Intestinal microflora is a set of different microorganisms that interact with each other. Some of the bacteria are vital for the human body. Some negative factors can upset the balance and provoke dysbacteriosis. Existing preparations for the normalization of the intestinal microflora, consist of bacteria that allow you to restore the biological balance. Consider the most popular medicines from this group.
What is the function of microflora?
The intestines of an adult are inhabited by more than 500 species of various bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. The former help digest food, help maintain the body's defenses and inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. Conditionally pathogenic bacteria are contained in smaller quantities and can provoke the development of the disease under certain conditions. The correct balance of microflora is necessary for timely emptyingdecorated chair.
Pathogenic microflora should not normally be present in the intestine. The large intestine contains mainly bifido- and lactobacilli, enterococci, bacterioids, E. coli. The conditionally pathogenic series is represented by Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Intestinal microflora forms immunity at the local level, is able to resist viruses and ensure the resistance of the epithelium to toxic effects. Beneficial bacteria take part in the synthesis of vitamins and microelements, activate drugs, and help maintain ionic balance.
What will the violation of microflora lead to?
An increase in the number of harmful microorganisms can cause the development of such a pathological phenomenon as dysbacteriosis. Usually parents of babies of the first year of life hear such a diagnosis, but in fact, the disease also occurs in adult patients. Eliminate this condition will help special preparations to normalize the intestinal microflora.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis contributes to the rapid growth of opportunistic microflora. Over time, this leads to contamination of the body with bacterial waste products and the development of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary and immune systems. Pathology also negatively affects metabolic processes.
Causes of dysbacteriosis
The main factors that can cause an imbalance in the intestinal microflora include:
- long-term use of certain medications (antibiotics,sulfonamides);
- chemotherapy;
- psychological shocks (stress);
- intestinal pathology of infectious etiology;
- malnutrition, abuse of harmful products;
- disturbances in the work of the endocrine, immune system;
- depletion of the body (prolonged fasting);
- diseases of the digestive system (cholecystitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, peptic ulcer).
It should be understood that dysbacteriosis never develops as an independent disease, but only indicates the presence of other problems in the body. Therefore, therapy usually begins with determining the root cause of the disease.
How to restore the microflora?
The most pronounced therapeutic effect is provided by medications designed to restore normal intestinal microflora. They can be divided into three groups: probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Such medicines may contain live cultures of bacteria, substances for the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms.
One of the commonly prescribed probiotics is Linex. Many patients try to pick up cheaper analogues, because the medication is quite expensive. But it should be borne in mind that the original remedy has a unique composition and a pronounced therapeutic effect.
Drugs from the group of prebiotics contain the components necessary for self-propagation of beneficial microflora in the intestine. They are usually taken in combination with probiotics. However, it should not be forgotten that evensuch useful medicines have their own contraindications and, if used incorrectly, can cause serious disturbances in the functioning of the digestive tract.
In addition to several types of beneficial bacteria, synbiotics necessarily contain substances necessary for the reproduction of "good" microflora - poly- and oligosaccharides. Simply put, this is a combination of a prebiotic and a probiotic in one preparation.
Linex: general description
Drug "Linex" refers to complex probiotics and contains simultaneously three types of beneficial microorganisms: bidobacteria, lactobacilli and enterococci. It is these bacteria that are needed to create the “right” microflora in the intestines.
The drug is produced in the form of capsules by the well-known pharmaceutical company Sandoz (Germany). Also for infants, you can buy medicine in the form of a powder containing bifidobacteria.
Many experts recommend restoring the intestinal microflora with the help of Linex. The price depends on the number of capsules in the package and ranges from 270 to 520 rubles (16 and 32 capsules, respectively).
Indications for appointment
According to the instructions, the drug should be used for the treatment and prevention of intestinal dysbacteriosis. A source of probiotics may be needed in the following cases:
- frequent constipation;
- pain in the abdomen;
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- symptoms of dyspepsia;
- burp;
- increased flatulence, flatulence.
Linex for kids
Almost all babies in the first year of life face dysbacteriosis. To alleviate the unpleasant, painful signs of pathology, experts recommend giving Linex to children. Cheaper analogues, such as Acipol, Normobakt, Laktobaterin, contain mainly only one type of bacteria and do not have a comprehensive effect. "Linex" in powder form does not contain lactose.
Can I take it with antibiotics?
Antibacterial therapy poses a threat not only to pathogenic microflora, but also to beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the intestines. Quite often, against the background of taking antimicrobial drugs, a dyspeptic disorder develops. To avoid this phenomenon, timely normalization of the intestinal microflora will be required.
