An immune system malfunction is the cause of ulcerative colitis, a persistent colon inflammation. The exact causes of this disease are not yet fully understood, but there are many factors that may play a role. This text discusses the possible causes of ulcerative colitis and the recommended diet for this disease.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
The exact causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown, but a combination of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors is thought to play a role. Risk factors include smoking, diet, and stress.
Inheritance
Heredity of ulcerative colitis is an important factor in the development of the disease. Studies have shown that people whose parents or siblings have ulcerative colitis have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. There are several genes that have been linked to ulcerative colitis, but it is unclear how exactly they influence the development of the disease.
The immune system fails in ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is also called an autoimmune disease because the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks its own intestines. It is believed that a malfunction of the immune system triggers the inflammatory reaction in the intestines that leads to the development of ulcerative colitis. However, the exact cause of this malfunction is unclear.
Inflammatory reactions
It is believed that certain inflammatory reactions in the intestine may contribute to the development of ulcerative colitis. These reactions can be triggered by a variety of factors, including infections, food intolerances, and environmental factors.
Nutrition for Ulcerative Colitis
Diet may play an important role in the development of ulcerative colitis. Some studies have shown that a Western diet high in fat, sugar, and processed foods is associated with an increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis (1).
Other studies have shown that a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce the risk of developing ulcerative colitis (2).
Smoke
Smoking is another factor that can affect the risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown that smokers have a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis than non-smokers. Even people who quit smoking have a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis. (3)
Stress
Stress is another factor that can influence the development of ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown that people who suffer from chronic stress have a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis than people who are less stressed. It is believed that stress affects the immune system and increases inflammatory reactions in the intestines.
Vitamin D deficiency and ulcerative colitis
A study has shown that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Adequate vitamin D intake could therefore help reduce or prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.
Nuts protect against ulcerative colitis
There is evidence that regular consumption of walnuts may reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis. One study showed that people who ate at least 20–25 walnuts daily had a lower risk of developing the disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition affecting the digestive tract, with common forms including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis often involves a combination of blood tests, imaging, and endoscopic procedures. Treatments typically focus on reducing inflammation and may include medications like anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and biologics, along with dietary changes and, in severe cases, surgery.
The diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
When diagnosing IBD, other intestinal diseases must first be ruled out, such as bacterial or viral intestinal inflammation, food intolerances, food allergies, or irritable bowel syndrome.
There is no single examination method for diagnosing chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Instead, in IBD, the clinical symptoms, laboratory diagnostics, and endoscopic, histological (tissue samples), and radiological findings from imaging procedures are evaluated and interpreted (15).
Anamnesis: A thorough anamnesis (including family history) and physical exam are crucial.
Allergy and Intolerance Tests: Tests can rule out food intolerances (lactose, fructose, histamine, celiac disease) and food allergies, which can worsen chronic inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
Blood Test: Blood tests check for inflammation (CRP, ESR, white blood cells), nutrient deficiencies (folic acid, vitamins B12, D), anemia, and elevated autoantibodies in ulcerative colitis.
Stool Examination: A stool test can identify infections (e.g., Clostridium difficile), foreign parasites, and inflammation markers like calprotectin, predicting flare-ups.
Ultrasound: Detects intestinal wall thickening and affected sections.
Endoscopy: Gastroscopy and colonoscopy examine the intestinal lining, detect bleeding/ulcers, and allow biopsy for inflammation or malignancy.
Capsule Endoscopy: Examines the small intestine, useful when colonoscopy is limited.
MRI/CT: MRI is used for diagnosis; CT is avoided to limit radiation.
Toxic megacolon is a (fortunately very rare) complication of IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis (since the colon is affected), which results in a type of intestinal paralysis. The abdomen is distended (acute abdomen) with defensive tension and pain, and there is high fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and even intestinal obstruction.
The bloated colon can damage the intestinal wall so much that intestinal contents can enter the blood, which can lead to sepsis (commonly known as blood poisoning). In the worst case, megacolon can lead to shock with life-threatening organ failure.
However, if you go to the hospital immediately or call an emergency doctor when you experience the corresponding symptoms, you can be treated.
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Conventional Medicine
From a conventional medical perspective, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was initially considered an autoimmune disease. It was believed that parts of the immune system attack the body’s own tissue in the intestine, in this case the intestinal mucosa/intestinal wall. As mentioned above, IBD is now thought to be a barrier disorder in which the immune system does not attack the body’s own structures, but rather bacteria in the intestinal flora. Anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressant drugs are used in particular, i.e., cortisone preparations (e.g. budesonide) and immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine), often in long-term therapy.
Budesonide, a cortisone-containing medication, is often used for IBD. It has fewer side effects than other glucocorticoids because it primarily affects the large intestine and breaks down quickly in the liver. In Crohn’s disease, it’s effective for inflammation in the ascending colon, but less so for the upper digestive tract. For ulcerative colitis, it’s applied rectally (e.g. Entocort) for mild to moderate inflammation in the lower colon or rectum, often alongside other treatments like mesalazine. Only 10% enters the bloodstream, reducing side effects, but caution is needed for liver disease or drug interactions. Prolonged use may still cause side effects like Cushing’s syndrome, digestive issues, infections, osteoporosis, and psychological effects.
Mesalazine inhibits intestinal inflammation in IBD
The standard therapy for chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mild to moderate cases also includes mesalazine, a drug from the group of aminosalicylates, which both inhibits inflammatory processes and suppresses the immune system.
Mesalazine can be used for intestinal inflammation orally in capsule form or locally, for example as an enema, foam, or suppository. The most common possible side effects of mesalazine include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, skin rash, hypersensitivity reactions, and fever.
Sometimes sulfasalazine is also prescribed, a mixture of mesalazine and another active ingredient (sulfonamide).
Monoclonal antibodies in IBD
In severe cases of IBD, mesalazine alone is often too weak and is therefore usually combined with other medications or replaced with stronger medications such as adalimumab. Adalimumab is a so-called monoclonal antibody, a drug from the group of biologics, and is very expensive. A single injection, which is due every two weeks, costs around 1500 AUD .
Adalimumab blocks tumor necrosis factor ( TNF-α ), a messenger substance of the immune system and an important mediator of immune and inflammatory reactions. TNF-α blockers are therefore among the drugs that suppress the immune system. They are also called immunosuppressants.
Common side effects include increased blood lipid levels, dizziness, drowsiness, frequent respiratory infections, an overall increased susceptibility to infections, pancreatitis and pneumonia, diarrhea, skin rashes, inflammatory changes in the skin with itching, new onset of psoriasis and worsening of existing psoriasis, etc.
