Our body has many useful bacteria, most of which are located in the intestinal system. They are a kind of interlayer that prevents the action of pathogens. Without the participation of beneficial bacteria, we could not absorb food, get nutrients and fight other problems. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are the most numerous representatives of the intestinal microflora.
What is the difference between lactobacilli and bifidobacteria?
Both these and other bacteria are lactic bacteria, creating the optimal environment for the functioning of the stomach. They eliminate constipation, diarrhea, promote timely cleansing of the intestine. These representatives of the microflora differ in that the lactobacilli are located throughout the intestinal system, and the bifidobacteria are in the large intestine. Another difference between lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is that the latter, in addition to strengthening the immune system , can inhibit the action of carcinogens and prevent the development of allergies.
The role of useful microflora
The number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli decreases with the growth of the number of pathogens. Among the factors leading to this, there are:
- stress , emotional and physical stress;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- the use of fatty, smoked and canned food;
- long-term use of antibiotics;
- viral infections.
All this leads to the emergence of dysbiosis and a lack of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. In humans, there are abnormalities in the work of the stomach and intestinal system, deterioration of metabolism, allergic reactions, anemia, diseases of the nervous system. Restoration of the body requires taking special medications, adjusting nutrition and lifestyle.
Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria - drugs
Means that have living bacteria in their composition are called probiotics. Indications for their use are treatment of dysbacteriosis and its prevention in the treatment of antibiotics, infections and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Probiotics are conventionally divided into three groups:
- Drugs produced in the form of a powder containing only one kind of bacteria (Bifidumbacterin, Colibacterin).
- Means that contain both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the form of capsules (Lineks, Bifikol).
- Liquid probiotics, which, in addition to useful rods, contain other components that improve the adhesion of bacteria to the walls of the intestine (Biovestin, Floristin).
Drugs have almost no contraindications. They are not recommended for use in cases of intolerance to their components. And since lactose is present in the composition, it may also be contraindicated for persons who do not properly digest dairy products.
Products containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli
Increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine can be eaten with their high content.
Yogurt and yogurt are the most famous products with probiotics. Their regular use relieves diarrhea, excessive gassing and other problems of the digestive system.
To support a healthy microflora, you can include sauerkraut in your menu. The highest concentration of bacteria is observed in unpasteurized products, which are very difficult to meet in the store.
Soup, cooked with miso-paste from soybeans, activates digestion, as it contains a huge number of living bacteria.
One of the simplest methods of filling your diet with probiotics is the use of acidophilic milk. This product is fermented, in which lactobacilli participate.