Probiotics and intestinal microbiota: how to improve your digestion and immunity naturally

Our gut hosts a large number of bacteria, known as the gut microbiota ^[1]. An imbalance of this flora can be associated with bloating, digestive disorders, or temporary fatigue. Probiotics can support this intestinal ecosystem. Here's what the scientific literature says and the formulas available on our site.

What is the gut microbiota?

The gut microbiota is the collection of bacteria, yeasts, and microorganisms that live in our gut ^[1]. It plays a role in:

• The digestion of fibers and nutrients ^[2]
• The synthesis of certain vitamins
• The support of the intestinal immune system
• The gut-brain axis, explored by research ^[3]

Probiotics: definition and function

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can have a beneficial effect on health ^[4]. They are studied for:

• Supporting the balance of the intestinal flora
• Limiting the proliferation of undesirable bacteria
• Supporting the intestinal barrier ^[5]

When to consider probiotics?

• In case of bloating, irregular transit, or slow digestion
• After a course of antibiotics ^[6]
• During periods of stress or temporary fatigue ^[7]

Which strains are the most studied?

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: infectious diarrhea, post-antibiotic context ^[8]
• Bifidobacterium lactis: intestinal transit ^[9]
• Saccharomyces boulardii: post-antibiotic diarrhea ^[10]
• Lactobacillus plantarum: bloating, irritable bowel syndrome ^[11]
• Lactobacillus reuteri: studied in infants (colic) ^[12]

Dosage and practical advice

• Take a course for at least 30 days, 1 to 2 times a year
• Preferably take on an empty stomach or before meals
• Store in the refrigerator if specified on the label
• Space 2 hours apart from antibiotics ^[13]

Products available on Pharmaplusfrance.store

• Probiotic-10 & Bifido Boost, 25 Billion CFU, 10 Strains (NOW Foods)
• Women's Probiotic 20 Billion, Vaginal and Intestinal Flora (NOW Foods)
• Aloe 10,000 & Probiotics (NOW Foods)

Note: we do not currently offer Saccharomyces boulardii or dedicated children's probiotics on the site.

Conclusion

A balanced gut microbiota contributes to good digestion and overall well-being. Probiotics, when well-chosen, can support this balance. Discover on Pharmaplusfrance.store the supplements actually available, from strains documented in the literature.

Scientific references

1. Human Microbiome Project Consortium. Structure, function and diversity of the healthy human microbiome. Nature. 2012;486(7402):207-214.
2. Flint HJ, Scott KP, Louis P, Duncan SH. The role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012.
3. Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012.
4. FAO/WHO. Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. 2002.
5. Ouwehand AC et al. Probiotic mechanisms of action. (source to be checked for bibliographical details)
6. Hempel S et al. Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. JAMA. 2012;307(18):1959-1969.
7. Messaoudi M et al. Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation in rats and human subjects. Br J Nutr. 2011;105(5):755-764.
8. Szajewska H, Kotowska M, Mrukowicz JZ et al. Lactobacillus GG for acute gastroenteritis in children. J Pediatr. 2001. (source to be checked)
9. Rizzardini G et al. Evaluation of the immune benefits of two probiotic strains. Br J Nutr / Clin Nutr. 2012. (source to be checked)
10. McFarland LV. Systematic review and meta-analysis of Saccharomyces boulardii in adult patients. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16(18):2202-2222.
11. Ducrotté P, Sawant P, Jayanthi V. Clinical trial: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v in irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2012. (source to be checked for the exact journal)
12. Savino F et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for infantile colic. Pediatrics. 2007;119(1):e124-e130.
13. Marteau P. Probiotics and antibiotics: interactions. Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2009. (source to be checked)

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