Drug therapy for IBD: No guaranteed effect
Overall, the success of drug treatments for intestinal inflammatory bowel disease varies greatly. For some, the treatment works and repeatedly leads to longer breaks (remissions) between the individual attacks of the disease, while for others, there is hardly any noticeable effect.
If the above-mentioned medications fail to treat IBD, surgical measures are also considered, during which the inflamed parts of the intestine are removed.
The disease often ends in what is known as short bowel syndrome. In this case, more than 100 cm of the small intestine had to be removed, which means that the intestine is eventually so shortened by the surgical intervention that it can no longer absorb nutrients properly and various deficiency symptoms can occur, not to mention the often extreme weight loss.
Ultimately, conventional medicine offers little hope for IBD. Attempts are made to alleviate symptoms and prolong remissions, but the possibility of a cure for chronic intestinal inflammation is dismissed. It is no wonder that more and more people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease are turning to naturopathy, nutritional therapy and other complementary medical procedures.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, isn’t acutely life-threatening but brings chronic, distressing symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, and weight loss. While conventional treatments often involve medications or surgery, naturopathic approaches—such as turmeric or probiotics—may offer relief from intestinal inflammation, though evidence varies.
What is Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
When we talk about chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we are talking about two diseases in particular: Crohn’s disease (terminal ileitis) and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases were initially classified as autoimmune diseases, but it is now assumed that they are barrier disorders in which the intestinal mucosa is so damaged that bacteria from the intestinal flora can penetrate into the deeper layers of the mucosa and trigger immune reactions there. They are therefore not infectious diseases, nor are they acutely life-threatening illnesses.
In most cases, medications with many side effects (as long-term therapy) or even operations are used, so that those affected usually look for natural therapies on their own and want to treat their intestinal inflammation with naturopathic medicine.
Intestinal inflammation beyond IBD
The term “inflammatory bowel disease” (IBD) is distinct from “irritable bowel syndrome” (IBS), a common confusion in English-language literature. Not all intestinal inflammation stems from Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. For example:
Antibiotic-Associated Colitis: Caused by gut flora disruption, often from Clostridioides difficile overgrowth after antibiotics.
Crohn’s Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis: Key Differences
While Crohn’s disease can affect the entire digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, ulcerative colitis is limited to the large intestine. In ulcerative colitis, the intestinal inflammation begins in the rectum (the 20-cm-long section of intestine in front of the anus) and spreads continuously throughout the rest of the large intestine as the disease progresses—a pattern of spread that can be easily identified with a colonoscopy.
The preferred location of Crohn’s disease is in the area where the small intestine and large intestine meet. Another term for Crohn’s disease is therefore terminal ileitis. The lowest section of the small intestine is called the ileum, and the very last section of the ileum before the transition to the large intestine is called the terminal ileum. The ending -itis in the term ileitis indicates inflammation. (Examples: arthritis (joint inflammation), bronchitis (inflamed bronchi), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), etc.).
In Crohn’s disease, intestinal inflammation can also occur simultaneously in several parts of the digestive tract. Usually, the terminal ileum and the rectum are inflamed at the same time.
Crohn’s disease affects all layers of the intestinal wall. In ulcerative colitis, only the inner mucous membrane layer (the colon wall) is affected. Both diseases can sometimes reach serious proportions and can significantly impair the lives of those affected.
The Symptoms of IBD
The most common symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are:
Diarrhea in IBD can be bloody, mucous, or both. A typical course of the disease is recurrent, i.e. intermittent, with tolerable periods (remissions) alternating with dramatic phases (relapses), the latter often requiring treatment in a clinic.
During IBD flare-ups (relapses) or afterwards, other illnesses can occur. One in five Crohn’s disease patients and one in seven ulcerative colitis patients develop reactive arthritis. Exactly the same number of IBD sufferers develop sacroiliitis (inflammatory, degenerative changes in the sacroiliac joint (lower back)). Reactive arthritis is arthritis that occurs as a result of (usually bacterial) inflammation of the urinary tract or intestines.
Bile duct inflammation, anemia , skin diseases (e.g., rosacea), or eye inflammation (uveitis) can also occur after IBD attacks.
Diarrhea and stomach pain mean that you can no longer eat everything and eat less overall, especially during flare-ups. In addition, the damage to the inflamed mucous membrane can lead to absorption disorders. Both – eating little and absorption disorders lead to nutrient and vital substance deficiencies, which in turn can lead to further symptoms and illnesses.
In the course of intestinal inflammation, stenosis (narrowing) can occur in the inflamed intestine, which increases the risk of intestinal obstruction.
Special features of Crohn’s disease
In Crohn’s disease, fistulas (ducts filled with pus) and abscesses can also develop in the intestine. The body actually forms fistulas for a good reason. It tries to drain pus outwards through these ducts. However, this often does not work in the desired way.
The fistulas can connect different parts of the intestine or even lead from the intestine to other organs or to the surface of the body. These passages can also end “blindly” and form abscesses, which are very painful and often accompanied by fever and generalized (affecting the whole body) inflammation.
Special features of Ulcerative Colitis
Visible blood in the stool can occur more frequently in the case of ulcerative colitis than in Crohn’s disease. Bleeding in the colon caused by ulcerative colitis leads to bright blood in the stool. However, if Crohn’s disease affects the upper digestive tract (esophagus/stomach) and bleeding occurs there, contact with stomach acid causes the blood (or the red blood pigment (=hemoglobin)) to turn into black hematin chloride. The stool then appears black due to the older blood.
Of course, there can also be a mixture of fresh and older blood in the stool, namely when both the upper and lower digestive systems are affected and bleeding occurs in both areas, which can only occur in Crohn’s disease.
The History of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD
The typical symptoms of intestinal inflammation (IBD) have been known in medicine for a long time. Of course, it is no longer possible to determine whether it was actually IBD as we know it today. Chronic diarrhea, for example, has been described in the history of medicine since ancient Greece. Hippocrates of Kos, the most famous doctor of antiquity (460–370 BC), also spoke of the possible causes of chronic non-infectious diarrhea.
Sir Samuel Wilks (1824–1911), a British physician and lecturer at the University of London , explained a case report in 1859 in which the term “ulcerative colitis” was used for the first time to describe exactly what is still understood by this disease today. However, it is now suspected that it was more likely a case of Crohn’s disease.
