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Intestinal bacteria

At least 500–1,000 different species of bacteria live in our gut. Not only do “good” gut bacteria colonize it, but “bad” germs do as well.

Examples of “good bacteria” include:

Lactobacilli:

  • Important for the digestion of lactose (milk sugar)

  • Promote the production of lactic acid, thereby creating an environment in the gut that inhibits harmful germs

Bifidobacteria:

  • Important for the immune system

  • Produce short-chain fatty acids and vitamins such as folic acid

  • Important for stabilizing the intestinal barrier

Examples of “bad bacteria” include:

Clostridioides difficile:

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

Salmonella, Shigella, or cholera bacteria:

  • Unwelcome guests, as they can lead to severe infections in the gastrointestinal tract. This is because they are capable of attacking the intestinal barrier, producing toxins, and thereby promoting inflammatory processes, among other things. As a result, this can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation

What happens when there’s an imbalance in the gut?

Stress, an unhealthy diet, or medications such as antibiotics can trigger an imbalance in the gut. In this case, the number of good bacteria decreases, allowing unwanted bacteria to proliferate. This can lead to various symptoms such as digestive problems (bloating, 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—in other words, their favorite foods. You can support your “good gut bacteria” with the following tips:

  • Drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters daily)

  • Eat a high-fiber diet: raw fruits and vegetables (beans, peas, lentils, fennel, celery)

  • Include swelling fibers: 2–3 tablespoons of chia or flaxseed daily in yogurt or granola

  • 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 gut

A healthy gut with a diverse bacterial flora is the foundation for well-being and health. With the right diet, stress management, and the targeted use of condition-specific probiotics, you can actively help strengthen your gut flora.

Is your gut out of balance? Stop by for a consultation—we have the right products to help restore balance to your gut.

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