Taking special antibiotics comes close to uprooting trees. The only difference is that it is not trees that have to give way here, but beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal flora.
The microbiome plays a major role in your health. After all, the majority of immune cells are located in the intestine. Therefore, it is important to maintain the biodiversity of the intestinal inhabitants.
We reveal how the intestinal flora can recover after taking antibiotics and the role probiotics play in this process. We also take an exciting foray into science to find out what current studies have to say about the modern way of reforestation.
The miracle of the intestine
The intestine is a true marvel. For a long time, it was assumed that the intestine was solely responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. In recent years, however, researchers have uncovered numerous secrets about the organ, which can be up to 7 meters long.
Did you know that your intestine is the command center of your immune defense? It uses various defense strategies to ensure that invaders are effectively destroyed. The intestinal mucosa, especially in the small intestine, has special cells. The so-called Paneth cells secrete substances that attack the intruders. With the “M cells” it is possible to take up pathogens and channel them directly to the responsible defense cells.
Then there is the gut-associated immune system (GALT). It takes on a special significance when it comes to fighting pathogens. The GALT includes the pharyngeal and palatine tonsils and the solitary lymphoid follicles of the intestine.
In addition, a certain part of the appendix, the so-called appendix vermiformis, helps the immune defense system. Fact is: 70% of your immune cells are located in your intestine alone.
Last but not least, it is assumed that the intestine can influence emotions. This is said to be possible with intestinal bacteria that communicate with each other. The signal substances released are then received by receptors, which in turn are connected to the brain.
Intestinal bacteria: a great mix for health
Your intestine is home to numerous microorganisms. According to research, there are at least 1014 tiny creatures in the largest internal organ. If someone were to weigh this large number of bacteria, the scale would read 1.5-2 kg. Incredible, isn’t it?
All these great tiny creatures make up the intestinal flora. Both “good” and “bad” bacteria find their place here. Don’t worry, the “bad” bacteria are not a problem as long as the good microorganisms are the top dogs.
This is exactly where antibiotics come into play. They can be singled out as culprits especially often when the good bacteria show up reduced.
What antibiotics do to the intestinal flora
Purulent tonsils, a stubborn urinary tract infection or pneumonia – whenever bacteria threaten health, antibiotics are the remedy of choice.
In the past, antibiotics were readily and often prescribed. However, studies have shown that frequent use led to resistance – the pathogens were then no longer impressed by the drugs.
This has led to a change in thinking. Today, antibiotics are prescribed much less frequently. Nevertheless, there are diseases that make their use necessary. Unfortunately, this also has serious consequences for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Study reveals devastating potential of antibiotics
Antibiotics have a significant impact on the delicate balance of intestinal flora, a study has impressively demonstrated.
Researchers from Denmark, Germany and China joined forces to investigate the effects of therapy with a broad-spectrum antibiotic on intestinal bacteria.
Quick info up front: it took six months for the valuable microbiome to fully recover. Selected bacterial species did not return during the study period.
But how did the scientists arrive at these results? Six healthy, young men volunteered for the study. They were all given a mix consisting of three different antibiotics for 4 days.
The selected drugs are usually used when conventional antibiotics have no effect. After taking the drugs, the researchers studied what was happening in the intestines of the study participants for six months.
Using DNA sequencing – a molecular biology analysis method – the researchers were able to determine how the intestinal bacteria behaved. The good news: Despite the administration, bacteria survived.
Let’s take our example from the beginning. As after a forest clearing, the intestinal flora recovered step by step. However, it was noticeable that initially the pathogenic germs reappeared. These included Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum.
Perhaps you too have already experienced gastrointestinal disorders after taking antibiotics. The research team also found a possible explanation for this in the study. They found a particularly high number of virulence factors after taking antibiotics. These are metabolic products and structures that tend not to be beneficial to health and have the potential to cause gastrointestinal problems.
Bacteria out of sync: how to recognize an imbalance
Not every antibiotic automatically causes your intestinal flora to become unbalanced. However, an unhealthy diet and stress can also make your intestinal subtenants feel unwell.
If several factors come together, even harmless antibiotics can cause discomfort. The result: flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. Those affected also describe a general feeling of discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
Building up the intestinal flora: probiotics as helpers?
Let’s keep in mind: antibiotics can reduce the number of bacteria in the intestine. Unfortunately, this means that the good bacteria also come to a quick end. Over time, the intestinal flora manages to regenerate itself. However, bad germs are first on the agenda.
Over time, good microorganisms join them, for example in the form of bifidobacteria. They produce lactic acid and keep pathogens at bay. After about six months, your intestinal flora will have returned to normal, although some types of bacteria may still be missing.
Six months is a long time. Therefore, many sufferers wonder whether they can help the colonization of good bacteria.
In selected studies, it has been observed that probiotics can exert effects on intestinal flora and immunological processes. In addition, probiotics are thought to be helpful in various conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and childhood diarrhea.
What are probiotics?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as “viable microorganisms that, when administered in sufficient quantity, bring about a health-promoting effect on the host.”
Probiotics are said to make it possible to restore the function of natural intestinal bacteria. Medicinal products are recommended to augment the human microbiome with bacterial strains.
Probiotics are said to have the following effects:
- Regulation of digestion
- Regeneration of intestinal cells
- Strengthening of the intestinal barrier
- Support of the immune system
- Promotion of the settlement of “good” bacteria
In addition, a recent study showed that the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum 1714 TM in particular facilitates the handling and processing of stress. The University Hospital of Tübingen administered an appropriate probiotic to 40 study participants. By means of brain scans, it was possible to prove that stress could be better managed after ingestion. These are good prospects for further research into the tiny intestinal inhabitants.
Probiotics: which bacteria are recommended?
There are numerous microorganisms that maintain your health. However, in order to exert a positive effect after ingestion, probiotics must meet some requirements.
First of all, it is important that they reach the colon in as large numbers as possible. Therefore, those bacterial cultures that defy stomach acid are best suited. They should also be unaffected by bile acid and digestive enzymes.
Once the microorganisms have cleared the hurdles, they must attach themselves to the intestinal wall. This is the only way to successfully colonize and support the intestinal flora on site. Various bifidobacteria and lactobacilli have proven to be particularly helpful.
We rely on the following useful helpers in our Arktis Arktibiotic Select:
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Enterococcus Faecium
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Casei
- Lactococcus Lactis
- Lactococcus Salivarius
Did you know that the microorganisms also have to “eat” something themselves? With the help of so-called prebiotics, they get the food they need. These are non-digestible food components that are beneficial for the growth and activity of colon bacteria. Dietary fibers such as inulin and oligofructose are suitable for this purpose – our product therefore contains excipients such as α-amylase, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose and a small amount of fructo-oligosaccharides.
By the way: From study results it can be deduced that a longer-term intake over weeks is useful. When using the product, you should always follow the recommended dosage. We recommend our colondrink for at least 1 month, so in total 4 bottles 1litre each. 4-5 table spoons after each meal.
Our tip: support the reforestation of beneficial intestinal bacteria
In addition to probiotics, an adapted diet is also advised to promote the growth of health-promoting bacteria in the gut. Sugar mainly serves as food for “bad” bacteria and should therefore play a secondary role during the reforestation process. Instead, you should turn to fermented foods. Sauerkraut, kimchi or miso also contain probiotics and are a good recommendation. It’s best to provide the food for the good bacteria at the same time. Vegetables, fruit and whole grain products are suitable for this. In combination with a probiotic (dietary supplement), you pull out all the stops to give your fellow inhabitants a helping hand.
