IN THIS ARTICLE
Strong intestinal flora, strong health: All about the benefits of synbiotics and what to look out for.
What is a synbiotic?
A synbiotic is a dietary supplement that contains a combination of probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics are living microorganisms such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. These support healthy intestinal flora in the gut and can help improve digestion and the immune system.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are indigestible carbohydrates that serve as a food source for these beneficial bacteria to promote their growth and multiplication.
The idea behind combining probiotics and prebiotics into a synbiotic is that prebiotics can support the beneficial bacteria in probiotics and improve the growth and survival of these bacteria in the gut.
Thus, synergistic effects can be achieved by taking synbiotics. These promote healthy intestinal flora and thus can improve the health of the digestive system, immune system and metabolism.
How do synbiotics improve gut health?
Synbiotics can improve gut health in several ways. They can help restore the balance of intestinal flora, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, promote digestion and improve the absorption of nutrients.
The probiotic bacteria in synbiotics can colonize the intestine and increase the number of beneficial bacteria, which improves the balance of intestinal flora. The prebiotic ingredients can serve as food for these bacteria and thus support their growth and reproduction.
By boosting the immune system, synbiotics can help reduce inflammation in the gut and protect the intestinal wall. Healthy gut flora and well-functioning digestion can help nutrients from food be better absorbed and utilized, which can lead to improved health and vitality.
Overall, synbiotics can help improve gut health and, in turn, promote overall body health.
How can I recognize a good synbiotic?
A good synbiotic should have the following characteristics:
- High quality: make sure the synbiotic comes from a trusted manufacturer that guarantees the quality of the bacterial strains and prebiotics it contains.
- Selected bacterial strains: The synbiotic should contain specially selected bacterial strains that have been scientifically researched and proven to have a positive effect on intestinal health.
- Good combination: the synbiotic should contain a good combination of probiotics and prebiotics to increase the survivability of the bacterial strains and provide a good source of nutrients for the bacteria.
- Proper dosage: The dosage of the synbiotic should be sufficient to achieve a positive effect on intestinal health.
- No unnecessary additives: The synbiotic should not contain unnecessary additives, as they can have a negative impact on your health.
- Transparent information: Look for transparent information about the composition and manufacture of the synbiotic on the website or package so you can make informed decisions.
- Customer reviews: It is also helpful to read reviews and recommendations from other consumers and experts to find a good synbiotic.
There are many different synbiotics on the dietary supplement market. The Love Your Gut Daily Biotic Complex from Ogaenics is a very special synbiotic and rightly one of the bestsellers in the Ogaenics range:
With 10 billion intestinal bacteria from 21 clinically researched strains and vegetable inulin per capsule, it strengthens intestinal flora and helps with intestinal problems. The bacterial strains are scientifically proven to be effective. As a certified organic product without additives and genetic engineering, it is 100% vegan and packaged in a high-quality apothecary jar. Only one capsule per day is enough!
How long should one take a synbiotic?
How long you should take a synbiotic depends on several factors. For example, from the individual health status, the goal of the intake and the type of synbiotic used. There is no specific duration that is suitable for all people.
Some people only take synbiotics for a limited period of time. For example, to treat acute symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, or to restore their intestinal flora after antibiotic therapy. In these cases, a few weeks to a few months of use may be sufficient.
Other people take synbiotics permanently to improve their intestinal health in the long term and to alleviate chronic problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or allergic symptoms. In these cases, long-term use of several months to several years may be appropriate.
How high should the bacteria be dosed?
The number of bacteria considered “good” for health may vary depending on the intake goal. However, it is generally recommended to take synbiotics with at least 1 billion viable bacteria per dose. For digestive disorders, a higher dosage of 10 billion should be used.
Why do synbiotics work better on an empty stomach?
Taking synbiotics on an empty stomach can improve the survival rate of bacteria in the gut. When the synbiotic is taken with a meal, the bacteria must first deal with the digestive enzymes and the stomach acid environment before they can reach the intestines. This may reduce the survival rate of the bacteria and thus reduce the effectiveness of the synbiotic.
When synbiotics are taken on an empty stomach, they reach the intestines faster and in greater numbers. This can help them to survive better and settle in the intestine, where they can exert their effect and restore or improve the intestinal flora.
Take synbiotics in the morning or in the evening?
There is no clear recommendation as to whether synbiotics are better taken in the morning or in the evening on an empty stomach.
Some studies have shown that it may be beneficial to take synbiotics in the morning on an empty stomach, as this can improve the survival rate of bacteria in the gut.
Other studies have shown that taking it before bedtime may also be beneficial because digestion is slower during sleep and the bacteria can remain in the intestines longer.
Ultimately, it is important to follow the instructions on the package. It can also help to incorporate taking synbiotics into daily routines to ensure that you take them regularly and thus reap the long-term health benefits.
Can synbiotics have side effects?
Yes, synbiotics can cause side effects in some cases, although they are generally considered safe and well tolerated. The possible side effects of synbiotics include a so-called “initial worsening”, which can occur at the beginning of the intake.
Initial aggravation may occur when the intestinal flora begins to change as a result of taking the prebiotics and probiotics. This can lead to temporary symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain. These symptoms are temporary and usually disappear within a few days when the bowel has regulated.
If symptoms persist for more than a few days, the synbiotic should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted.
Who should not use synbiotics?
People with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV, cancer, or after an organ transplant, should avoid synbiotics, as taking live bacteria here can be counterproductive.
Synbiotics can also interact with certain drugs and affect their efficacy. If you are taking medication, it is best to check with your doctor before taking synbiotics.
Conclusion
Synbiotics can provide a variety of gut health benefits by supporting the balance of intestinal flora, promoting digestion, and strengthening the immune system.
A good synbiotic should contain selected strains of bacteria, have a good combination of probiotics and prebiotics, and provide transparent information about its composition and manufacture. It is also important to follow dosage recommendations and consult a physician if you have concerns.
Long-term use of synbiotics can be beneficial, especially for those with intestinal problems, but it is always advisable to maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. If you want to learn more about gut health, probiotics and the microbiome, read on here:
- How menopause affects your gut health
- Skin problems? The gut-skin axis is behind it
- The crucial role of the microbiome for gut health
- Irritable bowel syndrome: Vitamin D can banish flatulence
- How the microbiome influences our health and ageing
- Bloated belly while traveling: how to prevent it
- What you should look for in a probiotic
- What can I expect when I take probiotics?
