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Probiotics - Everything you need to know

Dr. Adrian Weingart

Probiotics - Everything you need to know

Table of Contents

1. Initiation probiotics
2. What are probiotics?
3. What are prebiotics?
4. What are synbiotics?
5. What is included in the Dailybacs?
5.1 probiotics
5.2 prebiotics and plant extracts
5.3 vitamins & minerals
6. Probiotic Foods
7. Side effects
8. Closing

1. Initiate probiotics

The intestine is the engine of our health and its functions go far beyond the digestion of food. So if things don't go so smoothly there, our entire body loses strength and that affects the processes from head to toe, from the physical to the psychological level. Due to our modern lifestyle, we can only protect ourselves to a limited extent from industrially produced food and toxic environmental influences. Because all these influences have a direct effect on our intestines and this affects our general state of health equally. This can manifest itself directly as classic digestive problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain or constipation, but also as bad skin, mood swings and weight gain. The intestinal microbiome, the composition of the "good" and "bad" bacteria that settle on the intestinal wall, play an important role. It can be considered as the center of our immune system and protects us from many diseases. A healthy intestinal flora protects the intestinal mucous membranes, contributes to the improved absorption of vitamins and minerals and is responsible for the production of essential substances that we do not absorb through our food can. Unfortunately, as many functions as our gut flora has, it is also highly vulnerable. Because it only works through a smooth interaction of the different organisms and only in the perfect symbiosis with the host - our body. Due to various influences, the intestinal flora quickly becomes imbalanced, a dysbiosis. However, we can counteract this with the right habits and tools. Probiotics can take on this task excellently, because they effectively help to bring the intestinal flora back into balance and ultimately keep them in balance with regular intake. It is extremely important to pay close attention to the quality of the probiotics, to take them correctly and to eat a healthy diet to support them. You can find out more about the topics of the intestine, intestinal flora, microbiome and the crucial role of probiotics here.

2. What are probiotics?

According to the definition of the WHO, probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when ingested in sufficient quantities.
How do probiotics get their name? “Pro bios” translated from Latin means “for life”, which pretty much corresponds to its function. Probiotics may only be labeled as such if they meet the following four criteria:

  • A proven health-promoting effect for the consumer
  • The production of lactic acid and other substances with bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects
  • They must survive the passage through the stomach and be able to reproduce in the intestine
  • There must be evidence of genetic stability in order to be able to rule out pathogenic mutations


    Probiotics have been part of the human diet in the form of fermented foods not just recently, but actually for quite some time. Today they are also available over the counter in the form of dietary supplements in pharmacies, online or in grocery stores.
    Probiotics have the ability to attack pathogens in multiple ways. By colonizing the intestinal walls, they prevent pathogenic bacteria and toxins from entering the body via the intestinal wall.
    These pathogens can also be killed directly by some probiotic microorganisms thanks to their antimicrobial effect. It does this by depriving them of their food base, converting carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids. Probiotics are the good bacteria that colonize the intestines and ensure that the intestinal flora remains healthy. If your intestinal flora is intact, your body will be better able to absorb nutrients such as vitamins or enzymes from food. At the same time, your immune system is strengthened by the probiotic intestinal bacteria.
    It is important to know that probiotics can have an individual effect on everyone and there are also people for whom probiotics have no effect at all. Why is that? Whether the good bacteria settle in the intestine depends on the original state of the respective microbiome and specific gene expression patterns in the gastrointestinal tract. In any case, however, probiotics must be supplied regularly in order to achieve an active effect.
    The most well-known representatives of probiotics are the lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria), bifidobacteria and enterococci.

    TEST PROBIOTICS from mybacs®

    Sources:

    https://www.supplementbibel.de/probiotikum-test/
    https://www.darmflora-ratgeber.de/probiotika.html

    3. What are prebiotics?

    Prebiotics, also known as prebiotics, are components of foods that are not digestible. So these are not living organisms, but dietary fiber. They stimulate the activity of various types of bacteria in the intestine and can thus have a positive influence on the intestinal flora. Most prebiotics are found in carbohydrates. Examples are fructo-, galacto- and soya oligosaccharides. However, the best-known prebiotic is inulin.

