Probiotics and prebiotics can significantly contribute to strong immunity. Although their names sound similar, they have different roles in the human body. Pharmacist Jana Dubajová from the Žilina pharmacy Dr. Max. She explained that the human digestive system contains a complex ecosystem consisting of a variety of bacteria that exist in balance with the human immune system.
“Probiotics are defined as living microorganisms. If they are administered in sufficient quantities, they have a demonstrably positive effect on the host/recipient. However, we often call them in layman’s terms small friendly bacteria,” Dubai pointed out. Their proven and potential effects include, for example, shortening the duration of diarrhea, influencing the manifestations of lactose intolerance, positively influencing the course of infection with Salmonella and Clostridium difficile bacteria, treating yeast infection or preventing cancer, allergic and infectious diseases in children.
According to her, bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are most often used, but also the species Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. “Lactobacilli look like sticks that are grouped into chains. Their name is derived from their ability to convert various sugars into lactic acid. That is why they are also called lactic acid bacteria,” explained the pharmacist.
She added that lactic acid is a substance that creates a low pH and at the same time protects the intestinal mucosa from the penetration of other microorganisms. Some of them are used in the dairy industry (yogurts, kefir milk, zakysanka, bryndza). According to her, they are also very often combined in nutritional supplements and over-the-counter medicines with bifidobacteria.
Prebiotics are the main source of nutrition for the “good” bacteria in the large intestine. “They are food carbohydrates that cannot be digested in the upper part of the digestive system, for example inulin and various other so-called oligosaccharides. They support the growth and activity of bacteria in the colon. While they are indigestible in the small intestine, they are processed in the large intestine by the probiotic bacteria present, for which they represent a source of energy,” Dubai explained.
They also help improve the health of the colon. Prebiotics and some types of fiber (for example, psyllium) also increase the bulk of the stool by binding water, which softens the stool and prevents constipation. At the same time, they contribute to reducing the risk of cancer, such as colon and rectal cancer. In combination with probiotics, they improve calcium absorption and thus have an anti-osteoporotic effect.
Prebiotics are also part of the normal diet. It is important to consume enough prebiotic foods. “Their main source is raw vegetables and fruits (onions, garlic, leeks, artichokes, apples, apricots, bananas, berries) and legumes or cereals (beans, peas, flax seeds, oatmeal).” explained the pharmacist.
