There's hardly a person nowadays who hasn?t been advised to incorporate a probiotic supplement into their daily routine. Beneficial bacteria are truly our fellow assistants when it comes to maintaining a healthy gut and digestion ? but do we really know why it's so important to take care of our digestive tract and how probiotic intake fits into the picture? We will address those questions in today's article and provide valuable insights about the process of selecting the right probiotic for adults.

Before we dive into naming all the benefits that come with taking beneficial bacteria and what conditions might indicate the need for supplementation, let's first explain what probiotic microorganisms are.

In order to fully understand the essence of beneficial bacteria, we first need to discuss the nature of the microbiome and digestive health.

A huge quantity of microorganisms reside in our gut ? different types of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts combined equal to over a trillion. Our microbiome's diversity is tightly connected to our lifestyle and place of residence. Spending time outdoors in nature, exposing ourselves to a vast diversity of microorganisms and bacteria, and taking antibiotics frequently are all factors that affect the microbiome's condition. Our gut health is closely connected with our overall health: a plethora of endocrine, nervous, and immune functions are happening daily in our microbiome. Our immune response, nutrition absorption, vitamins, minerals, and neurotransmitters synthesis (serotonin and dopamine specifically), fighting chronic inflammation, and our ability to enjoy a restful sleep are all regulated by the bacteria in our gut.

In today's fast-paced and dynamic lifestyle, it's relatively easy to compromise the microbiome's health. Nutrient-poor meals, irregular eating habits, chronic stress, poor sleep hygiene, and a sedentary lifestyle are all contributing to the reduction in microbial diversity and the impairment of intestinal function. Frequent antibiotics intake is also something that shouldn?t be dismissed ? antibiotics tend to destroy not only harmful bacteria and pathogens, but also beneficial microorganisms as well, resulting in increased need for probiotic intake.

As we?ve already mentioned, plenty of microorganisms reside in our gut ? some of them are ?potentially good? while others are ?potentially harmful?; what matters most is maintaining the fine balance between them. If we experience pathogen bacteria overgrowth, we are facing a condition called dysbiosis, resulting in plenty of discomforting symptoms and sensations ? bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, acne, and eczema-prone skin, trouble sleeping, lack of energy and vitality, finding it hard to concentrate and focus, and insufficient nutrient absorption. Then come the ? strains of beneficial microorganisms usually found in fermented foods such as yoghurt, pickles, and kefir. Their superpower comes from their ability to colonize the digestive tract, fine-tune the delicate gut flora balance, and reduce the pathogen overgrowth.

Of course, nowadays we all treasure comfort more than anything ? not everybody can consume fermented foods daily in order to maintain their gut bacteria. What's relatively easier is to help our digestion by taking a probiotic supplement ? people can choose from a variety of products that come in handy for a day-to-day intake. In order to benefit from supplementing with a probiotic for adults, we need to gather some information about the selected probiotic strains, CFU numbers (the colonizing units), and the manufacturing technology.

One of the most common questions regarding probiotic supplementation revolves around the difference between probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic.

• Probiotics are essentially beneficial bacteria that help maintain the gut flora balance. They are usually found in fermented foods, and taking them daily helps reduce digestive discomfort. Examples of probiotic strains are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

• Prebiotics are indigestible fibers or specific compounds that serve as ?food? for the probiotic microorganisms. That's why sufficient fiber intake as a part of an adult diet is key ? they ensure the optimal environment for beneficial bacteria to grow and multiply. In terms of probiotic supplements, prebiotics help maintain the vitality and endurance of the probiotics.

• Synbiotics are probiotics and prebiotics combined. They deliver simultaneously both beneficial microorganisms and the ?food? needed for maximum effect.

We?ve already established what the role of bacteria is when it comes to maintaining digestive health. Without beneficial microorganisms, many endocrine, nervous, and immune functions would be compromised. We would face a long list of digestive symptoms, skin problems such as acne or eczema, nervousness and anxiety, decreased stress endurance, poor sleep quality, etc.

When dysbiosis is present, adults often experience various stomach issues ? indigestion, bloating, and gas are among the first signs of compromised gut health. We might also experience irregular bowel movement ? constipation and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms, and taking probiotics oftentimes results in overall improvement.

