. Simply put, prebiotics are food for probiotic microorganisms. So prebiotics help probiotic microorganisms grow and function and together theyeliminate bad microorganisms more efficiently.

 

 

Microorganisms in probiotics

Probiotics comprise many types of microorganisms. However, only a few of them are recognized as being reliably safe. They are popularly used as ingredients in various products you are no doubt familiar with, including:

 

·       Lactobacillus

At least 50 species of these microorganisms reside in the digestive system, urinary tract and genitals. Studies have found that certain strains of lactobacillus bacteria help alleviate or prevent intestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and milk-digesting enzyme deficiency. They can be found in yogurt, fermented milk, fermented pork, northeastern Thai sausages, pickled vegetables and fruits, kimchi and others.

·       Streptococcus Thermophilus

Streptococcus Thermophilus is a microorganism involved in the production of the enzyme lactase which aids digestion of lactase in milk among those with lactose intolerance who otherwise experience abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea when they drink milk. It’s mostly found in dairy products such as fermented milk, yogurt and cheese.

 

·       Bifidobacteria

Around 30 species of microorganisms belong in the bifidobacteria grouping. They are found in the digestive tract of babies, especially those who are breast fed. This type of microorganism helps control sugar and fat levels and relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. They’re found in yogurt, miso, pickles, kimchi, some wines, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread.

 

Benefits of probiotics

As indicated above, most of the benefits of probiotics accrue to various systems in the abdominal region. They include creating a protective barrier around intestinal mucosa, stimulating digestion, balancing microorganisms, inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms, and giving relief from gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea and lactose intolerance.

But probiotics are also beneficial elsewhere. They induce and stimulate immune system efficiency and alleviate symptoms of reproductive and urinary tract diseases. Indeed, they help balance all the body’s systems. So, if you’re looking for supplements, these tiny microorganisms are an interesting option. You can take them in food or supplement forms.

 

To summarize, probiotics not only help the digestive system work well but also strengthen other systems around the body, including the whole immune system – an especially key property with things like Covid-19 still around. 

 

Last not least, gentle reminder to keep healthy by consuming all five food groups, exercising regularly and getting enough rest.

 

Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers interested in healthcare can read up on a lot of relevant topics at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.

 

References

·       Bumrungrad Hospital
https://www.bumrungrad.com/th/health-blog/july-2019/probiotics-and-prebiotics

·       Bangkok Hospital
https://phuketinternationalhospital.com/probiotics-prebiotics/

·       Pobpad website
https://www.pobpad.com/probiotics

·       Faculty of Pharmacy, Thammasat University
https://pharm.tu.ac.th/uploads/pharm/pdf/articles/20181002_4.pdf

·       Food Solution Network
https://bit.ly/38vt8N7
https://bit.ly/3llcFxI