Probiotics – The Bacteria of Life

It’s no coincidence that they are called that way. Their name is a combination of the Latin "pro" and the ancient Greek "bios," which directly translates to "for life." It is well known that they are an integral part of the human body, supporting it in a dual function—on the one hand, they produce beneficial substances (vitamins and minerals), and on the other, they help the body eliminate harmful elements. Moreover, they have a history of over 100 years and were discovered by a Bulgarian scientist.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Probiotics are known worldwide, even as far as Japan, thanks to the Bulgarian scientist Dr. Stamen Grigorov. In 1905, he discovered that the reason for the fermentation of yogurt was the microorganism Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Shortly after, this remarkable discovery was confirmed by Nobel laureate Ilya Machiko, who subsequently developed his own theory on aging. This marked the beginning of numerous studies on the effects of lactic acid bacteria.

Almost 50 years later, these beneficial bacteria received their official designation and became universally known as "probiotics." They are not just the bacteria of life but also the body's greatest allies in strengthening the immune system.

HOW DO THEY HELP US?

Probiotics are live lactic acid bacteria that help us forget about bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. They enter the body through food and remain there for life. They settle in the gastrointestinal tract, attaching to the mucous membrane, and begin to multiply, forming colonies. Throughout their life cycle, they support the health of not only the stomach but the entire body.

As soon as they reach the intestines, probiotics begin secreting substances (enzymes) that aid digestion. Additionally, they neutralize putrefactive processes in the stomach and destroy pathogenic microorganisms. They also support the liver and kidneys in their primary functions—cleansing and detoxification. In this way, they not only maintain the balance of gut microbiota but also protect the entire body from inflammatory processes. Various medical studies suggest that probiotics reduce carcinogenic substances and enzymes in the colon, meaning they can slow down and even prevent the formation of malignant tumors.

AND THAT’S NOT ALL

An interesting fact is that lactic acid bacteria are the only natural microorganisms capable of successfully addressing the unpleasant condition known as "lactase deficiency." In this condition, the body lacks enzyme lactase, which breaks down milk sugar, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, colic, and diarrhea.

Lactase deficiency is rarely congenital and is most often triggered by illness or aging. In many countries, such as China, Japan, and Indochina, a large portion of the population suffers from lactase deficiency, and consuming fermented milk products helps alleviate the condition. The reason is that lactic acid bacteria are a powerful source of enzymes that break down lactose, aiding its absorption by the body. This is also why Bulgarian yogurt is so popular and widely sold in Japan.

MORE HEALTH BENEFITS

Lactic acid bacteria benefit not only the stomach and intestines but also many other systems and processes in the body:

• More Vitamin B: Especially B12. Probiotics increase the levels of all B vitamins and can even double B12 levels within a few months.
• Why is this important? Because these vitamins play a crucial role in nutrient absorption and protein transport, fueling every cell in the body.
• Fewer colds: Probiotics are an essential aid in respiratory infections. Studies show that people who take probiotics experience milder flu symptoms and recover more quickly. They are practically "immune" to complications.
• Better mood: The "secret" lies in the vagus nerve, which connects the gut to the brain. Through this nerve, probiotics influence emotions and desires, significantly affecting mental health. It is known that they improve mood and help combat depression and anxiety.
• Weight management: Regulating gut flora and digestion is directly linked to preventing obesity and various digestive disorders, including type 2 diabetes. Obese individuals have a different gut flora composition due to their consumption of high-calorie, fatty, and low-fiber foods. As a result, their intestines host more harmful bacteria at the expense of probiotics. Probiotics, in turn, reduce intestinal permeability and eliminate inflammation, which are key factors in obesity and diabetes.
• Better control: Not just over emotions but also actions. Studies show that regular consumption of yogurt and probiotic-rich foods improves cognitive functions by enhancing connectivity in the prefrontal cortex—the brain area responsible for planning, organizing, emotional regulation, and control.
• Women’s health: The female vagina contains various probiotic bacteria, most commonly Lactobacillus. Its primary function is to prevent the development of fungal infections and bacterial vaginosis. That’s why special vaginal probiotic suppositories have been developed to maintain a healthy feminine flora.

Probiotics are also highly effective in treating various skin conditions, such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, allergies, sensitive skin, and more.

NOT JUST IN YOGURT

The probiotic family is quite diverse. In addition to the well-known bacteria in Bulgarian yogurt, it includes many other microorganisms—acidophilic bacteria, bifidobacteria, kefir yeasts, etc. They can be found in sauerkraut, fermented vegetables and drinks, apple cider vinegar, and more. Some of the most notable include:

• Bifidobacterium bifidum – predominant in newborns and the colon. Beneficial for vitamin production, immune response, and diarrhea treatment.
• Bifidobacterium longum – supports the liver and detoxification of heavy metals, reduces inflammation.
• Lactobacillus casei – enhances immunity and fights infections, useful in Helicobacter pylori infections.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus – helps with bloating, gas, and lactose intolerance. Reduces E. coli levels, lowers cholesterol, and produces vitamin K.
• Lactobacillus bulgaricus – highly resistant to stomach acid, a powerful strain found in traditional Bulgarian yogurt. Fights harmful gut bacteria, neutralizes toxins, and produces natural antibiotics.
• Saccharomyces boulardii – probiotic yeast that restores normal gut flora in the small and large intestines. Beneficial for inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease. It has antitoxic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

PROBIOTICS IN A PILL

It’s a fact that modern people prefer capsules over yogurt to get their required probiotics. In response to demand, the market offers a vast selection of probiotic supplements, often making it difficult to choose the right one.

To ensure you're buying a quality probiotic supplement, it should meet several key criteria:

1.    Diversity of strains and high bacterial count – A good probiotic should contain a variety of different strains and billions of live bacteria per gram. The label should indicate numbers like 12,000,000 or 24,000,000. It is also beneficial if the product includes soil-based organisms and yeasts.

2.    Proper packaging – Capsules should be well-protected from external factors. Most probiotics are heat-sensitive, so improper storage could render them ineffective.

3.    Acid-resistant bacteria – The probiotic should include strains that can survive stomach acid, such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces boulardii. These ensure that the bacteria reach the intestines intact.

4.    Trusted manufacturers – Choose brands with a long-standing reputation that wouldn’t risk losing customer trust.