Bifidobacteria for the intestines are very important because they help to form useful microflora. However, for some reason (transferred diseases, antibiotics), their amount in the body can seriously decrease, which will lead to various pathologies.
What is bifidobacteria and lactobacilli?
Bifidobacteria are gram-positive anaerobic microorganisms. In appearance resemble a curved wand. Extreme points and their structures can become thinner or thicker, can be divided into two equal parts. From this comes their name, because in Latin the word "bifidobacterium" consists of two bases: "bacterium" and "divided in two."
In the intestines of newborns, they play a leading role in the organization of microflora, which is necessary for digestion. Does not lose its importance in adulthood. Mostly their habitat is the large intestine.
These microorganisms have many varieties, since their species is represented by more than 20 strains. One of the factors to maintain normal weight, strengthen the immune system - the optimal number of all types of bifidobacteria in the body. They are necessary for the production of organic acids.
The most important of these are lactic and acetic acid. Also, bifidobacteria regulate the level of acidity in the intestines. These microorganisms easily suppress the vital activity and reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microflora, putrefactive flora, which is often present in the intestine.
They assume a partial function of immunity, since they represent a kind of shield that prevents the appearance and development of many pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. They also have a significant impact on the work of many processes in the human body:
Participate in the normalization of digestion. This allows you to organize the optimal absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.- They promote hydrolysis, participate in the fermentation process, saponify fats, lipids, decompose vegetable fats and fiber into components. In general, these processes occur only due to the activity of enzymes, whose entry into the body and provide bifidobacteria.
- Microorganisms improve peristalsis. Due to this, it is possible to avoid stagnation, constipation, strong gas formation.
- Participate in the production of vitamin B, contribute to its active absorption upon entry into the body. Due to this, bifidobacteria increase the stability of the nervous system, resistance and survival of nerve cells, which will protect a person from mental illness.
- Bifidobacteria increase the absorption of vitamin K, which is necessary for normal blood clotting. Participate in the production and assimilation of many amino acids, which are necessary for the easy absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
- They participate in the processes of assimilation and redistribution of useful substances, provide an anti-rachitic effect, and fight against allergy manifestations.
- Necessary for the rapid operation of the lymphatic system, stimulates the production of immunoglobulins, which is necessary to enhance the body's defenses. This aspect influenced the emergence of a popular expression that the body’s main defense is located in the intestine.
Participate in the normalization of digestion. This allows you to organize the optimal absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.Lactobacilli are present along the entire length of the digestive tract in children and adults. This is a gram-positive optional anaerobic microflora. Lactobacilli produce special elements that contribute to the maintenance of metabolic processes for the processing of lactose, carbohydrates. As a result, an acidic environment is formed, which prevents the appearance of fungal and bacterial pathologies.
Symptoms of lack of bifidobacteria and possible consequences
Deficiency of bifidobacteria can seriously harm the health, as a person begins to show signs of dysbiosis. The most pronounced symptom is an acute intestinal infection, because the body's defenses are either absent or in too small a quantity and cannot repel harmful microorganisms.
Also, with a deficiency of bifidobacteria, diarrhea or diarrhea may occur. Lack of bifidobacteria provokes a slowdown of peristalsis, which leads to stagnation. There may be signs of putrefactive processes, such as fermentation of products, accumulation of bile acids.
Typically, these processes provoke the appearance of diarrhea, but often patients are treated by constipation. Often with a decrease in the number of beneficial microorganisms, meteorism appears. This is due to the fact that the natural microflora can not cope with the appearance and reproduction of harmful microorganisms. Due to their large amount, accumulation of carbon dioxide is formed, which is released during the vital activity of microbes. In addition to bloating, chronic flatulence can manifest as heartburn, unpleasant smell from the mouth.
Among the "harmless" manifestations of the lack of data, microorganisms secrete constipation and diarrhea. But also gradually increases the risk of strong intestinal infections. Lack of therapy can lead to severe allergies, and not only to those products that cause irritation, but also to those that were previously used without problems.
