Bacteria can sometimes be beneficial. They help improve our health, this is especially the case with probiotics. According to Inserm, probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient quantity, benefit the functioning of our body. If it is primarily bacteria, it may also be yeast.
Probiotics: What impact on health?
Probiotics play a role in shaping the gut flora, called the microbiota. Inserm recalls that the quality of this “Important for our digestive health, but also metabolic, immune and neurological”. Sometimes, certain treatments or diseases can cause an imbalance in the gut flora. In this case, the consumption of probiotics not only improves digestion, but also allows “To increase the number of beneficial micro-organisms and reduce the population of potentially harmful micro-organisms”. “In this context, certain probiotics, for example, will reduce the severity and duration of infectious diarrhea or even prevent it that is sometimes associated with taking antibiotics.Inserm adds.
Which foods are rich in probiotics?
By carefully choosing the composition of your menu, it is possible to strengthen the microbiota. “Fermented foods in particular (eg yogurt and pickles) are home to good bacteria that are beneficial to your body. Cleveland Clinic says. There are also fermented drinks like kombucha (fermented tea) or kefir (fermented dairy drink) that introduce additional probiotics into your diet.“
Among fermented foods, we can also mention sauerkraut, miso soup or kimchi, a mixture of fermented vegetables and peppers of Korean origin. Sourdough bread, fresh cheese or even fermented milk, such as buttermilk or buttermilk, are also rich in probiotics.
While it is clear that these foods are beneficial for health, it is still important to maintain a varied diet. “Although adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet won’t hurt you, balance is always necessary.l, recommends the Cleveland Clinic. Adding too much of any one food prevents your body from reaping the benefits of other food groups.“
Should we consume probiotics in the form of food supplements?
Some foods naturally contain probiotics, they can also be consumed in the form of food supplements. “If acting on the microbiota is indeed a promising way to improve our health, to date there are very few conditions for which dietary supplementation or the provision of foods rich in pro/prebiotics is of real interest. , is scientifically valid.”However, Inserm has qualifications, which recommend favoring foods that contain it.
