How to take probiotics correctly. What are probiotics. Intestinal probiotics, list. Inexpensive Linex analogues How long can probiotics be drunk

(also called eubiotics ) - these are living microorganisms that, in the normal state of the intestine, form it. These are the so-called non-pathogenic, that is, beneficial bacteria and yeast that can counteract pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms.

These intestinal microorganisms perform useful functions: they provide the production, vitamin K , folic acid ... Bacteria also determine the restoration of normal microflora in the mucous membranes of the body and in the gastrointestinal tract, protect the body from the effects of toxic elements, and strengthen it.

That is why, when the quality and quantity of the bacterial composition in the intestine changes, dysbiosis , and, as a consequence, a variety of diseases, both in children and in adult men and women.

It is very important to choose the right tablets to restore the intestinal microflora. If a person has manifestations antibiotic-associated diarrhea , you can buy probiotics, since analogues of the Linex drug are effective means. But still, many scientists argue that until today there has not been enough research that would clearly confirm which probiotic of this group is the best for a particular disease or condition of the body.

Currently, several generations of drugs are produced that normalize the intestinal microflora.

• First generation - monocomponent drugs, in the composition there is only one strain of bacteria (, ).
• Second generation - self-eliminating antagonists ( Bactistatin , ).
• Third generation - multicomponent drugs, which contain several strains of bacteria and additives ( and its analogues, Lebenin and etc.).
• Fourth generation - bifid-containing sorbed probiotics (,).

Also, a list of probiotic preparations can be made according to the genus of those bacteria that are part of them. The main probiotics (the names of the drugs that are best known to patients) are produced in Russia. There are several foreign analogues - Bifiform , Enterol , and etc.

Nevertheless, it is sometimes difficult to determine which probiotics are better, because about a fifth of expensive dietary supplements do not contain as many useful live microorganisms as the instructions indicate. Also, some strains cannot settle in the human intestine for a long time. In addition, it is better to buy domestic drugs, since imported probiotics often contain strains of bacteria that are not adapted for people living in Russia or Ukraine.

Therefore, the guidance for purchasing the drug should not be user reviews about which drugs are better to buy, but the appointment of a specialist.

It should be borne in mind for those who are prescribed probiotics that this is a remedy that, if used incorrectly, can lead to the development of serious complications and provoke gallstone or urolithiasis , cytokine imbalance ... Therefore, despite the fact that a large list of such drugs is sold without a prescription, a specialist should tell about what probiotics are and how to take them.

There is a wide variety of gut probiotics available. In order to find the best probiotics for your gut, it is imperative to consider their composition. In another way, probiotics are called eubiotics. Discussing what eubiotics are, what they are, we define two types of bacteria that are part of drugs and support microflora. That is, eubiotics are drugs that include bifidobacteria or lactobacilli. However, the list of eubiotic drugs is quite wide, and some of them include both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria ( Bifidolactobacterin and etc.).

Prebiotics

It should be taken into account, using prebiotics, that this is a remedy that is used to treat various pathological conditions of the intestinal flora. Prebiotics - these are drugs that are prescribed in the probiotic correction scheme as an additional treatment. Prebiotics for children and adults are prescribed for and other pathological conditions.

For children, it usually applies , as well as its analogues, pantothenic acid , inulin preparations etc. A more complete list of prebiotic drugs, as well as information about which one is better for children to drink, can be obtained from your doctor.

Biologically active additives

Biologics are Russian, imported and special - designed for children. About which of them should be preferred to adults or given to children, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Domestic additives	These are not substitutes for drugs, but remedies for healing that correct the intestinal microflora. Cheaper remedy - Normoflorin B and L (prices - from 200 rubles), as well Bifacil , Biovestin , Polybacterin , Euflorin , Vetom , liquid concentrates of bifidobacteria, Laminolact , Biovestin Lacto , Normospectrum , Nooxidzhelon , Probionic .
Imported additives	Primadophilus , Acidophilus , Probionix , Flora-Dophilus , immuno Symbiolact comp., Yogulakt , , Kolifagina Pro .
Special dietary supplements for children	These are dietary supplements that have special formulas:, Preema kids ; domestic production - Bifidumbacterins-multi for children,.

When using any of the additives ( Vetom , Probionix , Rela Life ) the instructions for use must be carefully followed.

First generation probiotics

If the baby has developed dysbiosis of the 1st degree, the microflora can be corrected with the help of a medicine Bifidumbacterin as well as the drug Landctobacterin ... They are also used prophylactically. It is better to ask your pediatrician what drug to prefer. But if, in addition to dysbiosis, the child has an acute intestinal infection, sorbents and other biological products should also be given to the baby. Application of the tool it is advisable for colitis of a torpid current. Therefore, it is almost never used for babies. Newborns receive Bifido and Lacto preparations diluted in cool boiled water, they are diluted at the rate of 1 dose - 1 tsp. water. The infant receives the solution half an hour before or receiving the mixture two to three times a day.

Also, this list of monopreparations includes analogs of this drug, since the composition of these drugs includes an acidophilic bacillus, which demonstrates activity against opportunistic and pathogenic microbes. However, from the point of view of chronology, Biobactone does not belong to the first generation, since it is a more modern medicine. It is recommended to give it to children from the first days of life, who have viral and bacterial intestinal infections, dysbiosis due to intake.

Bifidumbacterin dry

Capsules, tablets, powder for solution are produced. The product contains living bacteria bifidum.

Lactobacterin dry

A lyophilisate is produced for the solution. The composition contains acidophilic lactobacilli.

The drug is Russian-made, you can buy it at a price of 100 rubles.

Colibacterin dry

A lyophilisate is produced for the solution. The product contains dried live bacteria of E. coli strain M17, gelatin-sucrose protective mixture.

The drug is Russian-made, you can buy in Moscow at a price of 240 rubles.

Biobactone dry

A lyophilisate is produced for the solution. The product contains acidophilic lactobacilli.

The drug is made in Russia.

Narine

Produced in capsule form. There are also other types of this drug - Narine Forte, Narine milk concentrate. The composition includes the acidophilic form of lactobacterin.

Produced in Armenia, cost from 170 rubles.

Primadophilus

Produced in capsule form. There are also other forms of the drug. Contains acidophilic lactobacilli and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Produced in the USA, cost from 700 rubles.

Second generation probiotics

Probiotics are preparations for microflora of the second generation, which contain yeast-like fungi and bacillus spores. Despite the fact that these components are not part of a healthy microflora, after they enter the gastrointestinal tract, they perform the same functions as beneficial live bacteria, suppressing pathogenic microorganisms. As evidenced by Wikipedia and other resources, these drugs are used mainly for children suffering from acute diarrhea non-infectious origin, as well as subcompensated dysbiosis and mild intestinal infections. You can take such medicines no longer than 7 days, then live bacteria are also recommended for use for children.

In preparations and Flonivin BS contains bacillus spores B. Cereus IP 5832 , demonstrating a wide range of antibacterial action. Once inside the stomach, the spores practically do not lend themselves to the action of gastric juice, their transition to vegetative forms occurs in the intestine. As a result, microflora is restored.

In preparations Bactisporin and contains hay stick Bacillus subtilis 3H... It is a live active antagonistic strain, which is selected for its chromosomal resistance to rifampicin .

