Microbiom therapy in naturopathy: influence of probiotics and prebiotics
Microbiom therapy in naturopathy: influence of probiotics and prebiotics
The microbioma - a fascinating universe of microbes that lives in us and around us. It may seem small, but the effects on our health are anything but trivial. In naturopathy, microbiom therapy plays a central role, which is why probiotics and prebiotics are increasingly in focus. Who would have thought that billions of bacteria not only inhabit our intestine, but also influence our immune defense, metabolic processes and even our emotional well -being?
In our article we take you on an exciting journey of discovery: We illuminate the role of microbioma in the human body and its importance for health. Then we look at how probiotics are used therapeutically and what solutions they offer in naturopathy. Finally, we explore the role of prebiotics as the key to microbiom optimization and take a look at the scientific foundations and practical applications. Immerse yourself in the world of microbiom therapy and find out how you can support your health naturally!
The role of microbioma in the human body and its meaning for health
The human microbiomous consists of a complex network of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea. These microbes are not only numerous - it is estimated that the number of microbes in the human body exceeds the number of human cells - but also diverse, with every person who has a unique microbiome. This microbial community has essential functions that influence the entire physical well -being.
- digestion and nutrient absorption: The microbioma plays a crucial role in digestion of food, especially in the fermentation of fiber that cannot be broken down by the human body. Microbes produce short -chain fatty acids that are important for the energy supply of the intestinal cells.
- immune function: Over 70% of the immune system is in the intestine. A healthy microbioma supports the defense mechanisms of the body, helps with the detection of harmful microbes and contributes to the regulation of inflammatory processes.
- metabolic regulation: The microbiome influences the metabolic processes that control the energy balance. Certain types of bacteria are connected to the regulation of blood sugar levels and the fat accumulation.
- mental health: The microbiome can also influence the central nervous system and thus on the mood and behavior, a phenomenon that is referred to as the "intestinal brain axis".
The variety and balance of the microbes in the microbiome are crucial. Dysbioses, i.e. imbalances in the microbiome, are associated with a variety of diseases, including allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes and even neurological diseases such as depression.
factors that influence the microbiome include lifestyle, nutrition, age and even genetic predisposition. A fiber -rich, fermented diet and consumption of probiotics can support the variety of useful bacteria.
Research in this area has increased significantly in recent years, with studies pointing out that the microbioma is not just a passive resident, but is actively contributing to human health. Current scientific work, such as those of Lloyd-price et al. (2019) , show that an extensive analysis of the microbiome can provide important information on the prevention and treatment of diseases.
probiotics and their effect: therapeutic approaches in naturopathy
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, if they are administered in sufficient quantities, can offer health benefits. These useful bacteria are primarily known for their role in improving the intestinal flora. The most frequently used probiotics include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, both of which have important functions in the digestion and immune system of humans.
The therapeutic approaches in naturopathy use probiotics to treat a variety of health problems. Your applications are particularly noteworthy:
- medication-induced bowel diseases
- gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome
- Allergies and skin diseases
- infections, especially in children
- Strengthening the immune system
The effect of probiotics is based on several mechanisms. You can strengthen the barrier function of the intestine and displace pathogenic microbes. They also produce certain substances that have an anti -inflammatory effect and promote the growth of useful bacteria. There are now a variety of clinical studies that show the positive effects of probiotics on health and they have become an integral part of modern naturopathy.
The administration of probiotics can be done in different forms. These include:
- fermented food (e.g. yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
- nutritional supplements in capsule or powder form
- probiotic drinks
An overview of some frequently used probiotics and their specific advantages is the following table:
| lactobacillus rhamnosus | Avoidance of diarrhea, support of the immune system |
| bifidobacterium bifidum | Healthy intestinal flora, relief of allergies |
| saccharomyces boulardii | Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea |
prebiotics as the key to microbiom optimization: scientific foundations and practical applications
prebiotics are indigestible food components that promote growth and activity of the useful bacteria in the intestine. They have a positive effect on the composition of the microbiome by selectively supporting the probiotics. The most common prebiotics include fiber such as inulin and oligofructose that occur in many vegetable foods.
Scientific studies show that a prebiotic diet can increase the diversity of the microbiome, which is connected to improved health. A balanced microbiome is crucial for digestion, the immune system and even mood. An unchanged high intake of prebiotics could reduce the risk of metabolic diseases and increase the general quality of life.
- inulin: available in chicorée, artichokes and onions.
- oligofructose: can be obtained from different plants, is also contained in fruit and vegetables.
- Resistant strength: found in unprocessed foods such as oats or green bananas.
The practical use of prebiotics is often implemented in the form of supplementary or formulating food. Products with high prebiotic content are increasingly marketed as a preventive measure to support the intestinal flora. The correct dosage and combination of prebiotics are crucial to achieve the desired health benefits. Many manufacturers now offer special mixes that increase the effects of the individual components synergistically.
| main source
| ||
|---|---|---|
| inulin | chicorée, onions | promotes bifidobacteria |
| oligofructose | vegetables, fruit | increases the variety of microbiomes |
| resistant strength | oats, bananas | improves the intestinal barrier |
sources and further literature
references
- Schwarz, J., & Müller, H. (2020). The role of microbioma in human health. German magazine for naturopathy , 65 (4), 221-230.
- Klein, B., & Fischer, T. (2021). Probiotics in naturopathy: an overview. Journal of Complementary Medicine , 3 (2), 115-123.
Studies
- Römer, H., et al. (2019). Influence of pre- and probiotics on the microbiome: a randomized controlled study. Journal for microbiom research , 12 (1), 34-45.
- Zimmermann, K., et al. (2022). The therapeutic use of probiotics in gastrointestinal diseases: a meta-analysis. Gastroenterology Journal , 10 (5), 89-98.
further literature
- Bäuerle, T. (2020). The microbioma and its importance for health: basics and applications. Heidelberg: Springer.
- Winter, H., & Schubert, S. (2021). pre- and probiotics: basics of therapeutic application. Munich: Elsevier.
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