Are probiotics really useful? In what cases? We will explain everything to you

Health – positive effects on the immune system, intestines or overall health… Many properties are attributed to probiotics, these living microorganisms that are very fashionable. But under what conditions are they really effective?

Although they are present in our daily diet – in certain yogurts or fermented drinks, for example – they are also found in pharmacies, often in the form of small capsules. They are used with the aim of improving overall health and as an adjunct to treatment for certain pathologies.

“By definition, probiotics are bacteria that are good for your health. So they have really positive effects.”, confirms Nathalie Vergnole, researcher and director of the INSERM Digestive Health Research Institute. And not just about gut health. To see their real benefits more clearly, HuffPost

Called two subject matter experts.

Useful for certain diseases

The main effect of probiotics is to restore or maintain the balance between the bacteria present in the gut microbiota. Thus, in cases of infectious colic or diarrhea after antibiotics, probiotics are recommended. “Accelerate the return of the microbiota to normal”, according to Nathalie Vergnole. They are also useful in preventing traveler’s diarrhea, which is a famous traveller’s disease.

“Studies have shown that probiotics can help with other chronic or inflammatory pathologies or certain allergies. But these are relatively subtle effects. We do not treat serious illnesses with probiotics, they are supportive treatments”She clarifies before emphasizing: “ The danger is that people will think they are treating themselves with probiotics. »

Doctors also prescribe these probiotics to patients with irritable bowel syndrome. “It is a very complex and little-known pathology. We know that certain probiotics can improve things.INSERM researcher explains.

What about side effects? “There have been cases of septicemia or urinary tract infections in some patients who are immunocompromised.”Christophe Sallier, gastroenterologist at the European Hospital and president of the French National Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE) reveals. “But it remains exceptional. »

In addition, “It is not certain that these cases are due to probiotics”Nathalie Vergnolle adds. “But for immunocompromised patients, probiotics are not recommended. »

Probiotic therapy

Probiotics are also popular among people who simply want to take care of their gut health, and who don’t have an underlying medical condition that requires them. “It is a good idea to take a course of probiotics from time to time. Even if we do not have pathology, we may have small gastrointestinal disturbances and intestinal flora that are not necessarily functional. We can take it in these cases »

The researcher explains.

Beyond the gut, probiotics may have benefits “Everything that depends on the microbiota”. Her Details: “We know that it will affect the axis between the gut and the skin, between the gut and the brain, or even the gut and the joints. » Probiotics also have distinct benefits on our body’s immune system and other cells. They are so “Overall Positive Impact on Health” And – in most cases – not dangerous.

As for therapy, the duration and dosage of the product varies depending on the probiotics you take and your needs. However, be careful to choose them carefully. The researcher warns about what is sold on the Internet, some products are not regulated and can be dangerous. She recommends going to the pharmacy, following the advice of a professional and buying products available in pharmacies.

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