In the preparation Enterol contains saccharomycetes (yeast-like fungi). It is used to treat diarrhea due to antibiotic treatment. The activity of Enterol has been proven in relation to clostridia.

Into the remedy Biosporin includes licheniform bacilli.

The composition of the tool Eubicor includes inactivated yeast culture, dietary fiber, minerals. The drug is a dietary supplement.

Produced in capsules. The composition contains B.cereus IP 5832 freeze-dried spores.

Made in France, you can buy at a price of 550 rubles.

Produced as a suspension, lyophilisate. The product contains an active strain Bacillus subtiliswhich demonstrates resistance to rifampicin .

Produced in Russia, you can buy at a price of 350 rubles.

Biosporin

It is produced in the form of tablets and lyophilisate. The composition includes aerobic saprophytes belonging to the genus Bacillus: B. Subtilis and B. Licheniformis.

The drug is Russian-made, the cost is from 250 rubles.

Enterol

It is produced in the form of capsules and suspensions. Contains Saccharomyces Boulardii lyophilized, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, gelatin, titanium dioxide.

The drug is of French production, the cost is from 250 rubles.

Eubicor

The dietary supplement is produced in powder form. Contains inactivated yeast culture Saccharomyces cerevisiae, dietary fiber, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements.

Means of Russian production, cost - from 350 rubles.

Third generation probiotics

The list of third generation probiotics includes combined agents consisting of several symbiotic strains of a certain type of bacteria ( Acylact , Acipol ) or different types of bacteria ( Bifiform , ). In such a combination in one product, bacteria are more active. Also, some combined funds are distinguished by the fact that they contain active ingredients that enhance the activity of the probiotic.

So, in the composition Acipola there is a polysaccharide of kefir fungus, in Bifiform - lactulose, in Bifilise - monosaccharide lactose or lysozyme. The agents belonging to the third generation of probiotics are used as a therapy for acute intestinal infections of moderate severity. In severe cases, such probiotic agents are prescribed for use in complex treatment.

Linex Sachet capsules for children, Linex capsules, Linex Baby powder are produced. The composition contains bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, enterococci.

The product is produced in Slovakia. Cost - from 350 rubles.

Bifiform

Several forms of the drug are produced: Kids chewable tablets, Baby drops, Kompeks, Kid. The Baby also includes enterococci. In addition to these components, the Kid and Kids products additionally contain vitamins , AT 6 .

The drugs are manufactured in Denmark. Cost - from 350 rubles.

Bifilis

It is produced in the form of rectal suppositories, lyophilisate for suspension. The composition of the product contains bifidobacteria bifidum and lysozyme.

The drug is Russian-made, the cost is from 500 rubles.

Acipol

It is produced in the form of capsules, tablets, lyophilisate. The composition contains acidophilic lactobacilli, kefir fungi.

The drug is Russian-made, the cost is from 300 rubles.

Acylact

It is produced in the form of tablets, suppositories, lyophilisate for suspension. The product contains acidophilic lactobacilli.

The drug is Russian-made, the cost is from 150 rubles.

4th generation probiotics

Probiotics of this group are means Florin Forte , Probiform , ... These are sorbed probiotics, which include bifidobacteria immobilized on particles. The difference with conventional probiotics is that they provide more protective effects.

Means prescribed in the case of acute respiratory viral infections, gastroenterological diseases with dysbiosis of varying degrees. The drug has a detoxifying effect. It should be borne in mind that the drug is contraindicated in lactase deficiency, in gastroenteritis provoked by rotavirus infection.

Probifor - effective medicine for detoxification and diarrhea treatment. The drug contains ten times more bifidobacteria than Bifidumbacterin Forte. To date, the remedy is prescribed in the case of severe forms of acute intestinal infection as the only means of etiotropic therapy. Also, this drug is used to treat diseases of the colon, dysbiosis. When conducting research on the effectiveness of Probifor in shigellosis, it turned out that it acts in the same way as fluoroquinolones, 3 generation antibiotics, the list of which includes several names.

When taking Probifor, the same effect is noted in acute diarrhea in patients in intensive care, as when taking Enterol and Bifiliz together.

Other preparations are known that contain lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. This probiotic Super 8 and others.

Produced in capsule and powder form. The composition contains bifidobacteria sorbed on activated carbon.

The drug is made in Russia. Cost - from 150 rubles.

Probifor

Produced in capsule and powder form. The composition contains bifidobacteria bifidum, sorbed on activated carbon.

The drug is made in Russia. Cost - from 450 rubles.

Florin Forte

Produced in capsule and powder form. The composition contains lactobacilli, bifidobacteria bifidum, sorbed on activated carbon.

The drug is made in Russia. Cost - from 430 rubles.

Synbiotics (combined agents)

A wide range of drugs is currently offered synbiotics ... These are medicines that contain both probiotics and prebiotics. What is the difference between these components can be understood by determining what are probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms used to restore the flora of human organs, while acting destructively on pathogenic and opportunistic organisms.

Prebiotics are substances that are not absorbed in the small intestine and which stimulate the growth of normal intestinal microflora, creating favorable conditions for this process.

When taking synbiotics, it should be borne in mind that in this case prebiotics and probiotics are contained in one preparation.

What is the difference between such drugs and regular probiotics? After entering the intestines, probiotics normalize the microflora, however, after a while they may die, and the composition of the microflora deteriorates again. Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria, ensuring their active reproduction and protection from external influences.

These drugs are sometimes also called symbiotics ... Before taking symbiotics, what it is, the doctor should explain to the patient. After all, the list of symbiotic drugs includes different drugs, and a specialist must choose the most suitable one.

Biological additive Maxilak contains a prebiotic component - oligofructose , as well as nine cultures of beneficial bacteria: three cultures of bifidobacteria, 4 cultures of lactobacilli, 1 lactococcus, 1 steptococcus.

Reviews indicate that the drug is effective both for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and for ailments of the immune and respiratory systems.

Probiotic Maxilak is produced in Poland. Maxilak price - from 350 rubles. At the moment, there are no complete analogues of Maxilak.

Other synbiotics are also known: Lb17, Maltidophilus. The difference between such drugs and the peculiarities of their administration will be explained by the doctor.

Preparations with lactobacilli for the intestines, as well as drugs with bifidobacteria, are widely used in gynecology. They are prescribed to women with an imbalance of the vaginal microflora, since this violation leads to the development of a number of diseases.

There are different forms of such drugs, which contributes to the convenience of their use. The most common forms are vaginal and rectal. Oral forms, tablets, capsules, liquid probiotics are also used.

Vaginal eubiotics are produced in the form of local suppositories. Used to treat dysbiosis of the vagina , inflammatory processes ... They are also used in preparation for childbirth and surgical interventions. Such drugs can be prescribed when an imbalance of microflora occurs due to the use of antibiotics (, and others) Reviews indicate the effectiveness of such treatment. The gynecological sphere assumes the most frequent use of suppositories with lactobacilli. Vaginal capsules ( Ecofemin and etc.).

When choosing pills for dysbiosis or any other form of probiotic medicine for a child, you must definitely do this individually and take into account the recommendations of a specialist. In no case should you give your baby pills from dysbiosis after antibiotics, since the choice of drugs from a large list depends on a number of factors. The doctor must take into account the type of lesion, the severity of the disease, the degree of microflora disturbance, etc.

