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Gut bacteria

At least 500 to 1,000 different types of bacteria live in our intestines. Not only "good" intestinal bacteria colonize there, but also "bad" germs.

The "good bacteria" include, for example:

Lactobacilli:

  • Important for the digestion of lactose (milk sugar)
  • Promote the production of lactic acid, creating an environment in the gut that inhibits harmful germs

Bifidobacteria:

  • Important for immune defense
  • Produce short-chain fatty acids and vitamins such as folic acid
  • Important for stabilizing the intestinal barrier

"Bad germs" include, for example:

Clostridioides difficile:

  • If this bacterium becomes dominant (e.g., after antibiotic treatment), it can cause diarrhea.

Salmonella, Shigella, or cholera bacteria:

  • These are undesirable subtenants, as they can lead to severe infections in the gastrointestinal tract. This is because they are able to attack the intestinal barrier, form toxins, and thus promote inflammatory processes, among other things. This can result in abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation.

What happens when there is an imbalance in the gut?

Stress, unhealthy eating habits, or medications such as antibiotics can cause an imbalance in the gut. In this case, the number of good bacteria is reduced and unwanted germs have the opportunity to spread. This can lead to various complaints such as digestive problems (flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation) or a weakened immune system.

In such cases, it can be helpful to use probiotics to supply the good bacteria with prebiotics, i.e., their favorite foods. You can support your "good gut bacteria" with the following tips:

  • Drink enough fluids (at least 2 liters daily)
  • Eat a diet rich in fiber: raw fruits and vegetables (beans, peas, lentils, fennel, celery)
  • Consume swelling fiber: 2-3 tablespoons of chia or flax seeds in yogurt or muesli every day
  • Use prebiotics from the pharmacy that promote the growth of specific types of bacteria
  • Take probiotics that survive stomach and bile acids and reach the intestine

A healthy intestine with a diverse bacterial flora is the basis for well-being and health. With the right diet, stress management, and the targeted use of indication-specific probiotics, you can actively contribute to strengthening your intestinal flora.

Is your gut out of balance? Come by and let us advise you. We have the right products to help you restore balance to your gut.

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