2024-03-21 07:00:42
In this article, we will discover some myths and truths about probiotics and what are their beneficial health effects.
Last update : 21 mars, 2024
They are said to be good for your health and help with digestion. Although there are also those who think they don’t need it. In short, there are many myths and truths about probiotics. These products which have become the most requested food supplements and consumed in the world.
Although our intestines already contain good bacteria, it is scientifically proven that the consumption of probiotics has a positive impact on health. By promoting nutrient absorption, strengthening the immune system and even improving mental health.
Myths about probiotics and health
Good that WHO considers probiotics to be positive for health “when administered in adequate quantities”, it is also true that on this subject there are a large number of doubts. That’s why, in this article, we will explore the 16 most important myths regarding the consumption of probiotics.
1. A person without symptoms does not need probiotics
There are currently many ultra-processed foods containing additives and various substances. Additionally, we eat a diet high in flour and simple sugars. As well as antibiotics and other medications. This, without forgetting the possible presence of contaminating elements in drinking water.
All of the above can affect gut health, impacting the microbiota and allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. So, a probiotic might be beneficial, even if no obvious health problems have arisen yet.
2. Probiotics are medicines
In the strict sense of the term, they are not considered medicines. But like food supplements when found on the market in the form of capsules, powders or drops. There are also natural foods that contain probiotics.
3. Any food containing bacteria is a probiotic
It’s not always the case. Contaminated food can contain truly harmful microorganisms.
To be considered as such, probiotic foods must not only contain live bacteria, but also have an adequate level of it. Additionally, they must offer benefits supported by scientific studies.
4. Myths About Probiotics: Fermented foods are probiotics
Some fermented foods are probiotics, others are not. Those that are subjected to pasteurization, cooking, distillation processes, among others, can be left without live bacteria. This doesn’t mean they stop being nutritious.
5. Yogurts are probiotics
Yes, yogurt contains bacteria considered beneficial. However, it is important to clarify that Not all yogurts are probiotics. The milk is pasteurized to exclude bacteria. This would eliminate the presence of micro-organisms. However, some commercial brands add beneficial strains after pasteurization.
You must therefore check the label to see if it is “pasteurized yogurt after fermentation” or “with added probiotics”.
6. All probiotics are the same
No, not all probiotics are the same. Each strain of bacteria is a different living thing. For example, yogurts may contain Bifidobacterium or Lactobacilluswhich in turn can be bulgaricus, of l’acidophilus, of rhamnosus, of paracasei or other strains.
Also read: How to make sauerkraut at home in a few steps?
7. They act the same way in the body
The properties of probiotics and their possible effects on the body may vary. For example, Bifidobacterium infantis would be beneficial for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. While Lactobacillus rhamnosus can help prevent side effects from antibiotic use.
8. Probiotic Myths: The More Bacteria, the Greater the Effectiveness
There will not necessarily be more effectiveness with more bacteria present. Indeed, probiotics must contain a minimum of strains for them to have an effect.
This amount varies by product and certain minimums have been stipulated for certain conditions. Taking probiotics to prevent diarrhea from antibiotics is not the same as taking them as a daily supplement.
The intestine also has a maximum limit for receiving bacterial colonies per day. Overloading it will not imply greater benefits.
9. Those with more than one strain work better
It has been proven that probiotics containing several different strains are often more effective than those which contain only one. In this way, the supplement could perform different functions.
Although it should be noted that combining several strains does not always make it an effective product. There must be a scientific study to support it.
10. Probiotic Myths: Yogurt is the Best Probiotic Food
Any fermented foods developed using or adding live bacteria will be good probiotics. Although yogurt is a popular and widely consumed food around the world, there are other options as well:
KefirChoucrouteTempehKombucha
It should be remembered that, in all these cases, the effect will depend on the strains and their combination. Then because the food has undergone a process likely to affect the bacteria.
11. Probiotics of animal origin are the most suitable
Among the myths regarding probiotics, there is also the belief that those of animal origin are more effective. However, in the definitions of institutions like the WHO, probiotics are referred to as live microorganisms without specifying their origin. Indeed, strains isolated from plants, animals and even human sources have been used with good results.
12. Probiotic Myths: We should consume probiotics if we take antibiotics
The consumption of probiotics is considered advisable when following antibiotic treatment. These latest drugs not only eliminate pathogenic bacteria. But also affect the body’s normal microbiota.
A probiotic supplement could help reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with such medications. In some cases, they would also help prevent the recurrence of infections in the long term.
13. Probiotics produce side effects
In principle, the probiotic bacteria consumed are already found naturally in the body. You should therefore not expect a negative reaction. However, there may be a problem due to an ingredient or additive present in the food or supplementsuch as lactose or gluten.
14. Consuming probiotics is not enough to improve gut health
Indeed, probiotics alone are not enough. Above all, if we follow a diet low in fiber and high in other products, this can cause us problems, such as ultra-processed foods. There is nothing magical about the probiotic and must be accompanied by a suitable diet..
15. Probiotic Myths: They Need to Be Refrigerated
Ideally, food products should be eaten fresh. Or, in any case, keep them for a short time and under certain conditions.
Many living bacteria are sensitive to light and temperature. There are varieties that do not benefit from refrigeration. On the contrary, the cold stops their growth, or even eliminates them.
Fermented foods and drinks that sit in supermarket refrigerators for a long time may contain dead bacteria. Additionally, if there are not enough colonies to multiply, passing through the acidic environment of the stomach will eliminate a significant proportion of them.
The natural alternative is homemade, fermented and preserved drinks, such as kefir. However, the obtaining process must be carried out according to high biosafety standards and following precise instructions.
16. By taking probiotics for a while, the body gets used to them
The same does not happen with probiotics as with certain medications, which can lose effectiveness, generate tolerance or cause side effects. Remember that these are bacteria already present in the intestine. So we don’t add anything foreign to the body.
What is the best probiotic?
Due to interest and growth in demand, there is a wide variety of probiotic products on the market. Both in supplements and foods.
Knowing what would be the best option for each person is something that should be discussed with a nutritionist or doctor. Each probiotic provides different combinations of strains with varying quantities and proven effectiveness for certain health problems.
Finally, there is no product that can be considered better than all others. Indeed, it depends on the user’s needs.
1711131992
#Probiotic #Myths #Didnt