John Myers
Is it true that sour milk products and fermented foods have a positive effect on the intestinal flora? I think I read that there are no meaningful studies for this. Am I wrong?
The bacterial strains contained in sour milk products and fermented vegetables actually have a positive effect on the intestinal bacteria. The fermentation caused by added or naturally contained bacteria causes the lactose to break down. This creates characteristic aromas and lactic acid, which causes the proteins to flocculate. As a result of these processes, sour milk products are more digestible than other milk products and, if consumed regularly, can promote the positive interaction of the microbiome (intestinal flora). Nevertheless, the individual effectiveness can be very different, since the colonization of the intestine with microorganisms, like a fingerprint, is different for everyone.
In the past, the effectiveness of probiotics, i.e. individual strains of bacteria that are specifically added to foods (including food supplements), was discussed above all. These bacteria should reach the intestines alive in the largest possible number and develop a positive effect on the intestinal flora and the immune system there. However, this effect could not be proven beyond doubt in the past. The term “probiotics” is a prohibited health claim and can therefore no longer be used in the EU.
Intensive research is currently being carried out in the field of intestinal health, its influence on the immune system and the rest of the body and also the possibilities of positively influencing the microbiome. These are extremely complex processes that have not yet been fully elucidated.
