Probiotics are beneficial active microorganisms that inhabit the human intestinal and reproductive systems. They include species such as lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, lactococcus, streptococcus, yeast, and actinomycetes. Probiotics can effectively improve the balance of the human microbiota and have beneficial effects. Let's take a look at the functions of probiotics.
Relieving lactose intolerance symptoms
Probiotics can help the body digest nutrients quickly in the intestines, breaking down lactose into lactic acid and reducing lactose intolerance symptoms. Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus not only produce various vitamins, niacin, and folic acid for the body's needs, but also inhibit certain vitamin-degrading bacteria to ensure vitamin supply. Additionally, bifidobacterium can help improve liver function and reduce blood ammonia levels.
Adjusting microbial imbalance and preventing diarrhea
When live probiotics enter the human intestines, they promote the normalization of the bacterial population through growth and metabolic activities, inhibit the production of putrefactive substances in the intestines, and maintain normal intestinal function. They can effectively prevent bacterial enteritis, dysentery, constipation, and other symptoms. Some probiotics also have anti-acid effects. They attach to the gastric epithelial cell surface, inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori through metabolic activities and preventing gastric ulcers.
Enhancing the immune system
Probiotics can produce hydrogen peroxide, organic acids, bacteriocins, free fatty acids, and other substances to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. When probiotics settle on mucous membranes, skin surfaces, or between cells, they form a biological barrier to prevent the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms. They compete with harmful bacteria for nutrients, establish mutualistic relationships, and provide resistance. Probiotics can also stimulate the body's non-specific immune function, enhance intestinal immunoglobulin secretion, and improve intestinal barrier function.
Lowering serum cholesterol
The reduction of serum cholesterol by probiotics may be related to the regulation of endogenous metabolism products and the acceleration of short-chain fatty acid metabolism. Taking probiotic preparations containing bifidobacterium and lactobacillus can convert cholesterol into fecal sterols that the body does not absorb, thereby lowering serum cholesterol levels.
Relieving allergic reactions
Allergies mainly occur due to the imbalance of the body's immune function. When individuals with allergies are exposed to external substances or organisms that stimulate the immune system, excessive immunoglobulins are produced and histamine is released, leading to allergic symptoms. Probiotics can regulate the body's immunoglobulin antibodies, effectively relieving allergic symptoms.
Preventing vaginal infections
Many probiotics have the ability to acidify the urinary and reproductive tracts. They can lower the pH in the vagina, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and suppress the proliferation of harmful bacteria by competing for living space and resources.
Preventing and treating hypertension
Certain substances produced by lactobacillus have the ability to reduce blood pressure. Some probiotics can specifically break down casein, producing enzymatically active peptides that inhibit the increase in blood pressure. Regular consumption of yogurt containing these active peptides can help prevent and treat hypertension.
Preventing cancer and inhibiting tumor growth
Probiotics can inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the intestines, such as urease, negative reductase, and azo reductase, which are involved in the formation of carcinogens in the intestines. Bile salts, when encountered by harmful bacteria in the intestines, can also lead to the production of carcinogens and cause colon cancer. In addition to enhancing the activity of macrophages to prevent tumor growth, the use of probiotics can also inhibit harmful bacteria and reduce the incidence of cancer.
