The gut plays a fundamental role in the health of the entire organism. Treating it with care and changing bad habits is essential if we want to ensure our health, beauty and harmony at every moment.
Having a healthy, well-functioning gut is fundamental to maintaining the wellbeing of the entire organism, and in particular of the immune system. It is essential to preserve the balance of the intestinal ecosystem — that is, the immense community of beneficial bacteria known as the "gut microbiota": only in this way can we guarantee ourselves a resilient immune system that is capable of protecting us from possible infections or illnesses of various kinds.
But when is the health of the bacterial flora at risk? First and foremost, when, due to the hectic pace of life we lead, we eat poorly, excluding from our diet those foods — such as fruit and vegetables — that are a guarantee of good gut function. Unfortunately, high levels of stress, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drugs, especially when taken continuously, can also weaken the gut and seriously compromise the survival of our precious gut microbiota.
And what about holidays! Even during the period when relaxation and a balanced diet should prevail, we find ways to put our gut through its paces — with poor eating habits, meals at irregular hours, iced drinks, and nights with too little sleep. All things that can give rise to unwanted gut problems.
We have seen that within our intestines there exists an important and delicate ecosystem which, by remaining in constant balance, allows us to maintain a harmonious gut and live in good health. This state of stability and mutual exchange with the cells of the intestinal wall — a dynamic that is fundamental to the survival of our tiny guests — is known as eubiosis. If this balance is disrupted, the health of the entire organism suffers as a result. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, the two most important groups of bacteria that populate the gut, provide us with a countless number of services. It is their responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of the intestinal barrier — the one that protects us from attacks by external pathogens — they guarantee us an active immune system as well as substantial support for digestive processes and the correct synthesis of B-group vitamins. Unfortunately, when the balance among the species that make up the bacterial flora is disrupted, we find ourselves facing a condition known as dysbiosis. This condition leads to a weakening of the intestinal barrier, with the consequent passage of viruses and pathogens that expose us to infections, more or less acute flu-like illnesses, general malaise, and mood disturbances. With the reduction of the gut microbiota, we may witness the malabsorption of certain important nutrients, precisely because it is probiotics that enable us to make the best use of the nutrients present in the foods we eat.
Another risk is posed by the passage, through the intestinal mucosa, of chemical elements absorbed through food products. The main advice is to review and correct one's diet and favour all those foods on which our tiny guests feed. So make plenty of room for fruit, vegetables and plant fibre, which are the primary nourishment of Bifidobacteria, while at the same time reducing sugars, excessive quantities of fat, alcohol and tobacco, and — in the case of an overly sedentary lifestyle — resuming adequate physical activity.
Strengthening the gut microbiota as effectively as possible therefore means avoiding unpleasant consequences. In addition to fruit and vegetables, it is possible to consume appropriate amounts of yogurt or kefir and fermented foods such as sauerkraut or miso, which contribute to intestinal wellbeing on a daily basis. If this is not sufficient and the signals coming from the gut (bloating, irritable bowel, flatulence, poor digestion) or, worse still, from the organism in general (spots, dull skin, recurring infections, sore throat) indicate an imbalance of the bacterial flora, it is advisable to intervene with a targeted product containing suitable probiotics and prebiotic plant fibre to guarantee the restoration of intestinal eubiosis.
In this way one has the assurance of introducing the right quantity and type of probiotics needed for repopulation, together with the correct dose of prebiotic necessary for their nourishment.
A well-balanced product that guarantees safety and efficacy is always the result of important scientific research and consistent work. Following the research of Physiological Nutraceutics, Guna has developed Proflora, a symbiotic produced with the quality guarantee that characterises the company. Proflora contains six different strains of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) combined with prebiotic fibres, whose synergy is fundamental for the proper rebalancing of the intestinal microflora. Each of the six bacterial strains is gastroprotected from the attack of gastric juices through microencapsulation, which allows the probiotics to reach the intestine alive and active, in order to colonise and rebalance the intestinal microflora.
The six probiotic strains are combined with FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), which make up the prebiotic component of the product — that is, the ideal nourishment for the correct reproduction of both the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria contained within Proflora and those already present in our gut. These fibres, which cannot be attacked by digestive enzymes, let alone be absorbed in the upper intestinal tract, arrive intact in the colon where they are selectively fermented by the "friendly" intestinal microflora. They also allow better absorption of certain minerals, including calcium and magnesium.
Proflora is free from allergens and contains no gluten, lactose or glucose, making it suitable for people who cannot consume these nutrients.
The weakening of the gut microbiota during the holidays translates into greater exposure to external pathogens, especially in those countries where the hot, humid climate encourages the proliferation of viruses and bacteria. Strengthening and repopulating the bacterial flora means a stronger immune system that is more resistant to illness — and therefore wellbeing, good spirits and peace of mind to accompany our holidays and our lives. For this reason, let's not forget to pack Proflora in our suitcase.
Proflora comes in sachets and it is recommended to take one sachet a day, half an hour before meals, dissolved in half a glass of water at room temperature. This guarantees an intake of approximately 2 billion live and vital probiotics, which thanks to microencapsulation have an activity equivalent to that of 10 billion bacteria.
It can be found at the best pharmacies with two purchasing options: Proflora in a pack of 10 sachets at a cost of 14.90 euros and Proflora in a pack of 30 sachets at a cost of 34.80 euros.