The year 1909 is considered an important year in terms of ulcerative colitis. At that time, the Royal Society of Medicine in London held a symposium to discuss more than 300 cases of ulcerative colitis, their risk factors, symptoms, and possible treatment methods. In the same year, the proctologist and surgeon John Percy Lockhart-Mummery (1875–1957) introduced the small colonoscopy (sigmoidoscopy) as a reliable diagnostic method for colon diseases (2).
Sigmoidoscopy is still used today to examine part of the colon (in a modernized form, of course), which is usually sufficient, especially in the case of ulcerative colitis, and is over in just a few minutes without anesthetics. If the entire colon is to be examined, a normal colonoscopy is used, which takes about half an hour and is done under anesthetics.
In 1955, the first blind clinical study appeared, which showed that cortisone was effective in treating ulcerative colitis. At the same time, the two drugs mesalazine and sulfasalazine came onto the market. The following decades were used to research the disease, and monoclonal antibodies (e.g., infliximab and adalimumab) were soon introduced.
These so-called biologics are intended to inhibit the activities of TNF-α. Certain immune cells release a substance known as TNF-, which causes inflammatory responses. If TNF-α is inhibited, the inflammation caused by IBD subsides.
IBD affects so many people
People with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are no longer a rarity. The number of people affected by this intestinal inflammation has been increasing slowly but steadily for decades. In the 1980s, there was a sudden, massive increase in the number of people affected—at least in industrialized nations.
According to official sources, there are now well over 170000 people in Australia who suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (more common from Crohn’s disease than ulcerative colitis). However, it can be assumed that the number of unreported cases is much higher, as many people deny the disease out of shame or fear of consequences (e.g., at work or in their relationship), especially when it is mild to moderate and can still be concealed.
Life expectancy in intestinal inflammation IBD
Depending on the study, the life expectancy of patients with IBD is either not reduced or only slightly reduced. In 2003, for example, data from 16,550 people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease showed a slightly increased mortality compared to 82,917 healthy controls (20), with mortality being higher in Crohn’s disease than in ulcerative colitis.
In 2010, an analysis of nine studies on Crohn’s disease found that mortality was slightly increased, while the risk of colorectal cancer was no higher than in people without Crohn’s disease (19).
Four years later, a study was published in the journal Gut, in which almost 240 Crohn’s disease patients were scientifically monitored over a period of 20 years. There was no increase in mortality and no increased risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease (6).
A 2020 study found that life expectancy in IBD patients was reduced by 2.3 years (21).
At this age, intestinal inflammation occurs most frequently
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis usually occur between the ages of 15 and 35. People of all genders are equally affected. Around 25 percent of all IBD patients are diagnosed before the age of 18. The disease therefore occurs not only in adults, but also in children and teenagers.
A quarter of all affected children and adolescents are younger than 10 years old when diagnosed. The course of IBD is even faster and more aggressive in children and adolescents than later in adulthood.
Smokers are twice as likely to suffer from Crohn’s disease
Smokers are twice as likely to suffer from Crohn’s disease as non-smokers, so smoking is considered an important risk factor . Experiments have discovered that cells damaged and inflamed by smoking can break off from the lungs, then travel to the intestines and fuel inflammatory processes there. If you are suffering from Crohn’s disease and are also smokers, now would be a good time to quit smoking .
Lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) are among the beneficial intestinal bacteria. They ensure good digestion, a strong immune system and an intact intestinal mucosa, but they are also used in the treatment of numerous diseases.
Lactic acid bacteria: Good bacteria for good digestion
Many bacteria can cause diseases. But there are also bacteria that are completely harmless, even very useful and therefore very good for your health. Lactic acid bacteria – also called lactobacilli – are among these useful bacteria. They are also called probiotic bacteria or (in the form of food supplements) probiotics. They colonize the human intestine, among other things, and have many different tasks there. One of the most important tasks is to support and regulate digestion.
What lactic acid bacteria are there?
There are many different types of lactic acid bacteria. The species name (e.g. acidophilus or brevis) is preceded by the genus name (e.g. Lactobacillus), which is often abbreviated to L. The most important and best researched lactobacilli include:
Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri)
L. rhamnosus
L. helveticus
L. acidophilus
L. plantarum
L. casei
L. paracasei
L. lactis
L. brevis
…and many more
New names for some lactic acid bacteria
Now it may be that you no longer read Lactobacillus reuteri in articles or studies, but Limosilactobacillus reuteri or similar. This is because some bacteria have since been renamed. With new (more sensitive) examination technologies, it was found that there were greater differences than expected in the bacteria that had previously been grouped under the name Lactobacillus. Therefore, new genres were now named. However, they all start with L so that the former abbreviations can be kept:
Old Name
New Name
Abbreviation remains
Lactobacillus brevis
Levilactobacillus brevis
L. brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lacticaseibacillus casei
L. casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
L. paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
L. rhamnosus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Limosilactobacillus fermentum
L. fermentum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Limosilactobacillus reuteri
L. reuteri
Lactobacillus spp.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
L. plantarum
Lactobacillus salivarius
Ligilactobacillus salivarius
L. salivarius
What do numbers in the name of lactic acid bacteria mean?
Sometimes you read names like L. reuteri DSM 17938 or L. reuteri LA13210. While Limosilactobacillus refers to the bacterial genus, reuteri is the bacterial species – and DSM 17938 or LA13210 are names for different L. reuteri strains.
Ideally, lactic acid bacteria live in large numbers in the human intestine. It is not just the amount of a single strain or species that is important, but also the diversity. The more species are present in the intestinal flora in combination and in the right proportions, the better it seems to be for human health.
The functions of lactic acid bacteria in the body
If the intestine is populated with lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli), they can successfully displace harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, such as fungi. At the same time, lactobacilli produce substances with which they fight pathogens. Since lactobacilli also produce lactic acid, this acid creates the desired slightly acidic environment in the intestine, in which many harmful bacteria do not feel at home in the first place.
In addition, lactobacilli strengthen the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa (thus preventing leaky gut syndrome) and thus prevent allergies, intolerances, inflammations, and autoimmune diseases.
The probiotic bacteria also produce short-chain fatty acids that can be used by the intestinal mucosa cells as an energy source, which greatly contributes to the well-being and faster regeneration of the intestinal mucosa ( 3 ).
One of the most important tasks of lactobacilli is to support digestion, as they improve the bioavailability (usability) of nutrients and vital substances, so that the organism can digest them more easily and absorb them to a greater extent. In this way, lactobacilli improve the body’s supply of vital substances.
How lactic acid bacteria work
Lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) can have a positive effect on the human organism in many ways. In summary, their most important properties and effects are as follows:
The bacteria improve intestinal health and ensure a healthy intestinal flora .