Correctly selected probiotics provide not only restoration of intestinal microflora in children, but also general strengthening, improvement of digestion and the process of absorption of nutrients. However, despite the fact that the microflora in the child's body is often negatively affected by pathogenic bacteria, drugs to restore the intestinal microflora in children should be used only when indicated. It is extremely wrong to find out from user reviews the name of living bacteria for the intestines for children and give them to the child. It is important to tell the doctor about the baby's diseases (lactose intolerance, etc.) It is necessary to take into account the differences in drugs, their composition, etc.

Live bacteria for the intestines are necessary for the baby after treatment antibiotics ... Regardless of what kind of antibacterial drugs are used (5th generation antibiotics, the list of which is sometimes suggested by the doctor, antibiotics in suspension for children, the list of which is very wide, etc.), microflora imbalance is always a consequence of such treatment.

Therefore, live bacteria for the intestine, the name of which was indicated in the appointment by the doctor, must be given to the baby. But before you buy live bacteria for the intestines in a pharmacy, you should read the recommendations for taking such medicines at different ages. Information about this can also be found on the Probiotic.ru website and on other resources.

How to take probiotics?

For newborns

Probiotic for children, photo

If newborns, premature infants, and infants are prescribed beneficial bacteria for the intestines, the drugs should be used strictly on the recommendation of a specialist who will tell you in detail about the list of drugs and their analogues with prices. Newborns are often prescribed liquid probiotics. In order to stop diarrhea, improve the physical condition of the baby and his development, as well as for constipation, the following medications are recommended:

• , Acipol , , Lactobacterin (course of admission 2-4 weeks);
• Bifilis (1-2 weeks);
• Probifor (up to 10 days).

When respiratory ailments (pneumonia , ARVI , false croup ) the same medicines are recommended, but they need to be taken no more than 5 days.

When viral hepatitis you need to give 5-10 doses of Bifidumbacterin Forte 3-6 times a day or 1 dose of Probifor 2-3 r per day. The treatment lasts up to 7 days. Prema Kids supplement: when using Prema Kids, the instruction provides for taking it within 1 month.

Allergies and dermatosis ... As a rule, children are prescribed taking drugs Lactobacterin, Acylact, Bifidumbacterin Forte for a course of up to 3 weeks, or the prebiotic Probiotic for a course of up to 7 days. Detailed information about which pills for allergies, cheap analogs and prices are taken, can be obtained from a specialist.

Diabetes - in this case, the doctor will help to choose the best eubiotics. As a rule, it is recommended to take probiotics of different generations for a course of about 6 weeks.

For prevention infectious diseases - seasonal courses of drugs Bifidumbacterin Forte, Bifiliz two to three times a year.

In order to correct dysbiosis, the choice of the drug is carried out depending on the severity of the condition (from 1 to 3 degrees). Tablets for the intestines and stomach, the list of which is offered by modern pharmacology, should be chosen taking into account a number of rules:

• If the analysis on dysbiosis confirms the deficiency of lactobacilli, it is not necessary to prescribe a drug containing them. To correct dysbiosis, as a rule, drugs with bifidobacteria are prescribed, since it is bifidobacteria that form the microflora of the colon and are able to effectively overcome dysbiosis.
• Means that contain only lactobacilli or bifidobacteria are used for the intestines only for mild infections. Bifidobacteria, the price of which is relatively low, are also effective in the first degree of dysbiosis.
• In more severe cases, not ordinary bifidobacteria for children should be used, but preparations of the third and fourth generations - Bifiform, Probifor, Bifidumbacterin Forte. In this case, Probifor is recommended to be used when infectious enetrokolytes , severe colitis.
• The use of drugs for children with lactobacilli is best combined with bifidus-containing drugs. Also, lacto- and bifidobacteria are prescribed in one preparation. Preparations containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli should be prescribed individually.
• In case of ulcerative lesions, acute infectious gastroenteritis, probiotics containing lactobacilli are shown: Acipol, Gastrofarm, Acylact Lactobacterin, Biobacton, Linex.
• With caution and strictly according to indications, coli-containing agents are prescribed for children: Bifikol, Bioflor, Kolibakterin.

How and how long to use each such remedy depends on the generation of the probiotic:

If drugs for the intestinal microflora do not produce the desired effect when taking antibiotics or infectious diseases, the treatment tactics should be changed. In this case, a specialist may prescribe a new treatment regimen, which also, if necessary, includes antifungal agents, intestinal antiseptics, etc.

When is probiotics for children used?

Currently, probiotics for children are used for the following diseases and conditions:

• Diarrhea provoked antibiotic drug ... For children, in this case, it is advisable to use a probiotic drug. This product contains Saccharomyces boulardii... Preparations containing this component stop diarrhea and prevent relapses.
• Diarrhea provoked infections ... If childhood illnesses are associated with rotavirus infection, it is best to take medicines containing lactobacilli Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei... Preparations with lactobacilli should be prescribed by a doctor.
• Irritable bowel syndrome ... To normalize the bowel movement process, small patients are prescribed monocomponent , bifidobacteria , combined probiotics.

findings

Thus, probiotic treatment is relevant for many diagnoses for both adults and children. It has been proven that the use of such drugs is advisable for many conditions not associated with bowel diseases. After all, these funds improve metabolism, provide an immunomodulatory effect.

It is important to have an understanding of eubiotics in order to determine what to drink along with antibiotics for dysbiosis. But only the doctor should individually prescribe what to take when taking antibiotics for dysbiosis in order to get the most pronounced effect. At the same time, cheap drugs are often effective and help to overcome the manifestations of dysbiosis. However, one should not look for cheaper analogs if the doctor says that the child should be given a particular drug. Those who have a "Health Card" can find out the list of drugs and buy the necessary ones directly on the website by choosing from the list of drugs. That is, the basis for the purchase and use of any drug should not be the price or super rating, but the doctor's prescription, which will significantly increase the likelihood of the effectiveness of using the probiotic.

Education: Graduated from the Rivne State Basic Medical College with a degree in Pharmacy. Graduated from Vinnitsa State Medical University named after I. MI Pirogov and an internship at its base.

Experience: From 2003 to 2013 - worked as a pharmacist and head of a pharmacy kiosk. She was awarded with certificates and distinctions for many years of conscientious work. Articles on medical topics were published in local publications (newspapers) and on various Internet portals.

Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, as well as kefirs and yoghurts with probiotics, lactobacilli and live yogurt cultures that have a beneficial effect on the body - how to figure out which probiotic is better? How to figure out which drug is most useful for the digestive system of adults and children and has the most beneficial effect on the body, preferably at a not very high price?

Which of the extensive list of prebiotics and other additives presented on the shop windows of pharmacies combines bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, probiotic and prebiotic in one preparation, is it necessary to take prebiotics to maintain intestinal microflora against the background of antibiotic therapy, and is it not easier to limit yourself to “live” kefir?

What are probiotics?

The great scientist I.I.Mechnikov is considered the person who drew the attention of doctors to the first probiotics. His research on the immune system and the factors that influence the body's defenses received a Nobel Prize.

The reason for the detailed study was the observation of the miners in Bulgaria, who were distinguished by their unusual longevity. Having studied aspects of life, Mechnikov suggested that the main factor in longevity is the use of a fermented milk product that matures from milk in a leather container used by workers as a "thermos". At the end of the working day, the milk under the influence of bacteria turned into a yoghurt mass. Mechnikov made observations and made sure that microorganisms that develop in a dairy environment have an extremely positive effect on health. It is these bacteria in various varieties of strains and cultures that are today called probiotics (eubiotics).

