What are the functions of probiotics?

Probiotics are a type of active microorganisms that are beneficial to the host. They are a general term for active beneficial microorganisms that colonize in the human intestine and reproductive system, can produce definite health effects, thereby improving the host's microecological balance and playing a beneficial role. Probiotics can help the body return to optimal health. After antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, probiotics can rebuild and maintain the balance of bacterial flora, which is very important for human health and nutrient absorption.

Benefits of probiotics:

1. Help digestion and absorption of nutrients

Many probiotic strains can produce digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. These enzymes can help the body better digest the food it eats and absorb the nutrients in the food. Probiotics can also competitively inhibit harmful microorganisms from absorbing nutrients and entering the blood circulation system. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a representative strain in this regard, which can secrete lactase to digest lactose, thereby alleviating lactose intolerance.

2. Produce important nutrients

Probiotics can produce vitamins, including pantothenic acid, niacin, B1, B2, B5, B6 and vitamin K. They can also produce short-chain fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, etc., which play an important role in bone growth and heart health.

3. Resist bacterial and viral infections and enhance immunity. Probiotics can eliminate the damage caused by harmful bacteria to the body through three steps:

1.) Inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics curb the growth of harmful bacteria by producing chemicals that kill them and by competing with them for space and resources.

2.) Inhibit harmful bacteria from producing toxins.

3.) Remove toxins produced by harmful bacteria.

4. Prevent and treat certain diseases, such as intestinal syndrome, respiratory tract infection, allergies, bad breath, gastric ulcer, etc.

The role of probiotics:

1. Prevent or improve diarrhea: Poor eating habits or taking antibiotics can disrupt the balance of intestinal flora and cause diarrhea. Supplementing with probiotics helps balance intestinal flora and restore normal intestinal pH, thereby relieving diarrhea symptoms.

2. Relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance: Lactobacillus can help the body break down lactose, relieve diarrhea, bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms, and can be consumed with milk.

3. Prevent vaginal infection: Lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurt can inhibit the reproduction of Candida albicans in the vagina. This was confirmed by a double-blind controlled trial conducted in Europe. Each female patient took 150 ml of yogurt containing a large amount of probiotics orally every day, and the incidence of vaginal infection was much lower than that of women in the placebo group.

To sum up, we can know that probiotics have many functions and effects, so everyone can consume them with confidence. Yogurt cannot be boiled or heated in a microwave, otherwise it will clump and the lactic acid bacteria in it will be killed, losing its original health-care effect. It is best to drink it cold or at room temperature, so everyone must remember this.