They improve digestion and ensure a better supply of nutrients and vital substances.
They regenerate the intestinal mucosa and prevent leaky gut syndrome.
They relieve chronic digestive problems such as diarrhea , constipation, flatulence, etc.
They have an anti-inflammatory effect and therefore help with all chronic inflammatory diseases.
They help regulate lipid metabolism and blood sugar levels as well as aid weight loss (see below).
They also colonize the vagina, provide the necessary acidic environment and prevent vaginal infections. Oral lactobacilli preparations and vaginal suppositories containing lactobacilli can help to restore a healthy vaginal flora if the vaginal environment is disturbed (e.g. after antibiotic therapy).
They prevent many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases, allergies and probably also autoimmune diseases.
They relieve colic in infants.
Lactic acid bacteria for weight loss
Since heavier people often have a different intestinal flora than people of normal weight, and it is now widely assumed that the type and composition of the intestinal flora determine what one’s appetite is and how much one eats, every weight loss program should also include taking a probiotic containing, among other things, lactic acid bacteria.
Lactic acid bacteria for digestive problems
Digestive problems such as flatulence, constipation and diarrhea are often signs of a disturbed intestinal flora, an irritated intestinal mucosa and increased inflammation in the intestine. All three problems are the specialty of lactic acid bacteria or probiotics. The probiotic bacteria can therefore be used for all of these problems – of course, together with the individually appropriate diet and other measures required in the individual case.
Lactic acid bacteria for bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infection
Since lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria) – as explained above – are part of a healthy vaginal flora, they are an important part of any treatment or preventive measure for vaginal infections. In bacterial vaginosis , for example, the vagina becomes overpopulated with harmful bacteria. The natural balance of the vaginal flora is lost. In this case, preparations containing lactobacilli can be used orally and vaginally and help to rebuild a healthy vaginal flora.
The same applies to vaginal yeast infections . Here too, it is important to support the vaginal flora with probiotic bacteria so that the excessive fungi can be suppressed.
Foods containing lactic acid bacteria
Lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) are found in foods that are produced by fermentation , such as fermented vegetables (e.g. sauerkraut ), some vegetable juices (lactic acid fermentation is written on the label) or bread drink. Homemade water kefir can also be a good source of lactobacilli.
Homemade milk kefir and yogurt also provide probiotic bacteria. Apart from the fact that we do not recommend the consumption of dairy products, it must always be taken into account that with purchased products, due to the industrial manufacturing processes, it is no longer certain whether relevant amounts of lactobacilli are still contained. This also applies to soy yogurt, purchased sauerkraut and purchased lactic acid fermented vegetable juices; only fresh, i.e. unpasteurized sauerkraut, is still recommended.
Miso , kimchi , apple cider vinegar and tempeh are also often mentioned as sources of lactobacilli . Here too, it is no longer possible to determine whether the final product actually contains any helpful amounts of bacteria.
Therefore, anyone who wants to specifically build up the intestinal flora, regenerate the intestinal mucosa and provide themselves with sufficient amounts of probiotic bacteria should opt for a standardized dietary supplement for which the manufacturer can specify exactly the number and type of probiotic bacteria contained.
When should you take lactic acid bacteria as a dietary supplement?
Lactic acid bacteria in the form of a dietary supplement can be used for almost all chronic or acute health problems. Probiotics are also used as part of detoxification treatments because they have a detoxifying and heavy metal-removing effect. Of course, lactobacilli in the form of probiotic preparations are also part of every intestinal cleansing treatment.
How to take lactic acid bacteria after antibiotics
Probiotic preparations containing lactic acid bacteria (and other beneficial bacteria) should definitely be taken after antibiotic therapy , or even better: they should be taken during antibiotic therapy, as they can then reduce the risk of antibiotic-related side effects, such as antibiotic-induced diarrhea ( 1 ).
Children in particular are often given antibiotics and therefore suffer from diarrhea. Probiotics – whether made from lactobacilli, bifidobacteria or combinations of these – prevent this problem, of course also in adults. Even infections with the dangerous germ C. difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea, can be prevented with the help of probiotics.
Once the antibiotic treatment is complete, the probiotic preparations are taken for at least another two weeks. However, treatments of three to six months or longer are also possible. Children receive probiotics according to the doctor’s recommendation.
Lactic acid bacteria for babies and children
For babies and small children, you should choose a probiotic that is also advertised by the manufacturer as a probiotic for babies or small children. This is because babies’ intestines should only come into contact with those bacteria that have been proven to be useful and harmless for small children.
There are also special probiotics for children aged three and over that are designed to best benefit the child’s intestines. For example, they contain lactic acid bacteria that have shown good results in cases of colic or neurodermatitis, or types of bacteria that prevent allergies and strengthen the child’s immune system .
For lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance means that the affected person cannot tolerate milk sugar (lactose). Lactobacilli have the word “lacto” in their name (= milk), but they do not contain lactose and therefore do not cause the digestive problems typical of lactose intolerance. Lactobacilli only got their name because they form lactic acid when metabolizing carbohydrates and were first discovered in milk ( 6 ).
Since lactose intolerant people often only become lactose intolerant due to an intestinal flora disorder (not infrequently after antibiotic therapy), intestinal cleansing with lactobacilli is very important for them. On the other hand, the existing intestinal flora and intestinal mucosa problems can initially lead to side effects such as flatulence when taking the unfamiliar lactobacilli. However, this subsides again as soon as the intestinal mucosa has regenerated and the intestinal flora has regulated.
In the case of lactose intolerance, the intestinal mucosal cells cannot produce sufficient lactase (an enzyme that breaks down lactose). Lactobacilli, however, have the ability to metabolize lactose and other carbohydrates, so that consuming lactose could actually improve the tolerance of lactose.
For histamine intolerance
In the case of histamine intolerance, the body is no longer able to break down the histamine that comes with food or is produced in the body. Normally, intestinal mucosal cells would produce the enzyme required for this, but this is no longer the case in sufficient quantities in the case of histamine intolerance. Restoring intestinal health is therefore part of any naturopathic treatment for histamine intolerance ( 2 ).
Intestinal cleansing often includes taking probiotic preparations, which naturally contain lactobacilli as well as bifidobacteria. It is important to note that foods that contain probiotic bacteria (e.g. fermented vegetables) are not well tolerated ( 4 ).
This is because fermented vegetables are usually rich in histamine and therefore lead to symptoms. But there are also lactobacilli that produce histamine themselves or stimulate histamine production. These are of course not suitable for histamine intolerance. But there are also probiotic bacteria that do not produce histamine and even help to break down histamine ( 5 ).
