Strengthening the immune system means acting in prevention against possible seasonal ailments, but also helping the body to cope with pathogens more easily already when they are active and supporting the defenses in the case of pharmacological treatments based on antibiotics.

Probiotics suitable for adults must be able to eviscerate at least 10 billion good bacteria, lactic ferments for children around 5 billion.

• What are lactic ferments
• The function of the bacterial flora
• What are the natural lactic ferments
• Probiotics: our allies
• How long to take lactic ferments
• How to take lactic ferments

What are lactic ferments

Live lactic ferments , whose name derives from the ability they have to obtain lactic acid , by means of an enzymatic fermentation process of lactose (the most abundant sugar in milk), are microorganisms that exert an action to support the our  bacterial flora .

They largely belong to the genres:

• Lactobacillus ;
• Lactococcus ;
• Leuconostoc ;
• Pediococcus m
• and the Streptococcus species  .

Some are already present in our intestines, probiotics ; while others we take them from the outside with yogurt ( Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus ) or other natural supplements.

The function of bacterial flora for our health

The final tract of the intestine , called the colon, is populated by billions of good bacteria (eubiotics) which have the main task of synthesizing digestion residues (fibers, carbohydrates and proteins), by means of fermentation and putrefactive processes of the remains of food.

The fermentation of small undigested food fragments also produces 500 ml of gas a day which, if produced in excess, causes bloating characterized by cramps and abdominal pain . In the presence of poor digestion it happens that the normal balance between good bacteria, called eubiotic , and harmful, called pathogens , is altered in favor of the latter.

The bacteria of our flora, in fact, represent 70% of our immune defenses and have the function of producing immunoglobins,  thus strengthening our natural defenses. Eubiotics hinder the development of many harmful microorganisms, including harmful and putrefactive bacteria, microbes, viruses and fungi, thus preventing infections.

What are the natural lactic ferments

In addition to probiotic lactic ferments , such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria that we all know, just think of yogurt, there are food probiotics that we can introduce into our diet periodically, alternating them for greater coverage and these are fermented foods:

• Kefir : it is a fermented milk rich in probiotics, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Its preparation is obtained from the mixture of fresh cow or sheep milk, with milk kefir granules, which are formed from a polysaccharide, kefiran, which contains yeasts and bacteria. When they come into contact with milk they multiply, in a fermentation process. It is also suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. It promotes the immune system and is particularly active against the pathogens responsible for candida and cystitis.
• Miso : it is a typical ingredient of Japanese cuisine. It may be somewhat reminiscent of our nut, useful for the preparation of soups. Miso is rich in lactic ferments, vitamins and minerals. It is produced from the fermentation of yellow soybeans, cereals, salt and Aspergillus Oryzae, a fungus. From this process a dark colored paste is produced, which is used to flavor soups and salads. It is rich in lecithin and vegetable proteins.
• Kimchi : is a preparation that is of Korean origin. It is prepared by mixing the cabbage leaves with chilli, garlic, carrot, onion, radish, ginger, fish sauce and salt. This blend contains Lactobacillus Kimchii, useful for gastrointestinal well-being, rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, beta-carotene, calcium and iron. Beware of the high sodium content.
• Kombucha : it is a sweetened tea fermented by a culture of yeasts and bacteria. In addition to strengthening the immune system, Kombucha is a highly detoxifying drink,
• Umeboshi plums : these are small unripe Japanese plums, which fall under macrobiotics. They are macerated wrapped in the leaves of a plant, the shiso, for almost a year. They are rich in antioxidants, iron, calcium and magnesium. Taking Umeboshi improves the function of the liver, kidneys, lungs,
• Rejuvelac : is an enzyme-rich drink that comes from the fermentation of wheat. It can also be obtained from the fermentation of quinoa, millet, barley, rice, oats and rye. The enzymatic component makes the drink already “pre-digested”, since the components are already divided into amino acids, simple sugars, saccharin and dextrins. Taking rejuvelac improves digestive capacity, regulates intestinal transit and strengthens the immune system.
• Amasake : it looks like a milk, a thick and sweet, gelatinous liquid. It is obtained from the fermentation of sweet rice with the addition of koji mushroom. It is low in fat, rich in maltose, dextrins, fructose, mineral salts, fiber and B vitamins.

Also find out when to take live lactic ferments

Probiotics: our allies for health

Among the live lactic ferments we distinguish the category of probiotics . All of human origin and resistant to the digestive action of the stomach , they have the characteristic of being the main bacterial strains present in the intestinal flora.

They are present in breast milk with the function of ” colonizing ” the intestine of the newborn, where they give rise to  the bacterial flora , which will remain here for the rest of the person’s life.

Some strains are also found in large numbers in the intestinal flora of children ( Lactobacillus bifidus ), others in the vagina ( Lactobacillus acidophilus ).

By resisting digestion, they are able to reach the intestine “alive” where they can reproduce , enrich and strengthen our bacteria, promoting vital processes, which are essential for the physiological development of our organism.

This justifies the primary role attributed to the best lactic ferments in the prevention of allergies , and in the treatment of respiratory and urinary tract infections , inflammatory intestinal syndromes and food allergies , because, as we have said, if the bacterial flora is healthy, the germs do not they can neither multiply nor spread.

They also help to ensure the proper  functioning of the digestive process , facilitating the breakdown of foods and their assimilation: live lactic ferments are able to synthesize fundamental nutritional principles such as biotin and vitamin K , essential for blood coagulation and protection. of the bones.

Finally, probiotics rebalance the alterations of intestinal function in case of constipation , diarrhea and antibiotic therapies. When we take antibiotic drugs, unfortunately it is inevitable that, in addition to acting against infectious agents, they also destroy our good bacteria, leaving our body without its primary defenses.

How long can the lactic ferments be taken

It is possible to carry out cycles of lactic ferments intake , during the change of season, in periods of greatest stress peak, during conditions of indisposition to counteract diarrhea. The length of the intake period depends on the cases, also depending on the condition of the bacterial flora.

How to take lactic ferments

It is recommended to take lactic ferments on an empty stomach. In the morning as soon as you get up it is the ideal condition, in any case away from meals and in the case of concomitant intake with an antibiotic treatment, at a distance from the drug schedules.