What are the functions and effects 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. The beneficial bacteria or fungi in the human body and animals mainly include: Clostridium butyricum, lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, actinomycetes, yeast, etc.

1. Maintain normal intestinal function

The intestine is the largest immune organ and the largest microecological system in the human body. The human body slowly interacts with the outside world through the gastrointestinal mucosa, promoting the normalization of intestinal bacterial flora through its growth and various metabolic effects, inhibiting the production of putrefactive substances in the intestine, and maintaining the normal operation of intestinal function.

2. Relieve lactose intolerance symptoms and promote digestion and absorption

Lactose intolerance refers to the body's lack of the enzyme to metabolize lactose, which causes adverse reactions such as bloating and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products. 75% of adults worldwide show signs of weakened lactase activity, and in some Asian countries this figure exceeds 90%. Studies have found that Lactobacillus and other bacteria have galactosidase activity, which can significantly reduce the concentration of lactose and produce lactic acid, which is beneficial for human digestion and absorption.

3. Enhance human immunity

When probiotics enter the intestine, on the one hand, they can colonize in the intestine and maintain the balance of intestinal microbial flora; on the other hand, probiotics can directly act on the host's immune system, induce intestinal immunity, stimulate immune organs such as the thymus and spleen, promote macrophage activity, and enhance the body's immune function by enhancing the responsiveness of B and T lymphocytes to antigen stimulation and exerting specific immune activity.

4. Prevent cancer and inhibit tumor growth

Probiotics can produce some metabolites that inhibit tumor growth, such as polysaccharides, bacteriocins and lactic acid, by inhibiting the production of enzymes that convert carcinogens, activating the body's immune system, especially the activity of macrophages, NK cells, and B lymphocytes, and inhibiting cell mutations, and lowering the pH value in the intestines, stimulating intestinal peristalsis, and eliminating pathogenic bacteria, toxins and carcinogens in the intestines from the body, reducing the possibility of cancer.

Probiotics also have the effects of relieving allergic reactions and lowering serum cholesterol. At the same time, intestinal flora disorders play a very important role in the occurrence and development of obesity. A large number of experiments have confirmed that taking probiotics can effectively prevent and treat obesity. Although taking some probiotics has many benefits to the human body, they can all be taken at normal times.