For fructose intolerance
Another intolerance is fructose intolerance. Here, the transporter proteins in the small intestinal mucosa, through which fructose would normally be absorbed, are less active. So the fructose is not absorbed, but instead passes into the large intestine. There it is metabolized by the intestinal bacteria, which can lead to flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Fructose intolerance is therefore also a disorder of the intestinal mucosa and usually also a dysbiosis (intestinal flora disorder). Therefore, intestinal cleansing together with an adapted diet is one of the most important measures for fructose intolerance.
However, you have to be very careful here, because if you take in other bacteria that can metabolize the unabsorbed fructose, the symptoms could initially become worse. So start with small doses of probiotics and definitely avoid prebiotics such as inulin, as these consist of long fructose chains and could cause problems.
What should you eat to encourage lactic acid bacteria to multiply in your intestines?
In order for lactic acid bacteria to multiply in the intestine and maintain a healthy intestinal flora, a healthy, sugar-free diet is generally sufficient.
Many foods also contain so-called prebiotic components, i.e. substances that serve as food for the probiotic bacteria. Examples of such prebiotic foods include onions , leeks , artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes . Yacon syrup is a prebiotic sweetener .
Of course, there are also prebiotic food supplements, such as inulin , a fiber obtained from plants that can be taken daily as “food” for the intestinal bacteria – either as a capsule or powder.
Inulin is considered to be an extremely effective dietary supplement that also tastes very good, namely slightly sweet. It strengthens bones, prevents diabetes, regenerates the intestinal mucosa, has an anti-inflammatory effect and much more.
Which is better: lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria?
Both forms of bacteria have their advantages and positive properties for health. Both colonize the healthy human intestine, which is why representatives of both forms of bacteria are usually found in probiotic preparations.
Can lactic acid bacteria have side effects?
In some people, lactic acid bacteria can cause flatulence, bloating or constipation. However, these mild side effects usually disappear after a few days or weeks.
It is often claimed that probiotics can lead to life-threatening infections. This only happens very rarely and only when the person concerned has a very weakened immune system due to medication, for example if they have to take immunosuppressants (for example after an organ transplant) or have received chemotherapy . In these cases, however, you should not take anything without consulting your treating doctor.
Which product should you buy?
The intestinal flora is home to hundreds of different types of bacteria. It is therefore ideal to choose a preparation that also contains as many types as possible. The more different bacteria a probiotic contains, the greater its spectrum of effectiveness. The probiotic bacteria also often work together, supporting and reinforcing each other’s effects.
In our opinion, the ideal combination is a liquid probiotic (e.g. P3) with a capsule probiotic (e.g. Super-Pro). Both preparations complement each other, improve digestion almost immediately and influence the intestinal flora so that it can quickly regenerate.
Are lactic acid bacteria vegan?
Lactic acid bacteria are bacteria, so they are neither plant nor animal and could therefore be described as vegan. The probiotic bacteria can also be found in animal foods (e.g. yogurt), but they are basically everywhere, even in the air. If they settle in milk and turn it into sour milk, then the result is of course not vegan, but this is not due to the bacteria, but to the milk.
However, if probiotic bacteria settle in finely shredded cabbage and turn it into sauerkraut , the result is vegan. This is because the cabbage is purely plant-based and the fact that lactobacilli have turned it into sauerkraut does not change this.
Lactobacilli in probiotic capsules are therefore also generally vegan. Because they are not obtained from yoghurt or similar, but are grown and multiplied by the manufacturers in purely plant-based nutrient solutions.
Lactic acid bacteria also during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Yes, lactic acid bacteria can have a positive effect not only on the expectant mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but also on the health of the child. The tendency to colic in infancy and later to allergies and asthma can be reduced if the mother pays attention to a balanced intestinal flora during pregnancy and breastfeeding and takes probiotics.
Postbiotics are very special preparations. You are probably already familiar with probiotics and prebiotics. Postbiotics, on the other hand, are relatively new, but for some people they have clear advantages over probiotics. They are usually used for the intestines or to strengthen the immune system. We present these new helpers for your health with all their effects and possible uses.
Postbiotics and their effects
The family of biotics is growing all the time. The now well-known antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics and the lesser-known psychobiotics are now joined by postbiotics – certain preparations made from selected but inactivated bacterial or yeast strains. Their most important properties and effects are:
Postbiotics have a positive effect on the intestinal flora. They modulate and regulate the intestinal flora.
Postbiotics are sometimes also given during chemotherapy or radiotherapy and taken alongside antibiotic therapies (if probiotics are not possible here or together with probiotics).
Since there are different postbiotics, the effects, properties and areas of application vary depending on the product. Therefore, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s information.
Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics: the difference
If you are a little confused about all the biotics, here is a quick overview:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are drugs that are intended to kill microorganisms, which is also what the name antibiotics indicates: anti comes from the Greek and means “against”. Bios also comes from the Greek for “life”. Antibiotics therefore act against living microorganisms, especially bacteria.
Probiotics
Probiotics is the term for living microorganisms – those that are friendly to humans and even live on or in humans, for example, in their digestive system, in the vagina, or on the skin. They are also called probiotic bacteria.
Probiotics are not so much the bacteria that already live in the area, but rather preparations (capsules, drops, liquids) that contain these bacteria. Pro comes from the Greek and means “for”, so the term probiotics means something like “for life”.
Psychobiotics
Psychobiotics are probiotic bacteria that have a particularly positive effect on the psyche. The gut also influences the state of the brain via the so-called gut-brain axis, so that the psyche can also be treated with the help of selected probiotic bacteria or corresponding preparations that can be integrated into the treatment of psychological problems. Suitable psychobiotics then make people more resistant to stress, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and reduce stress hormone levels, to name just a few of the mechanisms by which psychobiotics affect the psyche ( 2 ).
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are substances or products that serve as food for probiotic bacteria and contribute to their reproduction and well-being. When the bacteria process the prebiotics, certain substances are created (e.g. short-chain fatty acids), which in turn contribute to the health of the intestinal mucosa and thus have a very positive effect on overall health. Because the healthier the intestine, the healthier the person. Prebiotics include various fibers, e.g. inulin , FOS (fructooligosaccharides) or pectin . The Latin prefix prae- means “before,” so the term prebiotics can be translated as something that is not alive itself, but promotes life.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are neither living bacteria nor do they serve as food for the bacteria. Instead, they are inactivated bacteria (also called bacterial lysates) or inactivated yeasts and their metabolic products (metabolites). These metabolites consist of a combination of proteins, fiber, polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, beta-glucans, short-chain fatty acids and many other substances that the respective bacterial or yeast strain produced before it died.
