Lactic ferments is the name that is commonly, but imprecisely given, to lactic acid bacteria, a group of microorganisms capable of metabolizing lactose, the most abundant sugar in milk.
Probiotic lactic ferments
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a habitual host of the human intestine; it is not normally present in yoghurts and belongs to the group of probiotic lactic bacteria . Numerous other lactic ferments are included in the category, some of which have been announced by advertising: LC1, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus Casei and Bifidobacterium . These lactic ferments, all of human origin and resistant to digestive action, have the ability to reach the intestine alive where they can reproduce and improve human health.
The lactic ferments belonging to this category are used to balance intestinal functions, strengthen the immune system and help the action of antibiotics. The prescription of probiotics is particularly widespread as a therapeutic support in case of dysfunctions of the digestive system. Probiotic foods would positively affect pathological conditions, not only local but also general. Although in this regard there are opinions and studies with conflicting results, it is in fact probable that the probiotic lactic ferments exhibit a beneficial action also in the case of other diseases, such as respiratory and urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel syndromes and food allergies.
How do probiotics work?
The final tract of our intestine, called the colon, is populated by billions of bacteria that together constitute the intestinal bacterial flora. These microorganisms carry out fermentative and putrefactive processes that involve digestion residues (fibers, carbohydrates and proteins).
When due to a simple binge or following morbid conditions, the amount of sugar and undigested proteins increases, the excessive production of gas triggers cramps and abdominal pains. If an unfavorable digestive condition is established the normal balance between good bacteria, called eubiotic, and harmful, called pathogens, is altered in favor of the latter.
In such situations a therapy based on probiotics is able to contribute to the rebalancing of the normal bacterial flora. These particular lactic ferments in fact have the ability to reach the intestine alive and to adhere to the enterocytes that make up the intestinal mucosa. Probiotic microorganisms prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacterial strains:
- subtracting their food
- occupying the possible sites of adhesion to the intestinal walls
- producing active antibiotic substances that inhibit replication.
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X Watch the video on youtubePotential therapeutic effects
The administration of probiotics raises a lot of interest due to the numerous potentially therapeutic effects:
| Positive effects associated with the use of probiotics | |
| removal of harmful antigens | |
| alleviation of lactose intolerance | |
| stimulus on lymphoid development associated with the intestinal mucosa with consequent strengthening of intestinal and general immune defenses | |
| likely decrease in serum cholesterol levels | |
| likely reduction in food allergies | |
| Therapeutic indications* | |
| SOME | PROBABLE |
| Diarrhea associated with antibiotics | Diarrhea of the traveler |
| Enteritis and Rotavirus diarrhea | Helicobacter pylori |
Reinforcement of the defenses intestinal immune system | Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease; Ulcerative colitis) |
| Lactose intolerance | Prevention of colon cancer |
| Diverticular disease and irritable bowel syndrome | |
| Food allergy | |
| High cholesterol | |
| Chronic constipation | |
| Bacterial vaginitis | |
| Cavity | |
| Urinary tract infections | |
| * The efficacy of these microorganisms can however vary depending on the type of bacteria used and the individual response. | |
CONTINUE: Yogurt, lactic ferments and prebiotics »