    Prebiotics serve as food for the bacteria in the intestine. Especially bifidobacteria and lactobacilli benefit from this (learn more about the individual bacterial strains later !). The intestinal bacteria are responsible for converting oligosaccharides into short-chain fatty acids. This lowers the pH of the gut and the environment becomes acidic. The good thing about prebiotics is that they travel through the small intestine largely undigested, which means they can serve as a food source for the good bacteria in the colon. If the intestinal flora is in balance, pathogenic bacilli can spread less easily. In addition, digestion improves - constipation and constipation can be avoided. Prebiotics are dietary fibers. This means that there are other positive properties, such as improved absorption and utilization of calcium, falling blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of colon cancer.

    Source:
    https://www.medikamente-per-klick.de/apotheke/ernaehrungslexikon/praebiotika/

    4. What are synbiotics?

    It's all in the mix! Probiotics alone have many health benefits if we consume them in the right amount - i.e. enough of them. However, the best effect is obtained when a probiotic is combined with a prebiotic. This then results in a synbiotic (lat. syn = together, together). As the word implies, a synbiotic has significantly better effects on our gut microbiome than a probiotic or prebiotic individually.
    Synbiotika Infografik

    5. What's in the Dailybacs?

    5.1 probiotics

    When probiotics reach our gut in sufficient quantities, it is associated with many health benefits. Fortunately, we have our first contact with probiotic bacterial strains at birth. If this were not the case, we would have immense health problems as children. In a normal birth, this happens through the mother's vaginal flora, in the case of a caesarean section, this happens at the latest through the administration of breast milk. Probiotics not only have vital functions for children, but they are also a fundamental support for adult health.
    Simple again:

    • Probiotics are bacterial cultures capable of reproduction.
    • Prebiotics are food components that specifically stimulate the activity of digestive bacteria in the intestine.
    • So the prebiotic serves as a food source for the probiotics!


    Our Dailybacs contain 11 different strains of bacteria. In a capsule there are 60 000 000 000 (60 billion) colony-forming units (CFUs) - the Dailybacs are high-dose synbiotics.

    The most important bacterial strains are briefly explained here:

    Bifidobacteria in general make up more than 80% of the microorganisms in your gut - making them the probiotic bacteria most commonly found in the human body. Bifidobacteria are lactic acid bacteria that normally live in the intestines and vagina, but can also be absorbed into the body by taking probiotic foods or supplements. Once in the gut, their main job in the body is to break down food and help the body absorb nutrients. Furthermore, they can help prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the organism through the intestinal wall. They also support the immune system at the same time. Bifidobacteria are real all-rounders when it comes to killing harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract or in the urinary tract.


    The Bifidobacterium infantis is one of the most common microorganisms in the body of infants who have been breastfed. This is because this bacterium is passed on to the newborn primarily through breast milk. Like other bifidobacteria, Bifidobacterium infantis produces short-chain fatty acids in the intestine. This includes acetic acid, which plays a key role in nourishing the cells of the intestinal mucosa. Acetic acid has another very important benefit - it helps the body fight off invading pathogens, such as various fungi or yeast. This protects the body from various diseases and infections. In addition, acetic acid is particularly important for babies, as it serves as a major source of energy. That might sound like the Bifidobacterium infantis is only important for babies. But that's not the case - this bacterial strain has been proven to also support adults with digestion and general intestinal function. Studies show that they can help against digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea and gas. They can also help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.


    Lactobacilli in general are bacteria that produce lactase. They are found not only in the human intestine, but also on the skin and in women, also in the vagina. They ensure normal intestinal function, have very positive effects on the intestinal mucosa and protect the body from infectious diseases. Lactobacilli have a decisive advantage - they can easily live in the human body under acidic and basic conditions. Once they have been absorbed into the organism, they attach themselves to the intestinal wall and colonize it - this has long-term positive effects on the intestinal and general health. In medicine, this bacterium is mostly used for gastrointestinal complaints, vaginal infections, cystitis and allergic diseases. Lactobacilli are really important helpers for the body and especially for the intestines because they have antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulating and immunostimulating properties. They also have anti-inflammatory, digestive and help against diarrhea. Once the lactobacilli have been absorbed into the body, they have the positive property of normalizing the composition of the intestinal flora. In other words, bringing them back into balance and thus restoring their normal function. At the same time, they have a positive effect on the intestinal mucosa, strengthen the gastrointestinal barrier function and stimulate the formation of mucus in the intestine. They also get the intestines to move more. They counteract constipation, support the immune system and at the same time inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and viruses.


