What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts.
They are often referred to as good* bacteria, as they can prevent the growth of pathogenic (bad) bacteria in the digestive system, and are the constituent part of a healthy intestinal microflora.
What do probiotics do?
Probiotics successfully stop the growth of bad bacteria by outcompeting them for space and food.
By increasing their numbers in the intestines, they help the intestinal microflora in digestion, participate in vitamin synthesis, have a protective role on the intestinal mucosa and have a positive effect on the immune system.
A healthy level of useful bacteria in our digestive system is extremely important for the body’s natural resistance. Since 70% of the immune system is located in the intestines, it is clear that healthy intestinal microflora is one of the conditions for good immunity and overall health.
When do we need probiotics?
Our intestines are naturally home to many bacterial populations; both useful ones and pathogenic (potentially harmful) ones.
Fortunately, when there are more good* bacteria than bad, the digestive tract is in a state of healthy equilibrium. If the number of good* bacteria declines, for any reason, to such extent that the bad bacteria prevail, problems occur. This results in a disturbance in the intestinal microbial balance. There are many reasons for this, including antibiotic therapy, diarrhoea, stress, travel, excessive alcohol consumption, toxin exposure and changes in eating habits.
We can help the intestinal microflora to quickly and successfully restore its normal condition by taking effective amounts of live and active probiotics. Probiotics can be taken daily in smaller doses or in stronger doses for acute problems.
Are all probiotics really ‘good*’?
In order for bacteria to be called “probiotic”, – they need to fulfil the following conditions: be alive, have the ability to survive the digestive tract (stomach and bile) and be able to successfully increase their number in the intestines. Their genus, species and strain have to be clearly defined, and their positive effects confirmed by clinical studies. It is very important that they are stable, i.e. alive throughout the shelf life. The probiotics in the Biorela® products satisfy all of these criteria.
How to take probiotics?
Food supplements with probiotics should not be taken with hot foods or beverages, nor should they be mixed with hot ingredients. When using antibiotics, they should be taken at least 3 hours after taking antibiotics.
