Frequently Asked Questions about Probiotics

1. Are probiotics bacteria?rnWhen it comes to bacteria, many people equate it with pathogenic bacteria and "sterilize" as much as possible. However, not all bacteria are harmful. There are many microorganisms such as bacteria that are beneficial to human health. They are generally divided into two categories: (1) One is a useful substance produced by the fermentation of bacteria, molds and other microorganisms, such as antibiotics, Monosodium glutamate, wine, soy sauce, vinegar, etc. At this time, what we eat is the metabolites of microorganisms rather than the microorganisms themselves. (2) The other is beneficial bacteria, yeasts and other microorganisms. What we eat is the bacteria itself, such as lactic acid bacteria, Shiitake mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps, yeasts, etc. Among them, lactic acid bacteria and some yeasts often enter the human body as living microorganisms. Such microorganisms have positive effects on human health. The probiotics mainly refer to the screening of some functional lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. 2. The relationship between antibiotics and probiotics?rnAntibiotics are drugs that inhibit and kill all living substances at very low concentrations. For example, the various drugs we use to resist bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as anti-tumor drugs, all belong to the category of antibiotics. So antibiotics can kill probiotics.rnAntibiotics are also medicines. After they enter the human body, they exert their therapeutic effects and also cause many adverse reactions. The most obvious is the increase in bacterial resistance. The intake of probiotics does not need to consider the issue of drug resistance, and there will be basically no side effects. 3. Is the bifidus factor bifidobacteria and the probiotics probiotics?rnIt's not. Bifidus factors or probiotic factors are substances that promote the proliferation of bifidobacteria or probiotics in the intestinal tract and belong to the category of prebiotics. 4. What requirements must be met to become a probiotic?rnIt can withstand the corrosion of gastric juice and bile, and reach the intestines in a living state. It can multiply in the intestine, and it has been proven by scientific experiments to improve the intestinal flora. It can also ensure safety, which is originally a kind of intestinal flora. Survive in food and can maintain effective bacterial count; inexpensive and easy to handle. Only when the above conditions are met can it be called a probiotic. 5. Is it necessary to take probiotics?rnWe live in an era of fierce competition, with heavy pressure, worsening environment, serious pollution, unreasonable diet structure, excessive consumption of meat and fats, and insufficient intake of cereals, over-exquisite food processing, etc. These changes in diet and environment have caused great changes in the flora in our body, including their composition, quantity and balance. Put us in a sub-healthy state. The imbalance of the intestinal flora in the body will cause a series of potential diseases. Therefore, it is very necessary for us to supplement beneficial bacteria. 6. Who needs probiotics the most? Vulnerable groups: middle-aged and elderly people, babies, children and womenrnPeople in urgent need of supplementation: 1. People who use antibiotics 2. People who smoke and drink regularly 3. People who have habitual constipation 4. Office workers, computer workers 5. People with cardiovascular disease, liver disease, cancer chemotherapy and other diseasesrn