Do not confuse probiotics and prebiotics: prebiotics are "food" for the development of bacteria: mainly coarse fiber. Probiotics are existing or specially bred cultures of live bacteria that have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora. The very name of the probiotic is assigned only to those microorganisms, whose health benefits have been proven by researchers and confirmed by various experiments. As a rule, probiotics means bacterial cultures, although other species, such as yeast culture, can be found among the confirmed microorganisms. But in most cases, probiotics are types of bacteria that live in the gut.

The gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a wide variety of bacteria, both pathogenic and having a beneficial effect on the body. The total number of bacteria in the human body is several times higher than the number of cells, and if we estimate the volume of these microorganisms, it turns out that the mass of an adult belongs to him - and to his symbiont bacteria, and there are up to 3 kilograms of bacteria in the body of an adult!

Most of the bacteria are found in the intestinal cavity. Beneficial microorganisms are involved in the process of food processing, excretion and synthesis of vitamins, reduce the risk of reproduction of pathogenic flora and generally help maintain the level of immune defense.

If the pathogenic flora multiplies faster and suppresses beneficial bacteria, this leads to a wide variety of consequences, ranging from upset stools and ending with ulcerative colitis, suppression of immunity, a general deterioration in well-being up to long-term chronic painful conditions.

Various diseases, an uneven and inadequate diet, and prolonged antibiotic therapy can lead to a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria. This state of imbalance in the bacterial flora is called dysbiosis.

Dysbacteriosis as a diagnosis

In Russian medicine, one can often hear that as a result of examination of a patient, the disease "dysbiosis" has been diagnosed. This point of view is considered an indicator of the incompetence of a specialist: dysbiosis as a diagnosis is absent in medical science. However, there is dysbiosis as a syndrome, while it is pointless to treat it without determining the cause provoking the condition: disease, pathology or therapy with antibacterial drugs.

Accordingly, taking probiotic drugs should always be accompanied by an understanding of what caused an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, and what needs to be done so that taking probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and other microflora-improving components does not turn into lifelong supportive therapy.

In a healthy body, the balance of the intestinal microflora is a transistor phenomenon that passes on its own for several days, and it is not worth correcting it without a pronounced need: it is impossible to determine by symptoms and sensations which bacteria are missing, and which cultures prevail at the moment in the gastrointestinal tract ... In most cases, the natural balance is restored on its own, and the appointment of probiotics and the assessment of their interaction with other medicines should be dealt with by a specialist.

The mechanism of action of probiotics

The influence of probiotics on the body is based on two mechanisms: firstly, they help in suppressing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, and secondly, they partially take on the functions of beneficial bacteria, the lack of which is noted with an imbalance of the intestinal flora.

How exactly do probiotics help the body? Thanks to their action, beneficial microorganisms can perform the following functions:

• the production of lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of fungi and other pathogenic flora;
• produce antibodies to certain types of viruses, thereby enhancing immunity;
• to synthesize vitamins of group B and vitamin K, which are important for physical and mental health of a person;
• increase the absorption of calcium, iron, carbohydrates and other nutrients and microelements;
• perform the function of an infectious barrier on the intestinal mucosa, preventing infection from entering the bloodstream;
• participate in the destruction of toxins, poisonous waste products of some pathogenic microorganisms;
• help prevent the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• enhance the effect in the complex therapy of diseases of the genitourinary tract, digestive system, etc.

Dairy products with probiotics as a substitute for drugs

The studies studied the effect on the body of ordinary kefir and kefir with introduced live cultures of bacteria. The experiment with groups of volunteers was carried out using the double placebo method: neither the participants nor the scientists knew before summing up which group received the fortified product, and which regular kefir, which acted as a placebo drug.

The experiment showed that the effect on the body of the placebo and the fortified product was exactly the same: standard fermented milk products are not fortified enough to bring tangible benefits. A low concentration of live cultures, in addition to an insufficient amount of degradable during passage through the stomach in hydrochloric acid and acids in the duodenum, cannot be attributed to therapeutic doses of probiotics.

At the same time, experiments in which encapsulated drugs were used are considered successful studies proving the effectiveness of probiotics and their positive effect on the body.

The composition of probiotics produced in the form of food additives and preparations is regulated: the number of beneficial microorganisms is added in accordance with the standards. Products include bacteria using a less stringent technology in which the quantitative and qualitative indicators of probiotic inclusions are not controlled.

According to scientific research, the European Center for Food Safety has identified kefir and yoghurts fortified with live cultures as foods that do not have an additional effect on the body. Such products cannot be used for therapy instead of encapsulated drugs.

Are probiotics harmful?

Like all medications, probiotics have limitations, contraindications, and side effects. So, among the common side effects, there is transient flatulence, increased gas formation, ending after a course of drugs.

Some experts cautiously prescribe probiotics to children in infancy, there are contraindications for the elderly (not in all cases), as well as the need to consult with a specialist about the combination of probiotics and other drugs: in some combinations, taking bacterial cultures can enhance or neutralize the effect of other drugs, and vice versa, some groups of drugs significantly reduce the effectiveness of probiotics.

In the treatment of what diseases are probiotics used?

Probiotics have a direct effect on the composition of the intestinal microflora by stimulating the growth of beneficial anaerobic microorganisms and reducing the number of potentially harmful bacteria. Influencing the balance in the gastrointestinal ecosystem, they stimulate the immune mechanism of the gastrointestinal mucosa and non-immune with a decrease in the population of pathogens.

This mechanism helps to reduce the severity of manifestations of diarrhea, both in frequency and quality, which is the most recognized and common reason for using probiotics.

In some strains of probiotic microorganisms, the effect of stimulating the body's immune responses was noted, in others, in particular, in Escherichia coli Nessle, an analgesic and reducing the phenomena of flatulence was expressed in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, etc.

Therapy for intestinal disorders

Strains with proven efficacy for infectious diseases include Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces cerevisidae. Their use can reduce the severity of indigestion and shorten the duration of diarrhea by a day or more.

In the prevention of diarrheal disorders, probiotics with the following strains are used: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces boulardii.
The use of probiotics is also proven to be effective in the complex therapy of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

In the treatment of functional constipation, the main direction is the normalization of the intestinal microflora, for which strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are included in the diet.

Application for gastritis caused by helicobacteria

One of the problems in the treatment of gastritis of infectious etiology is the development of resistance to various groups of antibiotics in the pathogenic agent Helicobacter pylori. At the same time, the side effects of antibiotic drugs significantly reduce the desire of patients to use drugs.

Combined therapy with antibiotics and eubiotics helps not only reduce the side effects of antibacterial agents, but also stabilize the barrier function of the stomach, reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane, and suppress the activity of Helicobacteria.

Probiotics: a list of drugs

Among probiotics (or eubiotics), medications and dietary supplements are distinguished. Prebiotic medicines include the following:

• Acylact;
• Bifiform;
• Enterol;
• Bifidumbacterin;
• Acipol;
• Khilak;
• Lactobacterin and analogues, etc.

