What are probiotics?
It's relatively rare for someone not to have heard of probiotics, also known as lactic acid bacteria, at some point. They exist in billions in your body, more specifically in your intestines, where these tiny living microorganisms play a role in ensuring the normal functioning of the gut. Despite being called lactic acid bacteria, they actually have nothing to do with milk. The name, however, comes from the fact that these bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid.
There is not just one bacterial species when it comes to probiotics, but thousands. The composition and quantity of the many lactic acid bacteria in our bodies are as diverse as each of us.
Although there are thousands of bacterial species or strains, you may have heard of two of them, namely lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, which are two of the bacterial strains we use in our probiotic dietary supplements. Some of the lactic acid bacteria are also found in probiotic foods. You can learn more about which foods contain probiotics below.
Probiotic diet for your gut
When lactic acid bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid, it's also known as fermentation. You might be familiar with this process from beverages like kombucha or various types of yogurts. If you want to consume a probiotic diet, you can look for:
- Beet kvass
Try a delicious, red, and flavorful probiotic drink, namely beet kvass. Beet kvass is made from fermented beets and infused with orange and ginger. A true delight for the taste buds.
- Yoghurt
Some yogurts contain more probiotics than others because they are fermented with extra bacterial culture.
- Kefir
The white, acidic and slightly sparkling drink has become incredibly popular, and it also contains a wealth of probiotics. You can make the kefir yourself and add the flavor you want, e.g. a sweet taste of blueberry.
- Kombucha
A dairy-free drink made from a base of a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). It may not sound very appealing, but the taste can be fantastic. If you don't want to make it yourself, it can be purchased pre-made with a wide variety of flavors.
- Kimchi
Fermented vegetables, especially cabbage, flavored with everything from garlic to fish sauce. Kimchi is perfect as an accompaniment to Asian dishes, and it is relatively easy to make yourself.
- Sauerkraut
Known from Germany, where the fermented white cabbage is very popular. Sauerkraut is not for everyone, but whether you like the cabbage or not, it is full of probiotics if prepared correctly.
Prebiotika og probiotika – hvad er forskellen?
It might sound somewhat similar, but in fact, they are two different aspects of the whole discussion about lactic acid bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics complement each other but have different functions. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates found mainly in plants in the form of dietary fiber. Probiotics, on the other hand, are living microorganisms that, as mentioned, reside in our intestines and are part of our natural gut flora.
The carbohydrates that prebiotics consist of act as a "lunchbox" for the probiotic bacteria in your gut, helping to nourish the gut bacteria and promote their growth.
If you want to consume more dietary fiber so that your gut bacteria can have an even better "lunchbox," you should focus on whole grain products, vegetables, and fruits. It's a good idea to consume a variety of these foods.
You can learn more about prebiotics in our blog post "What Are Prebiotics?"
A delicious shortcut to probiotics
You can consume prebiotics and probiotics every day, but did you know it's especially beneficial to get lactic acid bacteria in connection with a course of penicillin?
During treatment with penicillin, unfortunately, it's not only the harmful bacteria that the medication targets. It also affects some of the good bacteria, including the lactic acid bacteria in your intestines. Use a probiotic supplement before, during, and after an antibiotic treatment to minimize the impact on your gut flora. To get the most out of your probiotic, take it at least three hours after taking your antibiotic.
If you're planning to travel, a daily probiotic supplement can help protect you from the well-known and always unwelcome "traveler's tummy." If possible, it's often a good idea to take extra lactic acid bacteria throughout the entire trip—perhaps even a few days before you travel.
Perhaps you don't have the time or inclination to make or buy probiotic-rich food every day. As an alternative, you can supplement your diet with one of our probiotic sticks—they are easy to take and actually taste quite delicious.
You don't need water or any liquids when you take our probiotics - regardless of which variant you choose. Just open the stick and let the powder melt on your tongue. Take a stick with you on the go, for example when you're going on vacation, a weekend trip, or if you are just out and about. They are incredibly easy to pop in your bag or stick in your pocket.
Vild Nord Probiotics can be taken by adults and children from 3 years old—learn more about the three variants below:
Lactic acid bacteria is for you who want a simple supplement of probiotics to your diet. Each stick contains 10 billion lactic acid bacteria from the two strains: BB536 and BIFOLAC™ 12. In addition, we have added two types of prebiotics that nourish the probiotic bacteria. The taste is wonderfully fresh and sweet from blueberries.
Are you pregnant or planning to be in the near future? If so, it is a very good idea to remember the vitamin folic acid. In this probiotic variant, you get both 12 billion lactic acid bacteria distributed among three bacterial strains, as well as 400 mcg folic acid per stick. The taste is sweet and fresh, so it is incredibly easy to remember every day before, during and after your pregnancy.
Which probiotic variety is your favorite or which one fits your life right now? Try Vild Nord probiotics and experience how delicious and tasty lactic acid bacteria can be.
