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Do gut regeneration products really work?
A healthy gut is the key to a healthy body - this is confirmed by numerous scientific studies. But how effective are the many gut regeneration products currently available on the market? Can they really restore the balance of intestinal flora, strengthen the immune system and improve overall health? In this article, we take a critical look at these products, provide sound information and dispel myths.
What are gut regeneration products?
Gut restoratives are products that aim to promote gut health by supporting the microbiome. They can be divided into three main categories:
- Probiotics: Probiotics are living microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeasts, which are added to the intestinal flora. Frequently mentioned bacterial strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Studies show that certain probiotics can alleviate digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to a 2020 meta-analysis, probiotics can reduce symptoms in IBS patients by up to 50 % (sources: McFarland et al, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 2020).
- Synbiotics: Synbiotics combine pro- and prebiotics to achieve a synergistic effect. They are particularly effective when the microbiome is severely damaged, for example after antibiotic treatment.
Why is a healthy intestinal flora crucial?
The human gut contains around 39 trillion microorganisms - more than the number of cells in the entire body (Nature, 2016). These microorganisms, which together form the microbiome, play a central role in several vital processes:
- Digestion: Bacteria help to break down fiber and other substances that are difficult to digest.
- Immune system: About 70% of our immune system is located in the gut (Frontiers in Immunology, 2019). An imbalance can lead to autoimmune diseases.
- Mental health: The gut-brain axis shows that a healthy gut also supports the production of serotonin - the "happiness hormone". Up to 90 % of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut (cell, 2018).
What are gut regeneration products?
Gut restoratives are products that aim to promote gut health by supporting the microbiome. They can be divided into three main categories:
- Probiotics: Probiotics are living microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeasts, which are added to the intestinal flora. Frequently mentioned bacterial strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Studies show that certain probiotics can alleviate digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to a 2020 meta-analysis, probiotics can reduce symptoms in IBS patients by up to 50 % (sources: McFarland et al, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 2020).
- Synbiotics: Synbiotics combine pro- and prebiotics to achieve a synergistic effect. They are particularly effective when the microbiome is severely damaged, for example after antibiotic treatment.