What you must remember :
- Probiotics are a set of living microorganisms, including the good bacteria that inhabit our intestines.
- Taking a course of probiotics can be useful in many situations such as after treatment with antibiotics, around your travels or even in case of digestive disorders.
- The duration of a course of natural probiotics varies depending on several factors: product used, level of alteration of the intestinal microbiota, specific objective of the course, etc.
- As a general rule, a course of probiotics is recommended for a minimum duration of one month.
- It is possible to take several courses of probiotics simultaneously. However, be sure to take complementary strains and start gradually if this is your first course of probiotics.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics, beneficial bacteria for the balance of intestinal flora
Have you heard about the many benefits of probiotics around you , but you don't know what this term refers to? Don't panic, we'll explain.
Probiotics are a set of living microorganisms, including the good bacteria that inhabit our intestines. When consumed in adequate quantities, they can provide many health benefits. Indeed, recent studies have shown that they have a positive influence on various aspects of our health such as our digestion, our energy, the quality of our skin, our weight management, our stress and even our moods. Whether you are a child, young adult, senior, pregnant or breastfeeding woman, we are all concerned by taking probiotics! Indeed, various factors linked to our modern lifestyle, such as ultra-processed food, pollution, medications, stress, tobacco and alcohol, can lead to an imbalance in our intestinal microbiota, also known as the name dysbiosis . By altering our intestinal flora , they disrupt, at the same time, the many mechanisms associated with it, which has repercussions on our general health.
Distinction between probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics are very often confused with prebiotics . However, these two terms are very different: probiotics enrich the intestinal flora, while prebiotics stimulate its growth, serving as “fuel” for good bacteria. In other words, there is complementarity between them since they act in synergy for numerous benefits on the body. If you would like to know more about the difference between probiotics and prebiotics , and with all other “biotics”, do not hesitate to consult our article.
When to take a course of probiotics?
Probiotics are attracting more and more interest among wellness enthusiasts. But then the question arises: at what time(s) is it wise to take a course of probiotics ? Here are some situations in which they are particularly useful.
- Take a course of probiotics after an antibiotic treatment
Antibiotics can unbalance the intestinal flora by eliminating not only the bad bacteria, but also the good bacteria present in our intestines. This can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Take a course of probiotics before and during a trip
Traveling exposes our digestive system to new challenges, such as changes in diet, a different environment, travel stress or the risk of infections, which can lead to intestinal disorders.
- Take a course of probiotics for the intestinal flora
If you regularly suffer from digestive problems such as abdominal pain, bloating , gas or transit problems , this may be a sign of an imbalance in your intestinal flora. The essential probiotics are ideal for deeply balancing the intestinal flora and promoting better functioning of this microbiota.
- Take a course of probiotics in case of intimate discomfort
The vagina has its own microbiota which can also be weakened and unbalanced. Most of the time, this manifests itself as infections such as cystitis or mycosis.
- Take a course of probiotics for prevention
As they often say, prevention is better than cure ! So, don't wait until you suffer from digestion problems to start a course of natural probiotics. Even if you are healthy, it is still important to take care of your stomach . Indeed, taking a course of probiotics can be a good way to prevent the occurrence of digestive discomfort, but not only that! A healthy stomach also has an impact on vitality, morale, the beauty of the skin , hair, nails and many others.
What is the recommended duration of a probiotic course?
The duration of a course of natural probiotics varies depending on several factors. Indeed, it can be different depending on the product used, the level of alteration of your intestinal microbiota , and also the specific objective of the treatment. However, as a general rule, a course of probiotics is recommended for a minimum duration of 1 month. Indeed, this period of time is necessary to allow good bacteria to colonize the intestine and have a positive influence on the composition of the intestinal flora. As each stomach is unique, the beneficial effects experienced also vary. Some people may notice improvements after a few days while others may have to wait 2 to 3 weeks.
At DIJO, we recommend a duration of 1 to 3 months for a course of Essential probiotics depending on each person's objectives. But it is possible to take it continuously if you feel the need. The important thing is to listen to your body AND your feelings: if you feel that when you stop taking the product your symptoms return too quickly and too intensely, you can take the probiotics continuously to provide a treatment. melts and thus rebalances your stomach more deeply. Rest assured, there is no risk of overdose because these are good bacteria naturally found in our body, but often in too small quantities.
What are the benefits of a probiotic treatment?
As we already mentioned earlier in this article, probiotics offer many health benefits. By promoting a healthy balance of intestinal flora, they improve digestion and reduce digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating . In addition, they strengthen our immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells and preventing infections. Additionally, a link between our gut and brain has been established and shown the positive impact of probiotics on mental health via reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. There are also very interesting probiotics for maintaining optimal vaginal health by preventing infections such as cystitis and mycoses. These benefits make probiotics valuable allies for health.
Can you take several probiotics at the same time?
If you wish, you can take several courses of probiotics simultaneously. But first of all, make sure you get advice from a health professional in order to target the strains suited to your objectives. Indeed, not all probiotic food supplements are the same. They are composed of different strains of beneficial bacteria, and each can have specific effects on your microbiota (intestinal, vaginal, etc.). Therefore, when taking several probiotics simultaneously, be sure to choose strains that complement each other rather than duplicating the same strains in different brands. Additionally, if you have never taken a probiotic course before, it may be safer to start gradually. We advise you to start with one or two products containing different strains and observe how your body reacts. Indeed, although probiotics are good bacteria naturally present in our intestines, they may be lacking and their reintroduction can lead to undesirable effects (bloating, gas, etc.) in certain people during the first days of the treatment. Don't worry, this is only temporary and only lasts as long as your stomach gets used to this new change.