The Latin prefix post- means “after”. The term postbiotics therefore means “after life”, because the corresponding microorganisms are no longer alive. Another name for postbiotics is ghost probiotics.
What postbiotics are there?
Postbiotics are usually made from lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) or bifidobacteria or from yeasts of the genus Saccharomyces. However, there are also postbiotic preparations made from many other bacterial strains, such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, etc.
Well-known postbiotics include:
A lysate of two bacterial strains: Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli . It is recommended for regulating the immune system.
An extract from the bacterial strain Escherichia coli Laves 1931 and its metabolic products. It is used, among other things, to rehabilitate the intestinal mucosa in the presence of leaky gut syndrome, in irritable bowel syndrome, in inflammatory bowel diseases and during chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as well as in conjunction with antibiotic therapies.
A fermentate from the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae (nutritional yeast, also called baking or brewer’s yeast). Fermentate means: The yeast strain was kept in a nutrient solution where it metabolized (fermented) the nutrients contained in it with the help of its own yeast enzymes without oxygen. The result (yeast together with the fermented nutrient solution and the resulting metabolic products (metabolites)) is inactivated and dried and is now called fermentate.
Spirulina as a postbiotic
Spirulina could also be described as a postbiotic. Although spirulina is often referred to as a microalgae, it is actually a bacterium and belongs to the cyanobacteria. Spirulina preparations contain – as is usual for postbiotics – the inactivated spirulina bacteria and their metabolites. The difference to other postbiotics, however, is that spirulina is not normally part of the human intestinal flora.
How do postbiotics work?
Postbiotics can have very different effects – depending on the bacterial or yeast strain used. We will explain below how postbiotics can work using a few examples and studies:
Postbiotics for constipation
In September 2017, a placebo-controlled double-blind study was published with the postbiotic of dried yeast fermentate derived from the proprietary fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeon on the topic of constipation and flatulence. Both are known to have a huge impact on quality of life. An earlier in-vitro study had already shown that dried yeast fermentate derived from the proprietary fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, could modulate the intestinal flora, i.e. positively influence its composition. Could the drug therefore also help people with constipation?
The 80 participants were divided into two groups – one received dried yeast fermentate derived from the proprietary fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (500 mg daily with or without a meal) for six weeks, the other a placebo. In the postbiotic group, constipation, bloating and the feeling of being bloated improved significantly after just two weeks.
The preparation was able to influence the intestinal flora in such a way that positive bacterial strains increased, such as those from the Prevotella and Bacteroides families. Both are known to be deficient in patients with constipation.
Prebiotics often have a similar effect. However, you often have to take several grams of them, while the dosage of the postbiotic is only half a gram per day ( 1 ). However, the maker of the used product commissioned the study. But it is no different with drug studies. Here too, it is the manufacturers who take care of the relevant studies so that their drug can be approved.
Postbiotics shorten the duration of colds
Despite the common belief that a cold lasts for seven days whether or not it receives treatment, there are always ways to shorten it. Vitamin C is one such candidate, but so are zinc , Umckaloabo or elderberry juice.
Postbiotics also seem to fall into this category – as two studies have shown. In the first (from 2008), 116 healthy participants who had recently been vaccinated against influenza (flu) were given either 500 mg of dried yeast fermentate derived from the proprietary fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeon daily for 12 weeks or a placebo. If the participants caught a cold during the study, their symptoms were milder, and their colds did not last as long as the colds in the placebo group – only 4 days instead of 5 ( 4 ).
The same procedure was used in the second study (2010). This time, however, the participants (116) were not vaccinated against flu. The participants who received the postbiotic got colds or flu infections much less often than the placebo group. If they did get sick, the duration was slightly shorter, namely only 3.59 days instead of 4.25, but this was not considered significant ( 3 ).
The product given also contained, among other things, a high proportion of bioavailable antioxidants, which influence various values of the immune system within 1 to 2 hours after taking a single dose in such a way that this indicates an improved body’s own defenses, which could possibly be a reason for the protective effect against colds ( 7 ).
Postbiotics slightly lower blood pressure
In the above study, the dried yeast fermentate derived from the proprietary fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeon was also able to lower blood pressure slightly. The usual dose of 500 mg per day led to a reduction in the systolic value by 4 mmHg and the diastolic value by 3 mmHg within 12 weeks.
Postbiotics against hay fever
Probiotics are considered an important component in naturopathic treatment of allergies , such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which is said to affect 25 percent of the population worldwide. According to a study from 2009, postbiotics can also be helpful here – especially for people who may not tolerate probiotics so well.
For 12 weeks, the 96 participants who suffered from hay fever took 500 mg of dried yeast fermentate derived from the proprietary fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeon or a placebo product once a day. The 12-week study was carried out in the middle of the hay fever peak season, i.e. the time of year with the highest pollen count. In the postbiotics group, a significant reduction in the typical hay fever symptoms was observed, i.e. less runny nose and less nasal congestion. The number of days on which the subjects suffered from a blocked nose was also lower in the postbiotics group. No side effects were observed, or only those that occurred in both groups ( 5 ).
In another study with 22 participants, they received 500 mg of dried yeast fermentate derived from the proprietary fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeon daily for 8 weeks. Seasonal allergies such as hay fever only increased in the placebo group, but not in the postbiotic group. In the latter group, IL-10 levels also rose slightly. IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory messenger substance in the blood. Overall, the measured values (e.g. an increase in secretory IgA) showed that the postbiotic was able to increase the defenses of the mucous membranes. The IgA level is often low, especially in allergy sufferers, so an increase in secretory IgA is a good sign here ( 6 ).
Postbiotics accompanying chemotherapy
Chemotherapy often leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes, diarrhea and a drop in white blood cells, which indicates a reduced immune system. A study with 164 people who had advanced colon cancer and a placebo-controlled, double-blind design looked at whether the postbiotic with fermentation filtrate of Escherichia coli, strain Laves 1931 could make the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil less harmful and, by extension, lessen its side effects.
The fermentation filtrate of Escherichia coli, strain Laves 1931 is considered to protect and regenerate the mucous membrane, which is why it is often integrated into the treatment of leaky gut syndrome or generally into therapy concepts for the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa.
Both drugs were administered together via infusion. Some of the patients received a placebo instead of the fermentation filtrate of Escherichia coli, strain Laves 1931. The side effects in the fermentation filtrate of Escherichia coli, strain Laves 1931 group were ultimately less than in the placebo group. The remission rate and the life expectancy of the patients were also higher in the postbiotic group ( 10 ).