Initially, only monocultures of bacteria could be found on the lists of probiotic preparations. At the moment, there are few monocomponent preparations, these are mainly dietary supplements (Bifidumbacterin, Colibacterin, Lactobacterin and the so-called starter cultures of live cultures, for example, Narine). Most modern medicines that have a probiotic effect are sorbed probiotics, processed in a special way to resist the aggressive gastric environment and include from 2 to 4 strains of beneficial microorganisms.

So, Linex and approved Linex analogues include three different strains of bacteria:

• strain of acidophilic lactobacilli Lactobacillus acidophilus sp. L. gasseri;
• culture of bifidobacteria infantis (Bifidobacterium infantis var. liberorum);
• strain of enterococci fetium (Enterococcus faecium).

Second-generation probiotics can contain not only bacterial cell culture, but also protozoa fungi. Mushrooms are not normally found in the intestinal microflora, but getting into it have an overwhelming effect on pathogenic microbes. Such eubiotics include Bactisuptil, Sporobacterin, Enterol and others.

The third generation of drugs is combined, with an increased number of different cultures (Linex Immuno, Acipol, Atzilakt, Linex forte). Probiotics of the fourth generation contain a sorbent as an additive - activated carbon. These include the forms of probiotics Forte (Bifidumbacterin, Florin, as well as Probiform and other drugs.

In some cases, the drug and the bad prebiotic are the same variant of a complex of bacterial cultures produced in two types due to legislative restrictions in different countries. For example, the probiotic drug Enterogermina, which can be found in pharmacies in Russia and the CIS, and the dietary supplement Enterogermina are completely identical and are produced by the same manufacturer.

List of Probiotics - Biological Active Supplements

Many probiotic preparations come in the form of dietary supplements, and these are also probiotics. List of the most common dietary supplements:

• Bifiform - probiotics for children in dosage forms for different age periods Baby, Kid, preparation for adults Bifiform Complex;
• Vitaflor;
• Biovestin-lacto;
• Normoflorin and others.

Dietary supplements, or "food" additives, differ from pharmaceuticals in a simplified efficacy testing and certification scheme. As a rule, the composition of dietary supplements with probiotic action also combines several strains of various microorganisms. So, the following dietary supplements, considered in some cases as analogs of Linex, contain in a daily dose for an adult:

• Bifiform-complex: bifidobacteria and lactobacilli - from 1,000 million bacterial cells of each strain;
• Selenopropionix: selenium, Propionibacterium freudenreichii strain, lactobacillus at least 1,000 million, inulin.

There are mono-component biologically active additives related to probiotics: a cheap preparation Liquid Bifidobacteria Concentrate contains cultures of Bifidobacterium longum bifidobacteria. The dietary supplements Iodpropionix, Selenpropionix are based on the cultures of the bacteria Propionibacterium freudenreichii.

Different strains of bacteria have different functions and mechanisms of action, therefore, when selecting substitutes and choosing the best probiotics, it is necessary to compare the presence of certain strains of bacterial cells and quantitative indicators. This is how the analogues of Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, Linex, analogs and substitutes for other combinations are selected. That is why probiotics, the list of which is quite extensive, is best chosen together with a specialist. The best probiotic is the one that will effectively cope with the existing problem in a particular patient. When prescribing, the doctor selects the necessary combination of bacterial cell cultures, their quantitative and qualitative ratio, doses and frequency of administration, and the course of treatment.

Probiotics for children and adults: Linex analogs and substitute drugs

For children, probiotics are in most cases recommended as supporting and correcting the intestinal microflora for infectious, antibiotic-associated diarrhea or intestinal functional dysfunctions associated with general immaturity of the digestive system.

On the market for probiotics for children, you can find a wide variety of both medical products and nutritional supplements. Depending on the appointment of a specialist and the cost of drugs, you can choose analogs of the prescribed probiotic. What should you pay attention to?

If we take a drug common in children's practice, for example, Linex, the analogue (instructions for using the substitute drug) should mostly correspond to the composition and dosage of Linex. Linex contains 3 strains of lactic acid cultures - bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and lactic acid nontoxigenic enterococcus. There are no complete analogues of this drug on the market, but there are means that can, to one degree or another, replace the action of Linex.

The following drugs can be attributed to conditional analogs of Linex:

• Bifiform containing bifidobacteria and enterococci in the composition, contributing to the return of balance in the intestinal microflora, preventing and stopping disorders of the digestive system, enhancing local immune reactions, is also prescribed for colpitis, vaginosis, chronic functional constipation;
• Rioflora, a preparation containing a balanced complex of lacto- and bifidobacteria;
• Biovestin-lacto, a prebiotic agent containing bifidobacteria of the adolescentis strain, which affects the restoration of the intestinal microflora in antibiotic-associated disorders, respiratory viral infections, long courses of hormone therapy, radiation, in case of allergic reactions to food, vitamin deficiencies, especially group B;
• the preparation Bifido-Normalizer contains lacto- and bifidobacteria in the culture, which causes a regulatory effect on the composition of the intestinal microflora. The drug is prescribed for dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal infections, colonization of the intestinal cavity with fungal microflora after antibiotic therapy, for disorders associated with violation of the regimen and diet, food allergies, courses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy;
• Polybacterin belongs to the group of combined probiotic agents containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, the drug is prescribed for disorders, diseases and pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract organs to restore the intestinal microenvironment and maintain local immunity;
• Symbiolact Compositum contains three different cultures: strains of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and lactococcus, which determines the compensatory effect of eubiotic in case of deficiencies of lactic acid bacteria associated with diseases and pathologies of the digestive system, as well as general diseases of the body;
• Flora Dophilus with a complex of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria helps to normalize the intestines.

It must be remembered that eubiotic drugs and biologically active additives have contraindications in case of individual intolerance to the components that make up them. When taking all probiotics, the following rules must be followed:

• the average course of taking eubiotics is from 2 to 4 weeks, which is due to the cumulative effect of the drugs;
• with the simultaneous appointment of antibacterial and probiotic agents, it is necessary to pay attention to the mutual action: in most cases, sequential intake is optimal: first antibiotics, then drugs that restore the intestinal microflora. Otherwise, the probiotic effect is suppressed by the action of antibacterial agents;
• probiotic preparations have a strictly limited shelf life due to the properties of the strains;
• in the absence of a pronounced effect, it is necessary to contact a specialist for the selection of a drug with a different complex of bacterial cultures.

Perhaps there is no such person who has not been treated with antibacterial drugs during his life. Antibiotics help cure pathologies caused by a bacterial infection. Thanks to modern antimicrobial drugs, humanity was able to defeat those diseases that would have inevitably led to death 100 years ago.

However, not everything is so smooth in terms of antibiotic use. Their active components destroy not only pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but also harm the intestinal microbiocenosis and beneficial microflora on the mucous membranes. While taking antibiotics, some of the "necessary" bacteria are killed by the drugs. As a result, the general condition of the gastrointestinal tract worsens, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, urogenital and skin pathologies develop.

Why probiotics are needed

According to medical statistics, almost 1/3 of patients taking antibiotics experience symptoms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea due to the destruction of beneficial intestinal microflora. But even those who have not noticed acute gastrointestinal symptoms may experience unpleasant consequences after a while. To prevent this from happening, doctors prescribe probiotics when taking antibiotics.

Probiotics are called "live medicines" because they contain strains of live non-pathogenic microorganisms:

• bifidobacteria;
• lactobacilli;
• colibacteria;
• yeast-like fungi;
• aerococci;
• enterococci.