We also addressed frequent antibiotic intake. This is a problem for several reasons ? on one hand, exposing your body to the antibiotics? effect rather frequently makes pathogen bacteria, germs, and viruses more resistant to treatment. On the other hand, frequent antibiotic therapies potentially harm the digestive tract and the microbiome because those medications destroy all microorganisms, not only pathogenic ones. That's also a relatively easy way for dysbiosis to manifest, and if dysbiosis is present, we might face immune system dysregulation since approximately 80% of immune cells reside in the gut. When the microbiome is out of balance, our immunity is compromised, we fall sick more often, and it takes longer for us to get back on our feet. That's why it's wise in times of increased risk of diseases or viral infections to consider probiotics.

Of course, probiotics? effects surpass the digestive tract condition. When we suffer from dysbiosis, we also might experience skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, or eczema. Our urogenital health is also tightly connected to the microbiome ? dysbiosis and frequent antibiotic intake might result in harmful bacteria overgrowth and discomforting sensations such as burning and itching.

Once we discussed the essentials when it comes to microbiome health and probiotics, now it's time to focus on thoughtful advise and instructions ? how to find the right fit in a sea of supplements?

In order to pick the right probiotic supplement for adults, we need to pay close attention to the selected strains and the amount of colonizing vital units in the probiotic formula (CFUs).

Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are among the strains with the highest efficiency ? they work in synergy, bringing back the gut flora balance and fighting against discomfort and digestive symptoms. In terms of colonizing units, it's important to pay attention not only to their quantity but also to the manufacturing technology. Earlier probiotics generations needed to be stored in refrigerators, had short expiration dates, and vital bacteria rarely reached the gut due to the strong effects of the stomach acid. Microencapsulation, for instance, is a specific manufacturing process where microorganisms are encapsulated in a special coating of fibers, proteins, and mucopolysaccharides. This way vitality and longevity of the bacteria are guaranteed.

When you choose a product, it's essential for the supplement to meet several requirements for safety and manufacturing quality control ? that's why the presence of certificates, customer feedback, and international recognition are all crucial and could serve as guidance when it comes to picking the right product.

ProLact Family by the Bulgarian brand ProLact not only meets the above-mentioned requirements, but also has won customers? hearts over because it's suitable for the entire family regardless of the season. Its composition consists of the Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains for a strong synergetic effect ? the combination of the three probiotic strains works powerfully when it comes to maintaining the gut flora balance and health. The supplement comes in a powder form and can be easily added to smoothies and shakes while impressing with a delicate milky-caramel taste. The supplement supports the immune function, regulates the immune response, and brings back the balance in the microbiome. ProLact Family is a microencapsulated probiotic with multiple certificates for safety and quality control ? it's a remarkably wise choice for the entire family.

ProLact is a biotech company and a leading probiotics manufacturer in the European Union of probiotics, postbiotics and symbiotics under its own brand name ProLact, but also a major supplier of and services worldwide.

We need to follow several simple rules in order to benefit the most from probiotic intake.

The best time for intake is usually in the morning or in the evening after meals, or approximately 2 to 3 hours after antibiotic intake. When you?ll choose to take the supplement depends on your individual daily routine ? except for when the product is strictly formulated to be taken at a precise time (for example, if the supplement adds up to a relaxing effect, it's wise to take it before bed, etc.). In order for us to witness the probiotics? full effect, we need to be consistent for at least 4 weeks. Combine supplementing with a healthy diet rich in fiber and fermented foods.

There's a sea of supplements out there ? when there is product diversity, there are also myths that go along with probiotic supplementation.

You might stumble upon information that the more CFUs are there in the formula, the better ? but is this inherently true? It's important to know that some probiotic strains can stimulate excess histamine production ? if a huge amount of histamine-producing bacteria is found in the composition, we might experience symptoms such as headaches and congestion. What's also important is the manufacturing technology and process ? not all probiotic products are manufactured in the same way. We can?t simply draw parallels between a product that requires refrigerator storage and a microencapsulated probiotic ? the latter grants us with more actual effects and makes intake far more easier and more effective.

Not all probiotics are designed to meet all needs and conditions ? that's also a common myth. There are specially designed products with a targeted effect focusing on a strict formula of strains, herbs, vitamins, and minerals. That's why we advise you to always research the benefits, recommendations, and customer disclaimers when you pick a supplement ? this way, you can certainly make the right choice and enjoy the benefits.