YOGURT: NATURAL PROBIOTIC
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that keep the flora in the digestive system in balance. These bacteria also help break down food in the digestive system and take it into the body. Beneficial intestinal microbes (probiotics) form a protective intestinal layer that prevents the passage of toxic substances from the external environment into the blood, in addition to their various benefits. Substances (such as dietary fibers) that increase the proliferation and/or stimulate the activity of some microorganisms in the intestine and positively affect human or animal health are called prebiotics.
Yoghurt obtained by the fermentation of milk by the Turks 2000 years ago in Asia and the Middle East was widely used as a source of life and health-giving food. Nobel Prize-winning Russian Physiologist Metchnikoff has conducted numerous studies on probiotics and said that yogurt contributes to the longevity of Central Asian breeds. The main sources for probiotic bacteria are dairy products and dietary supplements (Milk, Yogurt, Kefir, Cheese and tablets). A diet low in flour and sugar, rich in natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs and fermentation products (pickles, yogurt, cheese, wine, boza, vinegar, salted foods, brewer’s yeast) increases the protection of intestinal flora.
Main causes of intestinal flora deterioration
Carbohydrate-rich foods
Refined foods
Various toxins
Antibiotics
Diseases It is thought that the use of large amounts of antibiotics, especially in childhood, can cause permanent changes in the intestinal microbiota (intestinal microflora). Frequent antibiotic use was found to be an important risk factor in a twin study of inflammatory bowel disease. This is an important problem in countries such as Turkey, where antibiotics are easily taken without a prescription.
Fibers with probiotic properties are beneficial for health. In order for fibers to have this feature, they must be resistant to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, be farmed by bacteria in the intestine, and selectively reproduce especially beneficial bacteria. It must provide health benefits to the host.
Benefits of probiotics:
Strengthening the immune system
Positive effects of suppressing microbes in food poisoning
Reducing constipation by restoring intestinal flora by restoring intestinal motility
Treatment of diarrhea in infants, frequent travelers and people who use antibiotics
Lowering cholesterol, controlling diabetes and preventing osteoporosis
As an aid in digestion of food, absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids
Regulation of cell functions
Protection from infections (eg, protective probiotic bacteria in the female genital tract)
Easier surviving of infective diseases.
Probiotics reduce gas formation due to the breakdown of lactose in people who have gas problems in the intestines due to lactose intolerance after consuming milk and dairy products.
WHAT IS KEFIR?
Kefir is a dairy drink with a historical background in which ethyl alcohol and lactic acid fermentations of Caucasian origin, obtained with kefir grains, occur together. Kefir has a very complex microbiological structure. They vary in size from 0.5-3 cm and have the appearance of small cauliflower or popcorn in the size of a hazelnut or wheat grain in white, white-yellow colors. People of all ages can use kefir regardless of their age. It has no side effects. It can be given easily even to children. It is a rich source of probiotics.