During the course of antibiotics, probiotics have a beneficial effect not only on the gastrointestinal tract, but also on the entire body as a whole:

• create the necessary level of acidity, at which the microbiocenosis develops well, and pathogenic microorganisms die;
• restore normal microflora on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
• produce useful substances - enzymes, hormones and vitamins;
• strengthen the patient's immune system;
• protect the body from the effects of toxins;
• regulate water-salt metabolism in the digestive tract;
• stimulate intestinal peristalsis.

But how should adults drink these useful drugs - from the first day of taking antibacterial medications or is it better after antibiotics? And which probiotics are best? These questions are of concern to many who are faced with a bacterial infection and are forced to undergo antimicrobial therapy.

Probiotic prescribing scheme

When it comes to how to take probiotics, it's worth listening to doctors. They strongly recommend starting to drink probiotics with antibiotics at the same time - every doctor, when prescribing antibacterial drugs, writes at least one probiotic into the prescription. In many cases, when it is necessary to prevent the adverse effects of toxic drugs on the intestines, it is necessary to continue taking probiotics after antibiotics. In any case, the duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician.

Advice! There are situations when a patient starts taking antibiotics, but there is no medicine with bifidobacteria or lactobacilli in the nearest pharmacy. There is nothing to worry about - you can drink probiotics while treating with antimicrobial agents from any day, if certain circumstances prevented you from doing it right away.

Which probiotic is better

Only the attending physician is able to answer unequivocally which probiotic is better. He knows the characteristics of the prescribed antibiotics, what adverse consequences may be after taking them, and which drugs are better suited to normalize the microflora in a particular case. In addition, the doctor takes into account the clinical picture of the disease and the patient's state of health.

There are several generations of drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora, but all of them can be roughly divided into two categories:

• one-component - contain one strain of bacteria;
• multicomponent - includes a combination of several strains of beneficial microorganisms, as well as various additives.

Which ones are the best? Of the whole variety of drugs that can be seen on pharmacy shelves, doctors prefer multicomponent probiotics, because they include several types of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

When choosing medicines to restore microbiocenosis, doctors advise to follow simple rules:

• It is imperative to consult a doctor, regardless of whether the medicine is intended for adults or for children.
• Buy medicines made by well-known pharmaceutical companies - they produce quality products that have been proven by long-term research.
• Check the expiration date and do not use drugs after its expiration.

In addition, capsules with microorganisms must be acid-resistant, otherwise the shell will dissolve in the stomach and bacteria will not enter the intestines, which means that the desired effect from taking probiotics will not be. The acid-resistant membranes dissolve in the alkaline medium of the intestine after 3-4 hours, when the capsule has already reached its "destination".

List of probiotics

Modern pharmaceutical companies produce a huge variety of probiotics in different dosage forms. These can be dry powders that are diluted with water, liquid forms, or capsule preparations. They also differ in price: domestic medicines are cheaper, while imported analogues are much more expensive.

The first generation of probiotics is made up of monocomponent products that contain one strain of beneficial bacteria. The list of "live drugs" in this group consists of several popular names:

• Bifidumbacterin;
• Lactobacterin;
• Colibacterin;
• Biobactone.

Second generation medicines contain yeast-like fungi and spore bacilli. These microorganisms are not part of the typical intestinal microbiocenosis, but they crowd out pathogenic bacteria. The drugs in this group include:

• Bactisporin;
• Bactisubtil;
• Biosporin;
• Sporobacterin;
• Flonivin;
• Enterol;
• Esterogermine.

The third group is represented by multicomponent and combined agents. They contain several strains of bacteria at the same time, as well as prebiotic additives that create optimal conditions for the growth of colonies of beneficial microorganisms. The list of these drugs is quite large:

• Linex;
• Acipol;
• Acylact;
• Bifilong;
• Bifiform;
• Bifilis;
• Polybacterin;
• Simbiter;
• Hilak-forte.

Medicines of this group are often prescribed to be taken with antibiotics to prevent pathologies of the digestive tract in adults and children.

Drugs of the fourth group effectively inhibit pathogenic microflora, preventing its reproduction. This is due to the effect of sorbed bacteria on the microbiocenosis. As a result of therapy, the symptoms of diarrhea and pain disappear. The most famous drugs in this group:

• Florin;
• Probifor;
• Bifidumbacterin Forte.

Important! The list of drugs is presented for informational purposes only. Any medicine should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the specific disease and state of health of the patient.
Some "live medicines" do not work well with certain types of antibiotics. Even a relatively safe remedy for normalizing the intestinal microflora can harm the body and provoke flatulence, bloating, constipation, urinary or gallstone disease, obesity, and allergic reactions.

Supplements with beneficial bacteria

In addition to the medicines mentioned above, there is a huge list of drugs produced as dietary supplements - dietary supplements. Pharmaceutical companies in different countries have worked hard to develop effective formulations that prevent and eliminate problems with the digestive system due to taking antibiotics:

• Acidophilus;
• Biovestin;
• Bifacil;
• Yogulakt forte;
• Laminolact;
• Normobact;
• Normoflorin;
• Polybacterin;
• Primadophilus;
• Rela life;
• RioFlora Balance Neo;
• SymbioLact pur;
• Flora-Dophilus;
• Eubicor;
• Euphlorin;
• Bifidophilus Flora Force;
• Ecobion Balance of microflora;
• Ecofemin Microflora balance.

Currently, there is a fierce debate between supporters and opponents of probiotic therapy. And if there is controversy about the treatment of intestinal infections, the effectiveness of taking "live drugs" to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea has been proven in the course of official studies. The well-known pediatrician, doctor of the highest category E.O. Komarovsky, whose reputation and authority are beyond doubt, adheres to the same opinion.

Rules for taking probiotics with antibiotics

It is not enough to know what the best probiotic will be in this particular case. You need to remember how to take it correctly so that the benefits of taking the drug are tangible. The rules for the use of "live drugs" are simple:

• Carefully read the instructions for the medicinal product, observe the dosage requirements, strictly adhere to the recommendations for when to take probiotics. So, some drugs are best taken with meals, others before meals, and still others after a certain time after a meal.
• Taking antibiotics and probiotics should take place at different times of the day, and the interval between them should be at least 2 hours. For example, if the patient drank Amoxicillin or at 8 o'clock in the morning, then Linex or Bifiform can be taken to her no earlier than 10-00.
• You can not drink "live medicine" with hot water. The temperature of food and drinks should not exceed 45 degrees, otherwise beneficial bacteria will die.
• It is advisable to simultaneously consume foods that enhance the effect of probiotics during and after taking antibiotics. These include bread, pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut, kombucha, naturally leavened yoghurts, cheese, buttermilk, cottage cheese, acidophilic kefir, soy sauce and other foods.
• During therapy with drugs with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, you should not get carried away with cigarettes and alcohol, but it is better to completely abandon them. It is also necessary to reduce the use of strong tea, coffee, spicy and fried foods.

Doctors strongly recommend continuing to drink the prescribed medication after taking antibiotics, since the microbiocenosis will recover for several more weeks. The period of treatment prescribed by the doctor should not be stopped ahead of time, even if there has been a significant improvement in well-being.

Interesting! Some food products contain probiotics in supplements. These include cheeses, yoghurts, fruit drinks, and even chocolate. On the packaging of such products, there will necessarily be an inscription like “contains active crops”.

