Microbiota constitutes 90% of the number of cells in the human body; It is a structure consisting of viruses, bacteria and single-celled organisms. Probiotics are live microorganisms that positively affect health when taken orally in sufficient amounts. It contributes to the flora by improving the microbial balance within the intestine, does not give opportunity to disease-causing microorganisms through competition, and ensures that they are later excreted with feces. Nutritional sources of probiotics: Fermented yoghurts, cheese, pickles, raw sausage, bread, beer, wine, kumiss and kefir containing Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Enterococcus, Streptococcus.
Dietary factors and eating habits play an important role in the modulation of the intestinal microbiota. What is remarkable about this is that this effect can occur in a very short time. For example, in studies conducted on mice, when a diet rich in low-fat and vegetable complex carbohydrates was switched to a high-fat and high-sugar diet; or in studies conducted in humans, it has been observed that significant changes occur in the intestinal microbiota even within a day when switching from a high-fat and low-fiber diet to a low-fat and high-fiber diet. It was concluded that the number of bacteria with probiotic effects was lower in mice fed a high-fat diet compared to mice fed a normal diet.
Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that are not digested but are broken down in the intestine and improve intestinal health by increasing the proliferation and activity of bacteria in the large intestine. Lactulose, a disaccharide, inulin, oligosaccharides (maltose, soy, xylose), galactooligosaccharides (legumes) containing oligofructose and galactose are nutritional sources of prebiotics. Nutritional sources of fructooligosaccharides, which are the sub-form of inulin, are: wheat, onion, banana, garlic, leek, Jerusalem artichoke, dandelion, asparagus, peas, barley and rye. In addition, breast milk is also considered a good source of prebiotics due to the oligosaccharides it contains.
Synbiotics are the combination of probiotics and prebiotics. Postbio tics are biologically active by-products of probiotics and are substances such as short-chain fatty acids that can have positive contributions to health when added to foods.
Effects of Probiotics on Health and Some Diseases
Probiotic dairy products containing probiotic microorganisms are not only nutritious but also have numerous health benefits. In order for probiotics to have a positive effect, they must be settled in the intestine. Nowadays, there is an increasing tendency to use probiotics in the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
• Research has shown that probiotics increase the host's immune defense and resistance against microbial pathogens, and thus improve some physiological functions in the gastrointestinal system.
• The best results in probiotics were obtained in the treatment of lactose malabsorption and acute diarrhea. It has been observed that with probiotic applications, lactose is better digested and the duration, frequency and recurrence of diarrhea caused by rotavirus infections, antibiotics and chemotherapy are reduced.
• A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that probiotic yoghurt has positive effects on insulin sensitivity and fats in obese individuals, compared to low-fat classic yoghurt.
• In a study, it was observed that probiotic supplementation before Colorectal Cancer surgery reduced various post-operative complications.
• According to a study conducted among type 2 diabetic patients between the ages of 45-65, a decrease was observed in the body mass index, fasting blood sugar and HBA1C values (average blood sugar value in the last 2 to 3 months) of the use of probiotic fermented milk and It is mentioned that probiotics can be used as a complement in the treatment of diabetes.
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a tissue damage that usually occurs in a part of the intestines of premature newborn babies. It is a disease that is seen as a disease. As a result of a research conducted considering probiotics as potential preventers used to change and normalize the intestinal flora against the risk of NEC in premature babies, it was determined that probiotics play an important role in changing the intestinal microbiota by competing with other potential pathogens.
• In a study, a decrease in total cholesterol level and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level was observed after 3 weeks of use of a product containing probiotic and prebiotic fermented milk. In another study, similar results were obtained in those fed fermented yoghurt for 4-8 weeks. Based on these studies, it is thought that a probiotic and prebiotic-rich diet started in childhood may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease that may occur in the future.
• In a study published in Science Direct, participants receiving probiotic treatment showed greater improvement in depressive symptoms than those receiving a placebo.
• Intestinal microbiota composition can control autistic behaviors through various mechanisms. Additionally, probiotic supplements have been found to reduce autism symptoms.
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