Dietary supplements are liquid probiotic or dry probiotics containing live bacteria, part of the average human microflora. In addition, once in the intestines, they begin to live there and destroy all harmful microorganisms, contributing to the growth of their microflora.
In this article, we will try to answer the questions: “what are probiotics?”, “how do they differ from each other?” and “what to look for when buying probiotics?”
Liquid probiotics vs pill – which is better?
The best probiotics are liquid probiotics! Dry probiotics may not have a sufficient concentration of beneficial bifidobacteria for a powerful effect because, during their production, the drug undergoes a drying procedure, thereby losing a significant amount of beneficial bacteria and the remaining bacteria lose their activity.
Why choose liquid probiotics?
Modern medicine is developing incredibly fast. As a result, there are new types of drugs and their various forms. The latest generation of probiotics is called liquid probiotics because they have a completely new dosage form and differ significantly from the dry versions, and liquid probiotics for kids are safe.
Benefits of dietary supplements
Liquid formulations have many advantages, which include:
· Rapid adhesion to the surface of mucous membranes;
· The beginning of the effect within an hour after ingestion (active filling of the intestine with beneficial bacteria during the first two hours);
· After intake, the microflora rapidly normalizes, and optimal living conditions are created due to living bacteria, volatile fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
The use of liquid probiotics helps quickly fight intestinal dysbacteriosis and eliminate unpleasant symptoms of the disease. It is important to note that probiotics can be used for complete treatment and preventive purposes.
Disadvantages of health supplements
It is a trendy statement that absolutely all nutritional supplements do only harm, which is not valid. They have their pluses and minuses, and some of them are even beneficial for the human body.
The great advantage of food additives, or gut health supplements, is that they help to preserve products longer, give them a “tasty” look, make them much more appetizing (which is very appreciated by gourmets).
The main disadvantages include their negative impact on health. Various synthetic food additives damage the organs and cause rapid deterioration because the chemicals are complex for the human body to process. In high doses, some additives can be hazardous.
Eating foods rich in flavor enhancers and flavorings is everyone’s business. Some people prefer to eat delicious food without paying much attention to how it can harm their health, and some people practically don’t buy anything in stores to avoid the negative influence of chemicals. And others can strike a happy medium, eating most foods and observing the “safety precautions.
When should you not use probiotics?
It is important to remember that these drugs can not be used if they are allergic to dairy products. In addition, some probiotics are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. With caution, the means are used by people with severe immune defense disorders because the introduction of any, even beneficial microorganisms, can hurt them. Be sure to consult a doctor before taking probiotics.
Side effects of taking probiotics
Probiotics are considered entirely safe supplements because there are no side effects from taking them. However, each human body is unique and may react differently to any product. Some patients may experience an allergic reaction and rarely complain of flatulence, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and headaches while taking probiotics.
Basic rules for taking probiotics
The dosages and duration of each probiotic are described in detail in the supplement’s instructions. These recommendations will depend on the reason for using the product. For example, the probiotic should be taken four times a day for three weeks in chronic intestinal diseases. If the patient has diarrhea, he is prescribed to take it six times a day, and the course of treatment is five days. To treat immune defense problems and in the complex therapy of food allergies, a long-term intake of probiotics for two months with a frequency of 2 times a day is recommended.
There are also certain peculiarities of taking these dietary supplements. For example, tablets and capsules have to be swallowed whole and must not be chewed, bitten, or kept in the mouth for a long time. This is due to a particular film on probiotics, which prevents the destruction of the drug under the influence of hydrochloric acid of the stomach. Thanks to this coating, the microorganisms survive and reach the intestine unharmed. Dry probiotics are essential to drink a large volume of water, while powders are dissolved in warm water beforehand.
In the case of homemade yogurt or sourdough, which are also probiotics, they can only be used for four days. Liquid probiotics should be taken 10 minutes before a meal and dry ones an hour before.
How to choose the right probiotic?
The choice of probiotic depends on the problem or disease that a person wants to get rid of. For example, for bacterial infections or profuse diarrhea, it is better to use bifido and lactobacilli, which have a substantial effect on the intestines. They take root well on mucous membranes while killing their competitors – harmful microorganisms – by changing the pH of the environment. These bacteria are also good against viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
If dysbacteriosis occurs in a mild form, it is worth using non-pathogenic cocci, which will help form a healthy intestinal microflora. Probiotics for preventive purposes should be started with lactobacilli, alternating with bifidobacteria.