    The Lactobacillus rhamnosus is also called Lactobacillus GG, which is because its discoverers are called Sherwood Gorbach and Barry Golding. This bacterium belongs to the genus of lactic acid bacteria. Due to its important ability to ferment lactose into lactic acid, it leads to acidification of the entire environment. Lactobacillus GG is mainly found in the gastrointestinal, urinary and genital tracts. However, this bacterium is not always present in our body. Studies show that it has only been found intermittently in the digestive tract of healthy people. Bacteria of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain have many very positive influences on the organism, including the production of antimicrobial substances that fight harmful germs such as salmonella. They also favor the composition of the bacterial flora in the intestine, mouth and genital tract. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore have a positive effect on the immune system. Another important aspect is that they strengthen the barrier function of the intestine and at the same time protect the mucous membranes in the organism. Lactobacillus GG has very positive effects on the composition of the human intestinal flora and can thus counteract an imbalance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the intestine. If the intestinal flora is out of balance, this can lead to digestive disorders, infections in the digestive system or overweight.


    Unlike Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum is constantly present in the organism. It is found in the gastrointestinal tract and in the saliva of healthy people. As the name suggests, Lactobacillus plantarum also belongs to the family of lactic acid bacteria, but has one of the largest genomes in its genus. Just like other types of lactic acid bacteria, this strain of bacteria has some positive effects on the organism and therefore on general health and well-being. This in turn includes the production of antimicrobial substances that fight harmful germs and viruses. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, have a positive effect on the immune system, improve the barrier function of the mucous membranes and thus have a beneficial effect on the bacterial flora in the intestine. In addition, they are responsible for the acidification of their environment through the production of lactic acid and can also break down bile acid. The Lactobacillus plantarum is normally located in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy people and has the main task of positively influencing the composition of the intestinal flora. This means that Lactobacillus plantarum can counteract an imbalance between bad and good bacteria. From a medical point of view, Lactobacillus plantarum has a positive effect in the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and mental illnesses.

    5.2 prebiotics and plant extracts

    Various studies show that colonization of the intestine takes place more efficiently through a combination of probiotics and certain other biomolecules. These biomolecules serve, among other things, as a food source for the probiotics located in the intestine. The combination of pro- and prebiotics allows the bacterial cultures to better integrate into the intestinal microbiome. The combination is called synbiotics.
    Extracts from chicory root (Cichorium intybus) and pomegranate (Punica granatum) serve as a natural source of prebiotics in the Dailybacs. One of the best-known and best-researched prebiotic substances is inulin. The chicory root is an excellent source of inulin. This substance has the positive property of stimulating the activity of bifidobacteria in the intestine. In addition, chicory root is rich in polyphenols, a group of compounds known for their antioxidant properties.
    Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is also a very good source of polyphenols. In addition, the well-known superfood was already used in ancient India to treat diarrhea, parasites and many other diseases.

    5.3 Vitamins & Minerals

    In order to be able to respond precisely to the needs of women's and men's bodies, the Dailybacs are enriched with a number of specially selected minerals and vitamins.

    In the following part you will learn more about which vitamins and minerals are present in both Dailybacs:

    Zinc: Zinc is a trace element, actually the second most common trace element in the body and is used needed for a whole range of bodily functions. Zinc is mainly found in animal foods. This means that vegetarians and vegans in particular have an increased risk of not taking in enough of this trace element.
    Here you will find a brief summary of all the useful functions of zinc: Zinc can contribute to normal fertility and normal reproduction. In addition, zinc contributes to normal cognitive function, normal DNA synthesis and normal function of the immune system. It can also have a positive effect on the maintenance of normal nails, skin and vision.

    Vitamin C: There are some creatures in the animal kingdom that can produce this vitamin themselves. Unfortunately, man has not developed this property. It is therefore all the more important to take in enough vitamin C, because this has far-reaching health-promoting properties on the human organism. It counteracts tiredness and fatigue and contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system during and after intensive physical activity. It supports the body in normal collagen formation for normal function of bones and teeth. It also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal mental function and normal energy metabolism. It also helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

    Vitamin D: Did you know that a large part of vitamin D is produced by your body itself when exposed to sunlight? Another, but much smaller, portion is ingested through food. Unfortunately, the formation of the vitamin through exposure to the sun is not sufficient in many parts of the world. Vitamin D deficiency is therefore very common, especially in Germany. This means that in regions with little sun, more vitamin D must be ingested through food in order to supply the body with it sufficiently. This is very important because the vitamin has far-reaching positive effects on the human body. It contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, normal blood calcium levels and the maintenance of normal muscle function. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth, the normal functioning of the immune system and cell division.

