Probiotics: what exactly are they?
The WHO (World Health Organisation) clearly defines probiotics as foods or supplements that “contain live microorganisms which, when ingested in sufficient amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. How do they do this? Probiotics, which are actually bacteria or yeasts, encourage a healthy balance in our gut flora. The many studies conducted on the subject have clearly identified gut microbiota (which contain some 100 billion bacteria) as playing a crucial role not only in our digestive systems but in our health as a whole.
Probiotics/prebiotics: what are the differences?
Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts which nourish and stabilise gut flora, while prebiotics can be considered probiotic performance-boosters – they increase their activity. A kind of ‘fertiliser’, prebiotics are found primarily in inulin and fibre (particularly fructans). The symbiotic combination of probiotics with prebiotics thus leads to improved efficacy and increased health benefits.
What are the various strains of probiotics?
There are many strains of probiotics, each with different compositions and offering different health benefits. One probiotic may stimulate intestinal transit while another improves lactose tolerance, etc. The best-known strains are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus and Saccharomyces, found in fermented products, but there are many more. These strains are themselves sub-divided into several categories. There are thus multiple possible combinations and benefits to health.
What health benefits have been established for probiotics?
The many scientific studies conducted in this field over recent years have confirmed probiotics as an indisputable aid to human health, with one of the most-discussed areas of study being intestinal transit problems. This is significant given that poor digestion is a common complaint among Western societies. Probiotics have proven efficacy in this area: demonstrated health benefits include improved transit and tolerance to lactose, accelerated recovery from diarrhea and gastroenteritis and decreased IBS symptoms.
Other promising research
Studies have also highlighted probiotics’ broader potential for supporting human health. It seems they may boost the immune system and protect against serious diseases such as colon cancer; they may also have a preventive effect against eczema and a curative one in fungal infections (particularly vaginal mycosis). All these findings need corroboration by future studies, but given the proven virtues of these bacteria, it seems likely that other, as yet unknown, health benefits will emerge.
Where are probiotics found?
Probiotics are naturally present in fermented products such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as in olives and brewer’s yeast. Consuming a diet rich in probiotics (combined with prebiotics whenever possible) is thus one way of benefiting from these substances’ properties. But supplementation also offers important advantages here, for two main reasons: the benefits gained from the combined effects of different strains of bacteria/yeasts, and the fact that the probiotics go directly to the gut. Why so? It’s thought that up to 90% of probiotics – which are only properly effective when they reach the gut, and more specifically the colon - may be destroyed by acidity in the stomach. Capsules avoid this problem because they dissolve only when they arrive in the gut, and can be used as a treatment – an additional advantage since in order to be effective, probiotics need to be taken every day on a sustained basis.
69 Days
A very trustful site. New products for various symptoms.
Larry
69 Days
Great service
ESTES Lk
70 Days
This supplement gives excellent results from injuries. I suffered 30 months from a Fall. Healing from taking BPC 157 was incredible. God bless you for marketing this product! ♥️
Merilee Estes
72 Days
Good quality products and on time delivery
RICHARD
74 Days
Great customer service and fast shipping. The rep I spoke to went the extra mile to get me the correct answer to my question. The product I received is great.
Sharon Stieber
76 Days
This was a recurring order. The discount is a major factor.
Larry
78 Days
Do you like really good companies? Then you'll love supersmart
Brandon West
78 Days
I have been buying BPC=157 from them for months. I have seen huge benefits and they have had the lowest price except it has gone up substantially as of late.
DUNSTON John
82 Days
Great choices with noted benefits.
Larry
85 Days
Great Product BPC157 with always on time service!
Wm Still
87 Days
Supersmart is a reliable company. I know my product will arrive, and I am always charged exactly as ordered. Supersmart carries high-quality supplements. My last package, the Mastic Gum package is badly deformed from the shipment, but I checked inside and the content is preserved in tact.
Diane
88 Days
Fast Shipping ........... TY
SCOTT Mark
88 Days
Fantastic products with quick shipping. I ordered the epitalon and received it promptly. I’ve been using it for a week now and feel like I’m getting better sleep, I would recommend SuperSmart products.
BECK Michael
389 Days
Productos excelentes Entrega a tiempo
VINAS Marta Noemi
389 Days
Productos excelentes Entrega a tiempo
VINAS Marta Noemi