The appearance of gastritis is not excluded, and as a result of constant irritation of the mucous membrane, signs of peptic ulcer may be noted. Of the common symptoms can be identified a strong decrease in immunity, frequent diseases of a viral nature. A patient with deficiencies of bifidobacteria feels tired.
Microflora may change due to:
- malnutrition;
- taking antibacterial or hormonal drugs;
- weakened immunity;
- contaminated products.
Preparations with bifidobacteria: a list
Medicines that contribute to the restoration of microflora are available in the form of capsules, suppositories for rectal use, powders or dry ampoules for preparing a suspension.
The first two groups are more expensive. The reason is their maximum effectiveness, the possibility of treatment without reference to the diet, compatibility with other drugs. Powder products are considered cheaper, but they often contain only one strain of bacteria.
Bifidumbacterin
The active ingredient is one strain of living microorganisms. Indications for use of this tool:
- intestinal dysfunction;
- dysbacteriosis, which could occur on the background of a viral or food infection;
- chronic inflammation in the lower abdomen.
Also, Bifidumbacterin is recommended for newborns who will have to switch to artificial feeding. The dosage must be calculated following the instructions. The powder diluted in water should be drunk 30 minutes before meals.
There is one contraindication - lactose intolerance.
Florin Forte
The drug contains beneficial bacteria for the intestine in the form of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Its action is manifested in the following:
- normal stool;
- immunity is strengthened;
- digestion and metabolic processes are improved.
It is necessary to take this medicine during food, mixing the contents of capsules with drinks. The duration of treatment is from 5 to 15 days.
Bifikol
An effective remedy for the group of eubiotics. In the composition, along with bacteria, there are also E. coli. Suspension should be consumed 2 times a day half an hour before meals. Boiled water at room temperature is required to dilute the dry powder and prepare the suspension.
If you identify high acidity 10 minutes before taking the funds, it is advisable to drink 100 ml of Borjomi.
Bifilis
This tool is recommended to take adult patients with antibiotics to maintain the balance of the flora and restore it. For women, this tool becomes an effective prevention of vaginal candidiasis, which often accompanies antibiotic therapy.
In pharmacies, you can find both powder for suspension and rectal suppositories. Rules of admission depend on age. Adults are prescribed a suspension before meals, for children up to two years old, the drug is administered in food during feeding. The powder is diluted with water directly in a jar, dissolved by shaking. When using rectal suppositories, it is necessary to pre-clean the intestines.
Bifiform
Probiotic third generation. Enterococci and several strains of bifidobacteria are active components of the drug. As a result of reception, digestion is restored, pathogenic flora is suppressed. For adults, the drug is offered in the form of capsules, for children - in the form of powders, chewable tablets.
Bioflor
The uniqueness of this drug lies in the content of living culture in the solution, which is made from soy, propolis and vegetables. After its use, the replacement of pathogenic flora is activated, immunity is restored. Also, thanks to Bioflora, the absorption of calcium, iron and other mineral substances is improved.
Lactic acid bacteria - what can I use?
Such drugs are available in the form of drugs or dietary supplements to supplement the daily diet.
Acylact
Lactobacilli for the intestines in the preparation are represented by lactic acid microorganisms. After reception the microbial and infectious flora is eliminated, the number of useful components increases.
Lactobacterin
Probiotic helps restore balance, normalizes immunity, the work of the digestive tract. With the systematic use of Lactobacterin harmful organisms are destroyed, the acidity of the gastrointestinal tract increases. This tool can be used both for adults and for children due to the absence of adverse reactions. Dosage depends on age. Due to the stability of the main component, Lactobacterin can be taken simultaneously with antibacterial agents.