    Biotin: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a cofactor for many of the human body's enzymes. That is, it is a substance that must be present in addition to enzymes in order to be able to catalyze a chemical reaction. Biotin also has some beneficial properties for the body. It contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and normal metabolism of macronutrients. It also contributes to normal mental function and the maintenance of normal hair, skin and mucous membranes.
    Dailybacs Infografik

    Dailybacs women
    In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, Dailybacs women also contain folate and iron to support the female body in its daily work and to cover important needs of the organism.



    Iron: Iron deficiency is the most widespread deficiency disease worldwide. An estimated two billion people suffer from this deficiency. It is important to know that women are five times more likely to be affected by this condition because they regularly lose more iron through their monthly menstrual periods. However, it is very important for the human body to have enough iron stores, because iron contributes to the normal formation of blood cells. Iron deficiency can also lead to anemia (iron deficiency anemia). Vegetarians in particular have a higher risk of iron deficiency, as this substance is mostly found in animal products, such as red meat. Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, contributes to normal cognitive function, is important for the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, supports normal oxygen transport in the body and contributes to normal functioning of the brain immune system.

    Folate: Folic acid deficiency is also one of the most common deficiency diseases in the world. Folate is responsible for cell division in the organism. If there is too little folate in the body, this can in turn lead to anemia, i.e. anemia. Folate is particularly important during pregnancy, as it contributes to the growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy. That is why it can have positive effects here for pregnant women or for women who want to get pregnant.
    Folate therefore contributes to normal blood formation, normal psychological function, normal functioning of the immune system and a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.

    Dailybacs men
    In order to be able to meet the needs of a man's body, selenium was also added to our Dailybacs for men. You can now find out what selenium is good for and what health benefits it brings:
    Selenium: Selenium is very important, especially for men, because it contributes to normal sperm formation. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and normal thyroid function. In addition, it helps to protect cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.

    TEST DAILYBACS MEN


    6. Probiotic Foods

    In general, there are around 400 different probiotic strains of bacteria. The best known and also the most important are the so-called lactic acid bacteria. These are acid-tolerant and can therefore easily settle and spread in the intestine.
    Probiotic foods have a whole range of positive effects on the body. They support the immune system, help with diarrhea and digestive problems, improve the immune system and can have a positive effect on mental health. In order for them to develop their full effect, they must be consumed continuously and in sufficient quantities. As soon as the intake is interrupted for a certain period of time, the intestinal flora returns to its normal state.
    These are the top 10 healthiest probiotic foods:

    • Yogurt: Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics. Here, the contained milk is fermented by lactic acid bacteria. The fresher the yoghurt, the higher the proportion of lactic acid bacteria that can reach the intestines alive.
    • Kefir: Kefir is made from cow, goat or sheep milk. Unlike yoghurt, it not only contains lactic acid bacteria, but also the so-called kefir grain. This is a milk fungus that contains bacteria and various yeasts. This fungus converts part of the milk sugar into lactic acid, the other part into alcohol and carbonic acid.
    • Sauerkraut: Fermentation is caused by adding lactic acid bacteria to white or pointed cabbage. This makes the cabbage easier to digest and contains many living bacterial cultures that support the intestines in their daily work.
    • Miso: Miso is a Japanese spice paste usually made from soybeans and grains (such as rice or barley). Due to the long maturation period - sometimes even more than a year - the lactic acid bacteria ensure that the paste ferments and thus gets its typical taste. Miso not only contains a lot of probiotic bacteria, but also a lot of proteins and fiber, which also have a very positive effect on the digestive tract.
    • Sour cucumbers: Sour cucumbers are prepared in a mixture of water, various herbs, sugar and salt and are preserved through lactic acid fermentation. This food is also characterized by the high proportion of lactic acid bacteria and thus contributes to intact digestion and a healthy immune system. Unfortunately, lactic acid bacteria are only found in real pickles - in most products that you can buy in the supermarket, the acid is not created by fermentation but by the addition of vinegar.
    • Kombucha: Kombucha is a drink made from sweetened herbal or black tea. By adding the so-called Kombucha mushroom, the drink begins to ferment and in turn forms lactic acid, acetic acid, carbonic acid and alcohol. The preparation of tea has positive effects on intestinal health and has an antibacterial effect.
    • Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar consists of apples that first ferment to form cider and then vinegar, which in turn produces important lactic acid bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is not only probiotic, but is also said to help against colds, gout and arthritis.
    • Cheese: Unfortunately, not all types of cheese are probiotic foods. However, it can be said in general - the older the cheese, the higher the number of probiotic bacteria it contains. Good sources of probiotics are Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyere, Gouda and Mozzarella. Here again you have to make sure that pasteurized cheeses do not contain any living probiotic bacteria due to heating.
    • Tempeh: Tempeh is usually made from pickled and fermented soybeans or grains. Similar to tofu, it has a meat-like consistency and is tasteless and odorless. Fermentation, in turn, produces many lactic acid bacteria. This makes tempeh a very good source of probiotics, especially for vegans and vegetarians.
    • Kimchi: Kimchi is a Korean national dish made from fermented Chinese cabbage. The cabbage is enriched with garlic, ginger, chili flakes and fish sauce during fermentation, giving it its typical reddish colour. Kimchi is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world! Because in addition to the lactic acid bacteria, the dish contains a lot of fiber, proteins, as well as vitamins A, B and C.


