Synbiotics are ... List of drugs, characteristics, indications for use

Synbiotics are physiologically functional food compounds that contain probiotics and prebiotics. Such components are considered mutually assimilable, due to which metabolic processes in the body are accelerated and microflora in the human gastrointestinal tract is restored.

Differences of synbiotics from symbiotics

Please note that often in many sources you can find the term “symbiotics”, which means synbiotics, but this is not entirely true. The first term means "symbiosis" (from the Greek language symbiosis - cohabitation), and the second term means "synergy" (from the ancient Greek language σῦνεργια - complicity). From this we can conclude that symbiotics are a combination of several types of microorganisms, and not microorganisms and substances as an environment for their habitat.

What are synbiotics?

Synbiotics are modern drugs of the IV and V generation, which include a lot of useful microorganisms - probiotics, and also contain a nutrient medium for their normal life - prebiotics. An innovative group of dietary supplements is able to improve digestion, activate immunity, neutralize antibiotics, and quickly remove toxins from the body, for example, carcinogens or salts of heavy metals. Medicines containing synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) are prescribed by your doctor.

Interesting historical facts

For the first time the term "probiotic" was used back in 1954. At that time, it was understood as microorganisms important for human life. And in 1965, this term was officially introduced and meant "microbial factors that stimulate the growth of other microorganisms." In 1992, Havenaar R. defined probiotics as viable cultures of microorganisms in humans and animals, which contribute to the improvement of local intestinal microflora. Mass production of a probiotic synbiotic began only at the beginning of the 20th century.

What are probiotics?

Food or medications that contain probiotics are very popular today. More and more often, probiotic products appear on store shelves that can improve health by normalizing the functioning of the digestive tract.

Probiotics in synbiotics are “good” microorganisms that live most often in the intestines. According to research results, probiotics have the effect of:

• contribute to the production of B vitamins;
• destroy toxins that are released due to the activity of pathogenic bacteria;
• create a mucous protective layer in the intestine;
• strengthen the immune system, while secreting antibodies to many viruses.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are substances that are not absorbed in the digestive tract, that is, they are not hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes and are not absorbed in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Such compounds have a positive effect on humans, stimulating the activity of healthy intestinal microflora.

Indications for use

Synbiotics are medicines and food products, with the help of which it is possible not only to improve health, but also to eliminate many problems that are associated with the appearance, for example, improve the condition of hair and skin. Indications for use:

1. Dysbacteriosis
2. Intestinal colic.
3. Flatulence.
4. Constipation.
5. Diarrhea.

Common drugs

Every year, the list of synbiotic preparations is replenished with more and more new means. Let us consider in more detail the most popular of them:

1. Laktiale is one of the top ten synbiotic biologics. The product is produced in the UK and includes up to seven lyophilized microorganisms. Doctors prescribe "Lactiale" in order to eliminate pathogenic microflora in the body, to normalize the functioning of the nervous and immune system. Release form - sachets with powder and capsules.
2. "Maxilac." The synbiotic has long been a leader in the domestic and European market of biological products. The composition includes nine strains of probiotic bacteria and oligofructose. The product is produced in Poland and is prescribed for gastrointestinal diseases. "Maxilac" has a positive effect on the immune and respiratory systems.
3. "Bifilis" includes up to 10 ml of lysozyme and up to 108 viable bifidobacteria. This drug is prescribed for the treatment of intestinal infectious diseases of various origins, as well as for the elimination of inflammatory processes in the digestive tract. Doctors often recommend Bifilis for the prevention of dysbiotic changes. Release form - rectal and vaginal suppositories or solution.
4. "Bifidobak" is a bioactive complex that contains highly resistant strains of bifidobacteria, which are necessary to maintain normal microflora in the large intestine. Also, such microorganisms are important for the synthesis of immunoglobulins, the production of vitamins, the acceleration of metabolic processes, as well as for the elimination of pathogenic bacteria. A synbiotic is prescribed to relieve chronic diseases of the digestive system, liver, biliary tract, as well as to normalize the process of absorption of food. “Bifidobak” is an excellent antibacterial therapy, which helps to reduce the acidity of gastric juice.
5. In the list of synbiotics, you can also include Bilactin, which contains enterococcal strains that can quickly suppress pathogenic microflora. Microorganisms intensively produce the L-formula of lactic acid and are powerful antagonists of the pathogenic microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is not an independent drug and is used only as a biologically active supplement of probiotic enterococci. Doctors prescribe a drug to improve gastrointestinal motility. A synbiotic is used to treat infectious diseases of the intestines and vagina.
6. "Normospectrum" of domestic production contains a complex of bifidobacteria, minerals, probiotics, trace elements and lactobacilli, which are important for the normal functioning of the whole organism. The synbiotic showed excellent results in the fight against many pathogenic microorganisms, as well as those that cause rotavirus infection.

Products rich in synbiotics

In addition to medicines, synbiotics are also food products that are available to everyone:

1. Flax seeds.
2. Corn.
3. Sauerkraut, soaked vegetables, such as watermelons, tomatoes or cucumbers.
4. Dairy products.
5. Soy milk.
6. Chicory.
7. Soft types of cheeses.
8. Pectin-containing desserts - jelly, natural marmalade, marshmallows.
9. Artichoke.
10. Sourdough bread.
11. Dandelion.
12. Onion.
13. Figs
14. Grapes of all grades.
15. Jerusalem artichoke.

Doctors also recommend combining the use of prebiotic products (dried apricots, citrus fruits, oat and grain bran, bananas, asparagus, zucchini, apples, plums, garlic, strawberries, wheat flour products, currants, prunes) with probiotic products (kefir, yogurt , leeks, all kinds of pickles, miso, cheese, dairy products, cottage cheese, sauerkraut and pickles).

Daily need for synbiotics

Please note that the daily requirement for synbiotics varies depending on what type of drug is taken. In each case, the rate should be calculated individually. For example, if we consider such popular synbiotic drugs as Normospectrum or Normoflorin, the daily dosage for children is 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day, and for adults - 2 tbsp. tablespoons 3 times a day.

Important! When calculating the need for synbiotics that are contained in food products, the concentration of microorganisms in the body and the presence of a nutrient medium for them are taken into account.

A greater number of synbiotic preparations are needed in cases where the following pathologies are present:

1. Cirrhosis of the liver.
2. Hepatitis.
3. Tuberculosis.
4. The presence of malignant and benign tumors.
5. Low immunity.
6. Acute intestinal infections of various etiologies.
7. Diseases of the biliary tract and liver.
8. Vitamin deficiency.
9. Allergic reaction to food.
10. Atopic dermatitis.
11. Violation of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract.

Also, the need for synbiotics increases during sports, during mental exertion, during preparation for surgery, and in chronic fatigue. Such drugs can be used in a double dose as a tonic and prophylactic.

The need for synbiotic drugs decreases when an individual intolerance to certain components of the drug or food is found, as well as if the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized.