Probiotics and prebiotics: when to use for the intestine? – 06/10/2023 – Balance

The balanced functioning of the intestine reduces the risk of developing different diseases such as Alzheimer’s and colorectal cancer, according to experts. To keep the region healthy, they recommend balanced consumption of probiotics, “good” bacteria that inhabit the intestinal microbiota, and prebiotics, fibers that serve as food for these microorganisms.

“There is an axis that communicates between the intestine and the brain. If the good bacteria predominate in the intestinal microbiota, there is a positive signal in the brain, whether in terms of satiety, immune response or the condition of organic resistance for the non-development of diseases”, says Durval Ribas-Filho, nutrologist and president of Abran (Brazilian Association of Nutrology).

In the case of colorectal cancer, the healthy microbiota of the organ can reduce the risk of the disease because it strengthens the immune system and prevents inflammation in the region.

“When we talk about cancer, we talk about cellular change. Something bigger, but that always starts with some inflammation. If you reduce inflammation and have a greater availability of nutrients and antioxidants to be used by the body, you reduce the chance of developing any type disease”, punctuates Rosanita Garcia, post-graduated nutritionist in Clinical Nutrition at São Camilo University.

The so-called “good bacteria” already exist in the body and can be found in foods such as yogurt and fermented cheese. Already prebiotics, which help with their growth, are in whole grains, bananas, oats, onions, garlic and asparagus. There is also the option of supplementing the substances.

“There are no contraindications, but there may be discomfort if the prescription is incorrect. It is important that a nutritionist recommends the product and the right amount”, says Garcia.

The intake of probiotics or prebiotics may be indicated for those seeking a healthier life, with improved absorption of nutrients such as calcium and iron, or when there are signs and symptoms such as constipation or loose bowels, excessive flatulence, respiratory allergy or on the skin, frequent cases of candidiasis and mycosis, among others.

In the case of systems analyst Marcelo Barbosa, 49, the ingestion of lactobacilli and fiber was motivated by an intestinal imbalance, which improved in the first week after starting supplementation. “I had loose bowels at certain times of the day, right after breakfast and sometimes after lunch”, he says.

Claudia Gouvêa, 50, sought help from a nutritionist when she identified that she had lactose intolerance and an intestinal disorder. The way out for her was to improve her diet and start taking probiotics. “With the supplementation, I was able to regulate my bowels and go to the bathroom more or less always at the same time”.

In addition to making the organ work, boosting immunity and preventing diseases, prebiotics and probiotics contribute to the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, working as a supporting treatment for depression, anxiety and insomnia, says Garcia.

“In recent years, there has been a vertiginous growth in research related to the intestinal microbiota. These studies clearly show that many diseases begin in the intestine”, says nutrologist Ribas-Filho.

“The altered intestinal microbiota can trigger the genetic expression of some diseases. You are what you eat. Whoever is the father of a disease, the mother was a deficient diet”, he says, reinforcing the importance of concern with the healthy eating.