Drugs (after antibiotics, the microflora is restored within 5-6 months) from the group of probiotics should be taken for quite a long time. It is important to start therapy during the period of antibiotic treatment. Linex and other probiotics are recommended to be taken after antimicrobial drugs at least 2 hours later.
For the treatment and prevention of microflora imbalance in infants, drugs can be mixed with clean water and fed to the child during the day.
Probiotic "Acipol"
The presence of several components and high rates of therapeutic efficacy are the main advantages of the Linex probiotic. The price of this medicine is available, unfortunately, not to all patients and therefore the choice often falls on a cheaper analogue -"Acipol". The composition of the drug contains components for the reproduction of beneficial microflora and lactic acid bacteria.
The action of the drug is aimed at suppressing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, colonizing the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria, strengthening immunity at the local level and eliminating signs of dysbacteriosis. "Acipol" can be used to treat babies from three months. The probiotic is available in powder and capsule form for oral use.
For the prevention of dysbacteriosis, you can also choose the drug "Acipol". Price, patient reviews play a significant role in the choice of medicines for the normalization of microflora. It should be noted that "Acipol" is considered one of the most affordable probiotics with a multicomponent composition. The cost of capsules (30 pieces) is 290-330 rubles. In many cases, the remedy has proved to be very effective.
What is Biovestin-lacto?
The instruction positions the product as a unique probiotic, which contains lacto- and bifidobacteria, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the intestinal microflora, as well as substances that promote the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms. The manufacturer of the drug is the Russian pharmaceutical company Bio-Vesta (Novosibirsk).
During clinical trials, it was found that the drug is able to correct the state of the intestinal microflora and successfully eliminate the signs of dysbacteriosis. Bifidobacteria in the composition of the probiotic prevent the growth of pathogenic microflora, are highly resistant toantibacterial drugs.
The product is available in liquid form. "Biovesti-Lactone" is taken half an hour before a meal or an hour after a meal. The solution can be diluted in a small amount of water or milk (for children). The liquid temperature should not exceed 38-40 °C. Otherwise, the drug will lose its medicinal properties.
Drugs for the normalization of intestinal microflora in constipation
To restore stool in adults and children, modern pharmaceutical companies offer a huge number of drugs. But not each of these means is able to affect the true cause of the pathological phenomenon. Some bring only temporary relief - drugs with an irritating or osmotic effect. To eliminate not only the symptoms, but also dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to pay attention to preparations for the normalization of the intestinal microflora, which also have a soft, softening stool effect.
Prolonged stagnation of stool negatively affects the state of microflora in the intestinal tract. Beneficial bacteria begin to die and decompose, which contributes to the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Prebiotics are needed to prevent this situation and improve motor skills. The composition of such drugs includes indigestible carbohydrates, lactulose and inulins.
The ideal breeding ground for beneficial bacteria is lactulose, a synthetic disaccharide that passes through the entire gastrointestinal tract intounchanged and reaches the large intestine, where the process of restoration and growth of microflora takes place. At the same time, the substance is completely unsuitable for the propagation of opportunistic and pathogenic microflora.
Based on lactulose, drugs are produced to normalize the intestinal microflora in children and adults. The most effective and safe are:
- Lactusan;
- "Duphalac";
- Prelaxan;
- "Laktuvit";
- Forlax;
- "Normolact";
- Normaze.
These medicines can be gentle on the problem and still not have a negative effect on the body as a whole.
"Duphalac": instructions
The price of this lactulose-based drug depends on the volume of the package. Most often, patients purchase "Duphalac" in bottles of 200 and 500 ml, the cost of which is 280 and 400 rubles, respectively. You can measure the required amount of medicinal liquid using a measuring cup, which is attached to the vial. 100 ml of syrup contains 66.7 g of lactulose.
The remedy refers to laxative drugs that have a hyperosmotic effect. An increase in the number of lactobacilli, a decrease in osmotic pressure and stimulation of peristalsis occurs due to lactulose, which is part of the drug "Duphalac". The instruction (the price of the medicine is usually not indicated in it) contains the necessary information on the correct use of the medicine.
What are patients saying?
Drugs for the normalization of intestinal microflora onthe basis of lactulose should be prescribed by a specialist. The scheme of therapy and dosage will depend on the age category of the patient. Do not forget about the contraindications, which must be familiarized even before the start of treatment. Throughout the course of therapy, it is important to observe the drinking regimen and drink at least two liters of fluid per day.
"Duphalac", like many other drugs for the normalization of intestinal microflora, the feedback from patients deserved mostly positive. The therapeutic effect of the drug can be felt within 8-10 hours after ingestion. In the treatment of dysbacteriosis and constipation, the remedy is often prescribed to children of the first year of life.