Postbiotics for irritable bowel syndrome and IBD
The fermentation filtrate of Escherichia coli, strain Laves 1931 is also used for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, e.g. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis ), here orally in drop form. The aforementioned factors—disturbed intestinal flora, increased intestinal mucosa permeability (leaky gut syndrome), and increased inflammation levels—are typically what cause the intestinal diseases mentioned above.
In two studies with 65 and 104 patients, the effectiveness and tolerability of the fermentation filtrate of Escherichia coli, strain Laves 1931 in children and adults with irritable bowel syndrome were investigated. It was shown to be safe and effective, not only alleviating the symptoms but also contributing to a lasting healing effect. It is considered to be well to very well tolerated and a treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome that is even superior to other therapies.
The usual dose of the fermentation filtrate of Escherichia coli, strain Laves 1931 is 5 ml once a day in the morning ½ hour before a meal or, if necessary, up to 3 times a day 5 ml each – also ½ hour before meals. The recommended duration of use is: Up to 4 weeks after the symptoms have subsided.
The postbiotic ferments that contains the intestinal bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli can also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Of 297 patients who took the drug for 8 weeks as part of a double-blind study, almost 70 percent experienced a significant reduction in symptoms. In the placebo group, only 38 percent improved. The postbiotic group also improved after 4 to 5 weeks, while the placebo group only improved after more than 8 weeks ( 13 ).
How long do you take postbiotics?
Postbiotics are taken until the symptoms improve. You can then continue taking the medication for up to 4 weeks after the symptoms have subsided. If there is no improvement, this does not mean that the medication must be taken permanently, but that the overall therapy concept must be redesigned. Talk to your alternative practitioner or holistic doctor about this.
What other ingredients are contained in postbiotics?
Some postbiotics contain numerous other ingredients that often sound anything but inviting. They could contain:
Despite the sometimes unfavorable ingredients of some postbiotics, the advantages seem to clearly outweigh the disadvantages. If you suffer from intestinal fungal infections (Candida), it is better to choose a sugar-free postbiotic.
Why take postbiotics and not probiotics?
But why should you take postbiotics at all when you could take the much more well-known probiotics, for which there are already thousands of studies and which also consist of living bacteria. But that is exactly what can be disadvantageous, i.e. the liveliness of the bacteria, so that postbiotics could actually be better for some people.
The benefits of postbiotics
The advantages of postbiotics over probiotics are the following ( 11 ):
Longer shelf life: In some cases, postbiotics are significantly more stable, easier to store (do not need to be refrigerated), and therefore have a longer shelf life than probiotics. However, there are also postbiotics on which the manufacturer’s recommendation to store the product in a refrigerated place is noted. Severe cloudiness, flocculation and significant changes in smell or taste would indicate spoilage. The product should then be disposed of.
Faster effect: Probiotics often only work through their metabolic products (metabolites). To do this, the probiotic bacteria must first settle in the human body and multiply. Only then can they form the desired metabolites. The probiotic bacteria do not always settle and even if they do, it takes some time until the required amounts of metabolites are formed. With postbiotics, you take the finished metabolites in the right dose. The probability of an effect is higher – and you can expect an effect more quickly.
Safety: Probiotics cannot be taken by everyone because of their live nature. People who should be cautious with probiotics are:
People with severely weakened immune systems (e.g. due to age) and also people taking immunosuppressants
People with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
People with severe chronic illnesses who are also taking medication
Infants and young children (should only receive probiotics specifically approved for children)
People with Leaky Gut Syndrome are often advised not to take probiotics in the first phase of therapy so that the bacteria do not enter the bloodstream
For all of these people, postbiotics may be safer and also carry a lower risk of side effects.
Side effects: Some people react to probiotics with digestive problems, particularly bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain, which is generally not the case with postbiotics.
Can postbiotics be combined with medications?
It is best to discuss this question with your doctor or pharmacist. There are, of course, countless drug and active ingredient groups and thus countless possibilities for interactions. With regard to the fermentation from the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, safety studies have shown that it has no effect on the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. Therefore, it might be possible to combine this postbiotic with medications that these enzymes break down. However, this may be different for other postbiotics.
Can postbiotics be combined with prebiotics and probiotics?
If you have already taken probiotics and/or prebiotics and tolerated them very well, then postbiotics can usually be combined with the two, as all three support and reinforce each other’s effects.
Dysbacteriosis – also called dysbiosis – describes a disorder of the body’s own microbiome. Since we have lived in symbiosis with certain bacteria from the beginning of time, we are downright dependent on their existence in and on us. This mainly concerns the oral flora, the intestinal and vaginal flora, as well as the flora on the skin. If this bacterial flora changes in an undesirable way, this is referred to as dysbiosis.
Good and bad bacteria
Microorganisms are often divided into good and bad: those microorganisms that bring us and our health a noticeable advantage, such as lactic acid bacteria (lactobacteria) or bifidobacteria, are called good and friendly. When there is an imbalance, it can lead to dysbacteriosis.
Evil or pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms, on the other hand, are held responsible for malaise and illness, e.g. the putrefactive bacteria (e.g. E. coli).
Dysbiosis and disease: an inseparable team
And indeed: if you compare the intestinal flora of a healthy person with that of a sick person, you quickly realize that there is usually a clear difference here.
While the friendly intestinal bacteria predominate in the former, the bad or pathogenic bacteria often dominate in the latter. Illness is practically impossible without dysbiosis, so there are usually two of them.
Yes, it is often not even possible to be overweight without dysbiosis. Because we know that overweight people have a different intestinal flora than people of normal weight.
Who came first: dysbiosis or disease?
As always, the question now is who came first: the dysbiosis that led to the disease or the disease that automatically led to a dysbiosis?
Truth be told, the intestinal flora, the vaginal flora or the flora of the skin does not lose their natural balance out of the blue. So what is the cause of dysbiosis and thus a disease?
Cause of dysbiosis
Each bacterial species has very specific expectations of its environment and habitat.
Just as a fish thrives far better in water than in the desert, just as a frog loves a warm marshland better than the polar sea, and just as a snake’s lifespan would be extremely limited if it were to feed on cereal, there are different strains of bacteria with very different preferences and requirements.
Some bacteria love a high pH value, others a low one. Some like an oxygen-rich environment, others an oxygen-poor one. Some like fibre-rich food, and others love protein-rich food. Depending on the environment in your intestines, in your vagina or on your skin, one or the other bacteria will predominate there.
But who is responsible for your personal physical environment? You yourself, of course.