Atsipol
The drug, which is composed of live lactobacilli and kefir fungi. Available in the form of capsules that dissolve in the intestines. Third-generation symbiotic is effective in disorders of motor function, weakening of the immune system. It will help stop the intoxication with food allergies. May be prescribed for admission from the age of three months in the absence of individual sensitivity to the components.
Linex
This tool has a combined composition, which includes enterococci. These components, entering the body, begin to actively proliferate, improve the production of vitamin B and C, absorb potassium. At the same time increase the acidity in the intestine, as a result, pathogenic microorganisms are inhibited.
Also, the drug affects the mechanism of production of digestive enzymes and bile. Normalization of microflora when it is taken occurs in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Can be used at any age.
Normobact L
This tool can be used to treat adults and children who have reached 1 month. After the course of treatment, immunity is strengthened, the protection of the upper gastrointestinal tract from germs improves, the negative effect of drugs on the body is reduced.
The complex effect of this drug is due to the presence of pre- and probiotics, LGG bacteria - they are most resistant to aggressive gastric environment. Full recovery of the natural microflora occurs a week after the start of therapy. Before using the contents of the sachet must be dissolved in water, milk, yogurt.
Maxilac
The representative of symbiotics, providing intake of beneficial streptococci and other microorganisms. Due to the complex composition of this tool can fight the pathologies of the large and small intestines, infections that affect the immune or respiratory system.
Polysorb
This enterosorbent is often prescribed together with taking medications based on lacto-and bifidobacteria. It contributes to a more rapid removal of harmful components. It is recommended to take in such cases as:
- intestinal infections;
- chronic renal failure;
- allergy;
- poisoning;
- hangover syndrome.
In some cases, consider the use for the restoration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Preparations for children
The above drugs can be given to the child for treatment and prophylactic purposes. In this case, it is important to coordinate the dosage with the doctor. The main thing is that the small patient does not have individual intolerance to the components, especially lactose. The most preferred safe drugs - Acilact, Bifidumbacterin.
In addition to drugs, children release dietary supplements, such as Bifidus, Junior. Such funds are included in the treatment regimen in the presence of acute respiratory and viral infections, bronchitis, pneumonia. The course of treatment is about 1 week.
What is the danger of self-treatment?
Therapy with the help of such drugs should be strictly scheduled and timed. If you do not follow the recommendations prescribed by your doctor, you may receive a complication in the form of increased gas formation.
To eliminate these symptoms, it is necessary to correct the dose correctly by contacting a therapist or a gastroenterologist. Often there can be serious complications, problems with metabolism, the appearance of urinary or gallstone disease, anaphylactic shock.
Nutrition Features for Replenishing Bifidobacteria
Increasing the concentration of beneficial bifidobacteria contributes to a balanced diet. In many products, these microorganisms are contained in their natural form, which makes the process of restoring the intestinal microflora more pleasant than medication.
Adhering to a certain diet with food, which contain a complex of bifidobacteria of various strains, you can forget about dysbacteriosis for many years. When following a diet, you must follow a few general rules:
- completely eliminate fast carbohydrates from the diet;
- take food 5-7 times a day in small portions;
- eat foods that are not conducive to constipation;
- refuse to fried and fatty foods;
- in the diet include more vegetables and fruits that are rich in fiber;
- drink at least 2 liters of water a day;
- to diversify the diet of fermented milk products, use sauerkraut, dried fruits, bran;
- from drinks kvasses, herbal teas are recommended (rich sources of bifidobacteria)
Preventing the occurrence of bifidobacteria deficiency
Bifidobacteria can not be much, so preventive measures must be carried out periodically. It is especially important to compensate for the deficiency of microorganisms in the body after antibiotic treatment. A balanced diet and diet will help prevent dysbiosis. It is imperative to wash fruits, vegetables, eliminate suspicious or expired products from the diet, abandon fast food.
These activities are necessary to maintain the microflora in good condition. Affect the concentration of bifidobacteria and the body as a whole - stress. To improve mood, increase the tone of the whole body, it is necessary to strengthen the nervous system.
