Synbiotics are physiologically functional food compounds that contain probiotics and prebiotics. Such components are considered mutually digestible, due to which metabolic processes are accelerated in the body and the microflora in the human gastrointestinal tract is restored.
Differences between synbiotics and symbiotics
Please note that often in many sources you can find the term "symbiotics", which means synbiotics, but this is not entirely true. The first term means "symbiosis" (from the Greek language symbiosis - cohabitation), and the second term means "synergy" (from the ancient Greek language σῦνεργια - participation). From this we can conclude that symbiotics are a combination of several types of microorganisms, and not microorganisms and substances as their habitat.
What are synbiotics?
Synbiotics are modern medicines of the IV and V generation, which include a lot of beneficial microorganisms - probiotics, and also contain nutritionalenvironment for their normal life - prebiotics. An innovative group of dietary supplements is able to improve digestion, activate the immune system, neutralize antibiotics, quickly remove toxins from the body, such as carcinogens or heavy metal s alts. Medications containing synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) are prescribed by the attending physician.
Interesting historical facts
The term "probiotic" was first used in 1954. At that time, it was understood as microorganisms important for human life. And in 1965, this term was officially introduced and meant "microbial factors that stimulate the growth of other microorganisms." In 1992, Havenaar R. defined probiotics as viable microorganism cultures in humans and animals that improve the local intestinal microflora. Mass production of synbiotic-probiotic began only at the beginning of the 20th century.
What are probiotics?
Food or drugs that contain probiotics are very popular today. Increasingly, probiotic products are appearing on store shelves that can improve he alth by normalizing the functioning of the digestive tract.
Probiotics in synbiotics are "good" microorganisms that live most often in the intestines. Studies show that probiotics have the following effects:
- contribute to the production of B vitamins;
- destroy toxins that are released due to the vital activity of pathogensbacteria;
- create a mucus protective layer in the gut;
- strengthen the immune system while releasing antibodies to many viruses.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are substances that are not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, that is, they are not hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes and are not absorbed in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Such compounds have a positive effect on humans, stimulating the activity of he althy intestinal microflora.
Indications for use
Synbiotics are medicines and foods that can not only improve he alth, but also eliminate many problems associated with appearance, for example, improve the condition of hair and skin. Indications for use:
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Intestinal colic.
- Meteorism.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
Common drugs
Every year the list of synbiotic preparations is replenished with more and more new products. Let's take a closer look at the most popular of them:
- Laktiale is one of the top ten synbiotic biopreparations. Produced in the UK and includes up to seven freeze-dried microorganisms. Doctors prescribe "Lactiale" in order to eliminate pathogenic microflora in the body, to normalize the functioning of the nervous and immune systems. Release form - powder sachets and capsules.
- Maxilak. Synbiotic has been taking for a long timeleading positions in the domestic and European market of biological products. The composition includes nine strains of probiotic bacteria and oligofructose. The tool is produced in Poland and is prescribed for gastrointestinal diseases. Maxilac has a positive effect on the immune and respiratory systems.
- "Bifiliz" includes up to 10 ml of lysozyme and up to 108 viable bifidobacteria. This drug is prescribed for the treatment of intestinal infectious diseases of various origins, as well as for the elimination of inflammatory processes in the digestive tract. Doctors often recommend "Bifiliz" for the prevention of dysbiotic shifts. Release form - rectal and vaginal suppositories or solution.
- "Bifidobak" is a bioactive complex that contains highly resistant strains of bifidobacteria, which are necessary to maintain normal microflora in the large intestine. Also, such microorganisms are important for the synthesis of immunoglobulins, the production of vitamins, the acceleration of metabolic processes, and also for the elimination of pathogenic bacteria. A synbiotic is prescribed to alleviate chronic diseases of the digestive system, liver, biliary tract, as well as to normalize the process of food absorption. "Bifidobak" is an excellent antibacterial therapy, which helps to reduce the acidity of gastric juice.
- The list of synbiotics can also include "Bilactin", which contains strains of enterococci that can quickly suppress pathogenic microflora. Microorganisms intensively produce the L-formula of lactic acid and are powerful antagonists of the pathogenic microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is not an independent drug and is used only as a dietary supplement of probiotic enterococci. Doctors prescribe a drug to improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. A synbiotic is used to treat infectious diseases of the intestines and vagina.
- "Normospectrum" of domestic production contains a complex of bifidobacteria, minerals, probiotics, trace elements and lactobacilli, which are important for the normal functioning of the whole organism. The synbiotic proved to be excellent in the fight against many pathogenic microorganisms, as well as those that cause rotavirus infection.
Foods rich in synbiotics
In addition to drugs, synbiotics are also foods that are available to everyone:
- Flax seeds.
- Corn.
- Sauerkraut, soaked vegetables such as watermelon, tomatoes or cucumbers.
- Dairy products.
- Soy milk.
- Chicory.
- Soft types of cheeses.
- Pectin-containing desserts - jelly, natural marmalade, marshmallows.
- Artichoke.
- Sourdough bread.
- Dandelion.
- Onion.
- Fig.
- Grapes of all varieties.
- Jerusalem artichoke.
Doctors also recommend combining the use of prebiotic products (dried apricots, citrus fruits, oat and grain bran, bananas, asparagus, zucchini, apples, plums, garlic, strawberries, wheat flour products, currants, prunes) with products -probiotics (kefir, yogurt, leek, all kinds of pickles, miso, cheese, dairy products, cottage cheese, sauerkraut and pickles).
Daily requirement for synbiotics
Please note that the daily requirement for synbiotics varies depending on which type of drug is being taken. In each case, the norm must be calculated individually. For example, if we consider such popular synbiotic drugs as Normospectrum or Normoflorin, then the daily dosage for children is 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day, and adults - 2 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day.
Important! When calculating the need for synbiotics, which are contained in food products, the concentration of microorganisms in the body and the availability of a nutrient medium for them are taken into account.
More synbiotic preparations are needed in cases where the following pathologies are present:
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Hepatitis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Presence of malignant and benign tumors.
- Reduced immunity.
- Acute intestinal infections of various etiologies.
- Diseases of the biliary tract and liver.
- Vitamin deficiency.
- Allergic reaction to food.
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Violation of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.
Also, the need for synbiotics increases during sports, with mental stress, in preparation forsurgery for chronic fatigue. Such drugs can be used in a double dose as a general tonic and prophylactic.
The need for synbiotic drugs decreases when an individual intolerance to certain components of the drug or food is detected, and also if the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized.