Conclusion

The benefits of probiotics are undeniable. Despite the fact that these drugs have a lot of opponents, numerous patient reviews indicate the effectiveness of drugs to restore the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. A good effect will be if they are taken together with antibiotics from the first day of therapy. The price range for medicines and dietary supplements of this group is quite large. It is not necessary to take the medicine at an exorbitant price - even an inexpensive drug will help avoid the negative effects of antimicrobial agents. The main thing is to drink probiotics from the first day and agree on a treatment regimen with your doctor.

Are you taking probiotic supplements or have you decided to start taking them to improve your overall health? Probiotics can be beneficial for most people. They are often used to improve conditions from diarrhea to eczema. Find out further in the article how to take probiotics correctly.

There are many probiotic supplements on the market for different purposes, but how do you take probiotics before or after meals? We will help you solve this answer for yourself during this article.

What are probiotics?

When most people talk about probiotics, they usually refer to supplements that contain live “good” microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, designed to improve health. These microorganisms can also be found in many foods, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods.

You might be wondering why someone intentionally consumes bacteria. I know I grew up under the impression that bacteria are germs and germs are bad. You avoid bacteria, right? As it turns out, some bacteria are indeed incredibly important in the function of our bodies.

The so-called "good" bacteria found in probiotic preparations are important for the health of our digestive systems, skin, mouth, and more.

These bacteria can also be critical to our development. Research done on animals that were raised in a completely "germ" environment found that the animals did not fully develop. A lack of bacteria can actually cause illness, just as some bad bacteria can cause an infection.

How do they work?

The good bacteria that make up probiotics improve your health by crowding out the bad bacteria, thereby maintaining balance. They can also provide this balance to other areas of the body where unique microbiota is maintained.

Probiotics can also help reduce inflammation in the body. New science has discovered that inflammation can contribute to many diseases, so probiotics can help protect overall health.

Your immune system can also use probiotics, reducing the incidence and severity of the disease. The digestive tract contains part of your immune system, and strengthening the good bacteria in your digestive system can help it fight bad germs more effectively.

How can probiotics help me?

As is often the case with supplements such as probiotics, there is overwhelming evidence in the conditions under which they can help treat. Approved probiotic uses include diarrhea or other stomach complaints from antibiotic use and some symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

In addition to these approved uses, research has shown probiotics may be helpful in treating certain digestive disorders, allergies, asthma, skin conditions such as eczema and acne, oral health problems, colic in babies, and liver disease. More research is needed on the use of probiotics for these conditions.

What is mostly in agreement with science is that probiotics are relatively safe under normal circumstances. They are unlikely to harm the average person. After all, humans have been eating probiotics in fermented foods for centuries. A probiotic taken at any time of the day is unlikely to hurt you. But learn how to take probiotics correctly below.

Choosing a probiotic

There are several things to consider when purchasing a probiotic supplement. First, you want to check which strains are included. There are supplements that contain many strains of bacteria. If there is no specific tension that has proven to be effective in treating your problem, this may be best.

You want to make sure the app is made by a reputable manufacturer. These additives are ideally manufactured in a laboratory that is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice for Pharmaceuticals) and FDA certified. You can also check third-party testing sites like LabDoor to see if a product can back up claims made by its manufacturer.

Probiotic doses

You will want to look at the CFU (Colony Formation Unit). A higher CFU indicates more beneficial bacteria in the supplement. Make sure you differentiate between CPU per recommended serving and CFU per capsule.

As far as recommended doses are concerned, there are no stone-based guidelines that dictate the dosage of probiotics you should be taking. Ideally, you will consult with your doctor and consider the manufacturer's recommended dosage.

When you buy a probiotic supplement, you are likely to see 1 billion to 30 billion CFU per serving. Better in most cases.

Why take probiotics at specific times?

Taking your probiotic supplement at its best will ensure that you get the most out of it, rather than wasting it due to food or antibiotic interactions. Why invest in supplements to improve your health if they don't give you the best probiotic benefits?

You can also avoid some of the potentially unpleasant side effects that some people experience when taking probiotics. If you find that taking them on an empty stomach is causing stomach problems, try another time.

How to take probiotics and at what time?

Before making any recommendations, the first thing to do is to read the manufacturer's instructions for the product you purchased to help you decide when is the best time to take probiotics. The delivery system for a particular probiotic can affect how best to use it and the time you should take.

How to take probiotics? In general, probiotics are best taken on an empty stomach when stomach acid is at its lowest. Less stomach acid gives bacteria and yeast a better chance of living in the intestines. In most cases, the best time to take probiotics is in the morning.

How To Take Probiotics: Benefits Of Taking Before Bed

When you take probiotics before bed, you can avoid some of the side effects that can occur with probiotics, such as gas or bloating. At the very least, you are likely to sleep through these uncomfortable issues if they do happen.

If you plan on taking your probiotic at night, make sure you eat lunch a few hours before your sleep period (and your probiotic dose). This ensures that your stomach is not working and that the acid levels in your stomach are reduced. No late night snack!

Benefits of taking probiotics upon waking

Taking your probiotics when you get up in the morning can also be a good choice. This is because stomach acid levels are at their lowest after a good night's sleep. This allows bacteria in your body to safely enter your digestive tract and hopefully spread there.

If you decide to take your probiotic in the morning, you might consider postponing breakfast for a few hours. This allows probiotic overtime to work its way through the stomach and into the lower parts of the digestive tract.

Worst Times to Take Probiotics

Ideally, you shouldn't take probiotics with meals. As I said above, stomach acid levels are at their peak when you eat to digest food. However, it can also damage the bacteria that make up your probiotic.

Wait a few hours after eating before taking a probiotic supplement.

If you try to take them at the same time and run into side effects, feel free to switch it over. If they don't work for you at one time, take at another.

Don't get hung up on the optimal time to take probiotics. Even if you don't take them for a couple of hours after a meal or snack, they will still do something good. The bacteria that survive in your digestive tract may not be as large, but they will still do their job.

It's also important to note that probiotics can harm people with weakened immune systems. This includes people taking immunosuppressive drugs such as chemotherapy or those used for rheumatoid arthritis. This also includes those who suffer from diseases that affect the immune system, such as HIV.

Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements such as probiotics. This is especially important if you have an ongoing health condition or are taking a prescription medication. Your healthcare provider can offer you invaluable advice based on your particular situation.

Your doctor may recommend more probiotic supplements that contain bacterial strains. They will do exactly what you hope they do. They have a unique understanding of such supplements and an observation of how different products work for their patients.

It's also important that your doctor and pharmacist have their own record of all the supplements you use. This can help prevent drug interactions, and they can help you create a treatment plan that can help optimize all of your medications and supplements.

Whether you choose to take your first meal in the morning, right before bed, or anytime in between, rest assured that you are actively contributing to your continued health by taking a probiotic supplement. Do what works best for you. Change what you are doing if it doesn't work.

Taking probiotics at the wrong time is better than not taking them at all. You just need to wait longer to see the effect as the concentration has been reduced.

How to take probiotics: conclusion

Although getting a high quality probiotic either first thing in the morning or just before bed is the best time to take probiotics. However, they can still provide you with many health benefits if you take them at other times.

Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if probiotics are right for you for regular digestive care or for short-term use.

