Probiotics: The complete guide

If certain bacteria are harmful to health, probiotics, on the other hand, are known as “good” bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium …). These live in our body but are also present naturally in certain foods such as kombucha (fermented drink), kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, certain vegetables, sourdough bread and many other everyday foods.

For several years, probiotics have been on the rise. They would have the power, among other things, to improve the balance of the intestinal flora, provided they are administered in sufficient quantities. They are moreover also available in the form of medicines and dietary supplements allowing to do cures to restore tone to our transit. But are they really effective?

Vegalia takes stock of the real benefits of these microscopic organisms.

Quick navigation

• Probiotics: What is it?

• Benefits of probiotics

• Expert opinion

• Contraindications

• Dosage?

• Where to buy some?

Probiotics : What is it?

Probiotics were officially defined in 2001 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being “living microorganisms that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, exert positive effects on health, beyond the traditional nutritional effects”.

You should know that there are several types of probiotics and their action actually depends on the strain. Lactic acid bacteria are the best known. In yogurts, for example, one of the probiotics used is Lactobacillus bulgaricus which improves the digestion of lactose and thus reduces the problems of intolerance.

The benefits of probiotics

Probiotics effective against diarrhea and constipation

Regular consumption of probiotics helps to significantly reduce the frequency of different types of diarrhea such as traveler’s diarrhea, diarrhea due to antibiotics, or gastroenteritis.

Probiotics are also particularly beneficial for pregnant women insofar as they improve the digestion of food and regulate intestinal transit, which allows expectant mothers to prevent two common ailments during pregnancy: diarrhea and constipation.

Probiotics against irritable bowel syndrome

Several studies show that probiotics can relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by reducing in particular the frequency and intensity of abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating.

Probiotics fight against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori

Thanks to probiotics, it is possible to fight against Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). Indeed, numerous scientific researches prove that probiotics have the ability to increase the chances of recovery and even to mitigate adverse effects.

Probiotics against vaginal infections

Vaginal infections (vaginosis, mycosis) affect several million women every year due to an imbalance of the vaginal flora.

Two strains of probiotics are particularly recommended to fight these infections: Lactobacillus crispatus for vaginosis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus for mycosis.  Indeed, clinical studies have shown that the consumption of probiotics of the genus Lactobacillus is effective in restoring the balance of the vaginal flora if they are taken every day in sufficient quantities.

Probiotics for beautiful skin

Few people know it but probiotics also play a role on the scales. The Lactobacillus gasseri strain in particular has effects on the regulation of sugars, weight loss and abdominal fat. In addition, probiotics are known to combat stress, which makes it possible to limit snacking and sudden cravings for fatty and sweet products.

But that’s not all, these microorganisms also have beneficial effects on the skin because they fight inflammations (redness, irritation …), acne as well as eczema. They would even have an anti-aging power thanks to their ability to strengthen the skin barrier.

Probiotics: expert opinions

Certain factors such as an unbalanced diet, stress, aging, sports, travel or even taking medications can cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora and thus cause more or less significant digestive disorders to appear. In these cases, supplementation with probiotics proves to be particularly effective in rebalancing the flora and at the same time strengthening the immune system.

You should know that probiotics can be administered at any age. Indeed, they are well tolerated in both small and large children, but also in pregnant women. It is simply necessary to have “a diversified diet in parallel” as recommended by the dietician Florence Foucault.

Probiotics: contraindications

Probiotics should not be used without medical advice in people with a decrease in their immunity due to medical treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy …) and in people suffering from fever, nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain or diarrhea containing blood.

Probiotics: dosage

For probiotics to have truly beneficial effects on health, they must be taken over time. It is therefore recommended to consume 2 capsules a day during meals for a month. The cure can be renewed several times a year depending on the need.

Be sure not to exceed the recommended daily dose and to respect the conservation advice as well as the use-by date.

The adverse effects of probiotics

Taking probiotics can cause bloating and intestinal gas in some people, especially at the beginning of treatment. It is then advisable to start the probiotic treatment with small doses.

Where to buy probiotics?

To buy probiotics, two important criteria must be taken into account: the strains must be gastro-resistant and the product must display an inscription specifying its active bacteria content.

At Vegalia, starting in March, you will find probiotic-based food supplements offering 60 gastro-resistant capsules for a one-month cure. Our products contain 10 strains, contain 30 billion CFU (colony forming units) and are manufactured in France.

In addition, the 100% vegan probiotics from Vegalia are protected from gastric acids by a vegetable capsule with delayed release. They are certified GMO-free, do not contain gluten or gelatin. They will help you improve your digestion and strengthen your immune defenses!