    Sources:
    https://eatsmarter.de/ernaehrung/gesund-ernaehren/probiotische-lebensmittel
    https://www.myself.de/leben/ernaehrung/galerie-probiotika/

    7. Side Effects

    In general, people only talk about extremely positive effects caused by probiotics. Probiotics have positive effects on gut health, the digestive system, the cardiovascular system, the psyche and much more. But are there any side effects that can occur as a result of taking it?
    Basically, one thing needs to be noted here. There are a lot of different probiotic products on the market, which differ in their composition of different bacterial strains and ingredients. Due to the individual design of the products, very different effects and properties can emerge, which is why it is ultimately difficult to generalize about probiotics and their side effects. In addition, it also depends on the state of health of the person who takes the preparation.
    The most common side effects caused by probiotics are gas and/or diarrhea or constipation. However, this can also be a so-called “initial aggravation” (see below). However, if the symptoms do not disappear after a few days or weeks, the intake should be stopped. Ultimately, however, an initial aggravation is a good sign, as this means that the supplied bacterial strains have arrived in the intestine and are causing changes there. The initial aggravation should generally not last longer than two weeks. If there is still no clear positive change after this time, it may be a case of probiotic intolerance.
    Excessive consumption (i.e. in far too large quantities) can also result in incorrect colonization of the intestine or even states of confusion. Studies showed that people who took many different probiotic supplements at the same time developed cognitive problems over time. In addition, an overdose over a longer period of time can lead to bacterial cultures also settling in the small intestine. Colonization in the small intestine results in the production of hydrogen and methane, which in turn can cause bloating and abdominal pain. The fact that the miscolonization of the small intestine was ultimately responsible for the symptoms of the people became apparent when those affected stopped taking the probiotics and were treated with antibiotics, because in 70% the gastrointestinal symptoms improved and in 85% the states of confusion disappeared completely.
    The following applies in principle:

    • Initial aggravation: Initial symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation can be an indication that the probiotics are working and causing changes in your digestive tract. That means in the long term - things will go up!
    • Intolerance: If symptoms such as flatulence and/or diarrhea or constipation after approx. If it doesn't go away in two weeks, it's not an initial aggravation, but possibly an intolerance. The intake should then be discontinued or changed.
    • Combination of different preparations: Taking different preparations at the same time should be avoided unless it has been deliberately ordered by a doctor or pharmacist.


    Sources:
    https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/2018-08/darmbesiedlung-probiotika-haben-nebenwirkungen/
    https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/artikel/probiotika/probiotika-und-ihre-nebenwirkungen-810802

    8. Close

    In this journal article we have put together all the important information about the structure of the intestine, your very individual and unique microbiome and the intestinal flora, so that you can understand all the background to our products.
    You have also learned more about what probiotics and prebiotics are, what other components our Dailybacs contain and what are the reasons for taking them. We have listed critically which forms of taking probiotics there are to make it easier for you to make the right choice. To make it easier for you to understand how exactly the individual bacteria in your intestines work and what the little helpers are responsible for, we have briefly explained the three most important ones to you.
    Up until now you haven't been quite sure whether taking probiotics is right for you and when you should take probiotics at all? Then we hope that we were also able to clarify this question in our journal entry.
    On the one hand, we have shown what damages your intestines - processed foods, nicotine, stress, etc. - but also with which foods you can support your microbiome and promote your general health.
    We very much hope that we have been able to clarify many of your questions and that you now have a complete overview of the subject of intestinal health and probiotics. If you still have questions, or there are topics that have not been explained to you in enough detail, you are welcome to contact us at . We'll do our best to answer all your questions here too!

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