Your personal way of life and diet leads to a certain milieu and there – depending on what is available (pH value, oxygen content, food, etc.) – either predominantly good or bad bacteria develop. You can read our article about how to check your pH.
Emergency of dysbiosis
In the case of dysbiosis, the friendly bacteria (e.g. lactobacteria and bifidobacteria) retreat in favour of the harmful putrefactive bacteria. The milieu no longer appeals to the former. You don’t feel good anymore.
Since the friendly bacteria live in symbiosis with us, so we are dependent on them and their work, their disappearance automatically has a negative effect on our well-being.
But we don’t just get sick because the friendly bacteria get less, but also because we now have to contend with the presence of harmful E. coli bacteria and their toxic excretions.
While the good bacteria do many important things for us, such as supporting healthy digestion, strengthening the immune system, protecting the intestinal mucosa, protecting against pathogens or toxins, etc., coliform bacteria and other harmful bacterial strains produce a range of toxic waste products.
These degradation products put a strain on the organism. At the same time, the positive effects of good bacteria are missing. This unfavourable combination can now contribute to a wide variety of diseases, strengthen existing diseases or prevent them from being cured.
The intestinal mucosa becomes permeable
If dysbiosis persists for weeks or months, the intestinal mucosa changes. Normally, the intestinal mucosa is permeable to important nutrients and micronutrients, but it should be impermeable to undigested particles or toxins.
In the case of the so-called leaky gut syndrome, however, the intestinal walls suddenly become permeable due to the dysbiosis that harmful or insufficiently digested particles can also pass through and enter the bloodstream and from there into the tissues and organs.
There is now a chronic poisoning of the entire metabolism, which in turn can result in allergies, food intolerance and chronic inflammatory processes ( 1 ) of the tissue.
The latter is the prerequisite for many chronic diseases, ranging from rheumatism and arteriosclerosis to diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Dysbiosis toxins poison the body
If too many harmful and waste products get into the body system, they are deposited in the tissue fluid between the individual cells, among other things.
Here, a distinction is usually made between what is allowed into the cell and what should be discharged from the cell. However, if the space between cells is full of waste, healthy metabolic processes are impaired.
The cells can no longer be adequately supplied with vital building blocks and pollutants remain in the cells at the same time and can no longer be fully discharged. A gradual poisoning process takes its course.
The kidneys and the liver, as our main detoxification organs, have to do extra work and are often severely overwhelmed.
The result of this is a further weakening of the entire metabolism and the immune system. Not least because the liver, for example, is not only responsible for detoxifying a chronically poisoned body, but also has many other tasks. Ultimately, however, she can no longer perceive this due to her excessive commitment to detoxification.
The body has to set priorities. He can no longer take care of everything that is necessary and neglects some areas. A dysbiosis can therefore have extremely far-reaching and usually completely underestimated consequences.
Yes, almost every physical problem can point to dysbiosis and is a sign to finally take action to remedy the dysbiosis. However, in order to know how to get rid of dysbiosis, one must first understand why it arose in the first place.
Dysbiosis caused by antibiotics
Dysbiosis can be triggered or promoted by many different factors.
However, a particularly great danger for the intestinal and vaginal flora and thus for our health lies in the antibiotics that are often used today ( 2 ).
Antibiotic therapies are designed to kill bacteria – all of them, good and bad.
It doesn’t matter whether your antibiotic therapy is to curb a dental history, a sinus infection or a bladder infection. In any case, the intestinal flora has to believe in it – at least to some extent.
So if you (have to) take antibiotics, you automatically change the composition of your intestinal and vaginal flora.
Unfortunately, since the bacteria that are unfavourable to us, regenerate and resettle much faster than, for example, lactobacteria, antibiotic therapy only rarely does not lead to a dysbiosis
Nine other triggers for a dysbiosis
However, antibiotics are not the only cause of dysbiosis. Many other factors in daily life – which we have already presented here – can destroy the balanced composition of the intestinal, skin and vaginal flora.
These include e.g.
the birth control pill and other hormone preparations
In addition to the antibiotics mentioned, many other drugs
Chlorine in tap water
Fluorides in salt and toothpaste (particularly harmful to oral flora )
Pesticide residues in conventionally produced food.
In addition to largely avoiding these risk factors (as far as possible), a targeted build-up of the intestinal flora can remedy dysbiosis.
The intestinal flora test – do you have dysbiosis?
In particular, after or during antibiotic therapy, it should be considered to build up the intestinal flora in order not to become a victim of the negative side effects of a dysbiosis.
Unfortunately, after the prescription of an antibiotic or other drugs that are harmful to the intestinal flora, the development of the intestinal flora is still far too rarely thought of.
You can use an intestinal flora test to find out whether you have dysbiosis and whether the intestinal flora needs to be built up. It doesn’t even require a doctor’s visit. You can order the test kit online Microba – microbiome testing and send the required stool sample to the specified laboratory. After a few days, you will receive the analysis result by email at home.
Structure of the intestinal flora
The intestinal flora structure now consists of two large areas:
From an at least temporary change in diet, since an acceptable intestinal environment for friendly intestinal bacteria can only be created with a healthy alkaline-excessive diet.
From taking high-quality probiotics ( 4 ). Probiotics are preparations or foods that contain a particularly large number of beneficial bacterial strains.
Point 2 is implemented as follows:
The intestinal environment is first prepared and optimized with a liquid probiotic (e.g. Probioform). It provides both the first lactic acid bacteria and the right food for them.
In addition, it provides natural vitamins, minerals, trace elements and a variety of antioxidant secondary plant substances.
With all these ingredients, the liquid probiotic can improve the intestinal environment, accelerate the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa, help eliminate toxins, regulate digestion and prepare the intestine for the arrival of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
The intestinal flora is then built up with a capsule probiotic (e.g. Floratrex).
Probiotics of this type deliver a large number of living bacterial cultures in gastric juice-resistant capsules, which, due to the gastric-juice-resistant capsules, actually arrive 100 percent alive in the intestine – and some of them do not perish in the stomach acid.
Make sure that the probiotic you choose contains not only the usual Lactobacillus and Bifido strains, but also other important bacterial strains e.g. Lactobacillus reuteri (for dental health and especially for expectant and breastfeeding mothers) and Lactobacillus helveticus (protects against harmful bacteria and bladder infections, vaginal thrush and candida infections).
In this way, your intestinal flora receives the required variety of basic probiotics and can now develop into a balanced and healthy intestinal flora that can protect you from diseases of almost all kinds. The risk of dysbiosis is averted.
If you are not sure about which probiotics to take or if you suspect you have dysbiosis – talk to us.
