Probiotics - the survival rules of the "intestinal world"

Author: Cui Yihui, registered dietitian, master of medicine

Reviewer: Wang Junbo, Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor, Peking University Health Science Center

Let me first introduce you to some "intestinal" knowledge about the human intestinal world.

The intestine is the main place where the human body absorbs nutrients.

The intestine is the largest immune organ in the human body.

The intestine is the largest "waste disposal plant" in the human body.

The intestine is a digestive organ and also the "second brain" of the human body.

Of course, the huge "intestinal world" is also the place where various bacteria colonize, including probiotics, pathogenic bacteria and neutral bacteria, which together form a relatively stable intestinal flora in the human body.

(Copyrighted image from the gallery, no permission to reprint)

In the intestinal flora of healthy people, there are more probiotics and fewer pathogenic bacteria. While probiotics are constantly proliferating, pathogenic bacteria are also constantly multiplying. Probiotics must not let pathogenic bacteria gain the upper hand, otherwise even neutral bacteria may "rebel against the enemy" and start "making trouble". Therefore, probiotics often inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria through the following three means.

Fighting for "territory" : Probiotics compete with harmful bacteria for colonization sites on the intestinal wall (this is the "stronghold" where bacteria "take root" in the intestines). This is more conducive to competing for nutrients and expelling harmful bacteria from the intestines.

Changing the intestinal ecological environment : Probiotics lower the pH of the intestinal cavity by producing lactic acid, creating an acidic environment. The growth of pathogenic bacteria and E. coli that prefer an alkaline environment is inhibited or even killed in an acidic environment.

Enhance the activity of intestinal immune cells (macrophages) : Probiotics can produce some biochemical signal substances, which are transmitted to macrophages. Macrophages recognize the colonization sites of pathogens and phagocytize them, thereby eliminating the pathogens.

This is the "survival wisdom" of the little probiotics in the "intestinal world". It seems easy, but it is difficult to do. As the host of probiotics, we need to take practical actions to cheer them up. The first step is to remember to take soluble dietary fiber (prebiotics) every day to feed them and let them fight with full energy!