Where are natural probiotics found?

Natural probiotics are a group of living microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, which, when provided in adequate amounts, provide significant health benefits to humans. These microorganisms are part of the natural bacterial flora in the human body and are key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and overall health. The main representatives of probiotics are bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and yeasts like Saccharomyces boulardii. By populating the intestines, these probiotics support immune function, aid in digestion, provide protection against harmful pathogens, and can help produce vitamins and neutralize toxins.

What are natural probiotics? What do we find them in?

Many everyday foods and beverages are rich in natural probiotics, mainly through fermentation processes. Lactic fermentation, catalyzed by naturally occurring probiotic bacteria, is the process by which sugars are converted into lactic acid. It is a natural way of preserving food, which further enriches it with probiotics. Some of the best-known sources of natural probiotics are:

• Yogurt – is considered one of the best sources of probiotics. It contains live cultures such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, which are studied for their positive effects on digestive and immune health.
• Kefir – contains a richer set of probiotics compared to yogurt, including various types of bacteria and yeast, making it extremely valuable for intestinal health.
• Sauerkraut – popular not only for its flavor, but also as a rich source of probiotics, vitamins (C, B, K), fiber, iron and manganese.
• Pickled cucumbers – are prized for their low calorie and vitamin K content, but it is important to choose brine-fermented cucumbers rather than those preserved in vinegar, which do not contain live bacteria cultures.
• Miso and tempeh – these fermented soy products are not only rich in probiotics, but are also an excellent source of protein, which is especially important in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Not all fermented products are equally beneficial. Some, such as alcohols, although created through fermentation, often lose their probiotic properties through processing such as pasteurization or filtration.

When to supplement probiotics?

Although natural probiotics are available in many products, there are situations when supplementation may be needed. Examples include:

• Gastrointestinal problems – probiotic supplements are often used to treat diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea and post-antibiotic diarrhea.
• Supporting the immune system – probiotics can reduce the incidence of infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, as confirmed by scientific studies.
• Intestinal disorders – for diseases such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome, probiotics can help alleviate symptoms.
• Allergies – probiotics can modulate the immune response, which is beneficial for allergic reactions.

It is important to consult a doctor before starting supplementation, especially for children, immunocompromised individuals and in situations of chronic illness.

Which probiotics to choose for supplementation?

It’s best to opt for proven, safe probiotics. Dr. Ohhira’s products have a total of 1240 scientific studies, conducted at renowned universities around the world – including Harvard Medical School, Lille Nord de France and Hokkaido Pharmaceutical University School of Pharmacy. Dr. Ohhira’s probiotic has undergone a total of 67 clinical trials.

There are 2 types of products – the 3-year fermented Dr. Ohhira and the 5-year De Luxe. The 3-year process takes place in unheated rooms. The plants used in the fermentation process are sourced from the four seasons and are added to the fermenter in sequence, seasonally.

They come from organic cultivation or are wild-grown plants. Thus, many times fermentation takes place accumulating various nutrients.

After three years, OMX is formed, which has in its formula:

• Probiotic – 12 live bacterial cultures 318 billion in one capsule,
• Prebiotic – a fiber that is a food for bacteria,
• Biogenic metabolites – products derived from bacterial metabolism.

In the case of De Luxe, after three years of fermentation, the fermenters are placed in an anaerobic environment for another two years. This allows the fermenters to reach higher levels of all the compounds that the bacteria produce under anaerobic conditions, the same as those in the human colon. In addition, the power of the by-product micronutrients is maximized to accelerate the adhesion of good bacteria in the colon.

Probiotics produced by fermentation have a very high health-promoting potential. The process itself, under natural conditions (no temperature) using carefully selected plants, produces a wealth of ingredients during fermentation that mimic our own microbiome. This is the result of the natural concept of probiotic evolution.

Natural probiotics for children

A healthy microbiome is crucial for the development of children’s bodies, and early introduction of probiotics can prevent a variety of health problems, including allergies or eczema. Natural sources of probiotics, like yogurt, are recommended in the diets of young children. Studies indicate that probiotics can help treat gastroenteritis, as well as shorten the duration of diarrhea in children. Regularly including sources of natural probiotics in children’s diets can support their development and immunity.

In conclusion, natural probiotics play an extremely important role in maintaining health and overall well-being. They are a readily available, safe and effective tool that anyone can incorporate into their diet to improve gut function, support immunity and overall health. Take advantage of the abundance of natural sources of probiotics that nature offers to enjoy better health every day.