When taking antibiotics, you should take your probiotics as far away from your antibiotic dose as possible, regardless of food intake. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria. However, they don't just kill the bacteria that cause the infection, they kill your "good" bacteria and the contents of your probiotic supplement.

By isolating antibiotics and probiotics, you can give your probiotic bacteria time to get to your gut, where they do their best. Even if you don't take probiotics regularly, they are often recommended for those with stomach problems due to antibiotic use, so you might want to consider.

Topical probiotics (and probiotics that you insert vaginally to treat yeast infections) are an increasingly popular skin condition. You can use this type of probiotic with impunity at any time you choose. Issues related to taking oral probiotics at specific times do not apply to topical use.

In this article, you learned how to take probiotics and at what time. We wish you good health!

Probiotics - live bacteria - microorganisms that live in the human body and have a positive effect on its vital functions. Probiotics contain various strains of bacteria.

There are bifidus, colic, lactic preparations. Also, the composition may contain yeast-like fungi, enterococci, aerococci, depending on the manufacturer and purpose. Probiotics are available in liquid and dry form.

Probiotics not only allow you to populate the intestines with the right microorganisms and overcome pathogenic flora that cause various unpleasant symptoms, but also make it possible to increase immunity, effectively fight ailments. In this article, we'll take a look at inexpensive yet effective gut probiotics. Reviews, as well as a list of drugs with prices, can be found below.

When are probiotics prescribed?

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, probiotics are currently most commonly prescribed in the treatment of the following diseases and conditions:

1. Infectious diarrheacaused by rotavirus infection, including in infants and young children - strains of lactobacilli of the species Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei.
2. - probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum and Sacchromyces boulardii fungi, as well as a combination of probiotics can help with the establishment of bowel movements.
3. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea - Saccharomyces boulardii can prevent recurrence of the most dangerous and most common antibiotic-associated diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.

In addition, a gastroenterologist may prescribe probiotics for patient complaints of stool disorders, colic and frequent bloating and flatulence, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, as well as other conditions.

How to take it right?

It is very important to choose the right probiotic for the treatment of a particular condition. To select a probiotic, you can use the following simple rules:

1. If you suspect a bacterial infection of the intestine (acute or chronic) it is recommended to take complex preparations containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria at the same time (for example, Bacteriobalance, Bifidin, Linex, etc.).
2. If you suspect a viral intestinal lesion (acute or chronic) it is recommended to take drugs containing lactobacilli (for example, Lactobacterin, Narine, Biobacton, Primadophilus, etc.).
3. If you suspect a fungal infection of the intestine and genital organs (intestinal and vaginal candidiasis), it is recommended to take drugs containing bifidobacteria (for example, Probiform, Biovestin, Bifidumbacterin, etc.).

During therapy, it is recommended to first drink drugs with lactobacilli, then with bifidobacteria, and only after that with colibacteria (for example, Colibacterin). You can start taking immediately complex drugs that simultaneously contain bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics: What's the Difference?

The names of these two groups of drugs are very similar, so they are often confused.

• Probiotics are live microorganisms that belong to the normal intestinal microflora.
• Prebiotics are organic chemicals that have the ability to create excellent conditions for the reproduction of normal intestinal microflora.

It should be noted that the effect of both prebiotics and probiotics is similar, because each of the groups of these agents normalizes the intestinal microflora.

Beneficial features

Most probiotic bacteria belong to two genera: lactobacillus (lat. Lactobacillus) and bifidobacteria (lat. Bifidobacterium), although you should be aware that there are many other types of probiotic bacteria.

These drugs are capable of:

1. To produce substances that prevent various infections.
2. Prevent bacteria harmful to humans from attaching to the intestinal wall and inhibit their growth.
3. Slow down the secretion or destroy toxins secreted by some bacteria that are “bad” for the human body.
4. Stimulate the strengthening of the intestinal mucosa as a barrier against infections.
5. Increase the effectiveness of the immune system by secreting antibodies to certain viruses.
6. Produce B vitamins, necessary for the metabolism of food, preventing anemia that occurs with a lack of vitamins
7. B6 and B12 as well as maintaining healthy skin and nervous system.

The described effects are more or less common to all microorganisms related to probiotics. However, the mechanisms of these effects are still not fully understood.

Intestinal probiotics: list and prices

The following drugs may be prescribed to maintain gut health:

• Linex is one of the most famous probiotics that are widespread in Russia. It contains three components of microflora, which are located in different parts of the intestine. Price 350-500 rubles.
• ... It is often used in pediatrics for conditions characteristic of a violation of the colonization of the intestine with flora, in combination with antibiotics and other drugs. It contains Bifidobacterium bifidum N1 in a dry powdery state. Price 350-400 rubles.
• More concentrated bifidobacteria are contained in Probifor - one sachet contains about 10 portions of bacteria that are in "Bifidumbacterin". Price 500-600 rubles.
• ... In addition to probiotic strains of lacto- and bifidobacteria, it contains Escherichiacoli. It is combined with antibiotic therapy, thanks to the protective capsule, it easily overcomes the acidic environment of the stomach. It is one of the best encapsulated probiotics for adults. Price 350-400 rubles.
• Florin forte. It is a powder containing lacto- and bifidobacteria. It is prescribed for both adults and children and newborns. Due to the combination of bacteria, it has a complex effect, but it does not go well with some antibiotics. Price RUB 500-550

Depending on the time of creation and improvement, several generations of probiotics are distinguished:

• Generation I - classic monocomponent preparations consisting of one strain of microorganisms - typical intestinal inhabitants (bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin, etc.);
• 2nd generation - self-eliminating antagonists (bactisubtil, enterol, biosporin, etc.);
• Generation III - multicomponent preparations (symbiotics) consisting of several (from 2 to 30) bacterial strains (bifilong, etc.) or from several types of bacteria (linex, bificol, etc.);
• IV generation - combined preparations (synbiotics), consisting of a strain of bacteria and ingredients that promote their growth, reproduction and metabolic activity (biphilis, kipatsid, etc.);
• V generation - multicomponent combined preparations (synbiotics), consisting of several types of bacteria and ingredients that promote their growth, reproduction and metabolic activity (florin, bifiform, etc.).

In addition, the form of the probiotic must be considered. They are all divided into:

• Dry probiotics (lactobacterin, bifidumbacterin, colibacterin, etc.);
• Liquid forms (biovestin, biovestin-lacto, florin, trilact, bifidum No. 791 BAG, liquid bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, lactoflor, etc.);
• Sorption formss (ecoflor, probifor, bifidobacterin forte, bifikol forte, etc.);
• Enteric Coated Capsules (linex, bifiform).

And if earlier liquid probiotics for the intestines were considered the best, today capsule preparations are increasingly found. Modern technologies make it possible to effectively store all the necessary bacteria in the capsule. Those who take probiotics unanimously declare that the preparations in capsules are much more convenient to drink like a vitamin: I took it out of the package, washed it down with water and forgot ...

Probiotics in foods

Sources of prebiotics are: dairy products, bread, cereals, peas, corn flakes, garlic, bananas, onions, beans, and some other types of foods. One of the most popular foods that provide probiotic consumption is yogurt.

In addition, their sources are: most dairy products, such as cheese, kefir, cottage cheese, buttermilk. There are a few more examples of probiotics: sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, bread, wine, soy sauce.