Gut microbiome

Hello,

"Supplements, although they have the ability to ensure their intake through the acidic environment of the stomach, contain high concentrations of monocultures, resulting in an imbalance in the diversity of the gut biome."
I am interested in whether some manufacturers take this into account and strive for lower concentrations and greater diversity? Or is this a problem with all probiotics in capsules in general? And at the same time, based on this logic, should one opt for probiotics in capsules only after antibiotic treatment and in case of digestive issues and not just casually? Additionally, I often encounter the use of probiotics for eczema; however, from what you're writing, I'm not sure if that's a good idea if eczema is mainly a question of microbiome disruption?

The development of supplements is continuously progressing, and probiotic manufacturers are certainly keeping pace. Nowadays, it is standard to target a broader spectrum of strains/genera/species, but even that is not "perfect," because:

1. From the perspective of diversity, values of 5-10 represented strains with which manufacturers work today solve nothing,
2. This trend does not correspond to the individual metabolic needs of a person.

However, if we were to work with an averaged individual from Western society, whose gut microbiota diversity is not entirely exemplary, it still makes sense to use probiotics in supplementation, as it will always benefit a healthy individual. In trying to support the resolution of certain health issues, you risk using a type of microorganism that may not meet the needs of the situation and could worsen the condition.

Companies are gradually emerging that offer personalized probiotics alongside gut microbiota analysis—here I am convinced that this is the direction of the future, and it makes sense to continuously monitor this area.

Good day, Mr. Jelínek,
what do you think about intestinal microbiome testing offered by various clinics and laboratories? Would you recommend any laboratory, do you have experience with this? Also, I would like to ask, if a person eats healthily, exercises, doesn't smoke, and doesn't drink, which specific Lactobacilli or probiotics would you recommend?
Thank you for your response.

The analysis of the microbiota is meaningful because it provides information that cannot be obtained otherwise. It is important to bear in mind that analytical methods are constantly evolving and will provide much more accurate information in the future, including their interpretation. A certain disadvantage is the cost of the examination, but this is common with new technologies. When looking for a suitable laboratory, always choose based on what is offered for the required cost, i.e., what information is provided and especially how well it relates to your individuality.

In the case of probiotic supplementation, it is simple - the market is evolving very quickly, with trends either towards the widest possible number of strains in each dose or towards the inclusion of a smaller number of specific representatives to influence particular metabolic processes. It depends on your target. In general, however, you won't go wrong if you take preparations with a wider spectrum of Lactobacilli as a preventive measure.

Hello, Mr. Master, I am interested in how sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, affect the gut microbiota. Do they benefit it, harm it, or are they neutral? Thank you in advance for your response.

You inquire about a typical situation where it is essential to distinguish whether the individual is healthy or not. Generally, polyols are fermented by the gut microbiota. This information indicates that in a healthy individual, this is acceptable as it increases microbiome activity with all its consequences. Conversely, the most commonly presented example where it is recommended to eliminate sugar alcohols from the diet is irritable bowel syndrome, which is associated with the so-called FODMAP diet. In such cases, intestinal dysbiosis causes increased gas and bloating as a result of the inability to efficiently process certain forms of carbohydrates, leading to a range of very unpleasant symptoms (pain, cramps...).

Good day, Mr. Jelínek.

I am not quite sure where to place my question, but here seems most appropriate. I would like to inquire, when someone undergoes a colonoscopy, which is an examination of the large intestine, and before that a procedure to cleanse the intestines using designated preparations, does this process remove a larger portion of the gut microbiome in a manner similar to antibiotic treatment, or is this process less "drastic"? Additionally, a related question: If this intestinal cleansing results in the loss of the gut microbiome, how can one use diet to gently restore the diversity of this environment (is it necessary to use dietary supplements - probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics)? What foods would you recommend consuming after this examination? Thank you for your response and advice.

Colonoscopy or enemas always impact the function of the intestinal microbiota. However, their impact is not as severe as with the use of antibiotics, except in cases of long-term (repeated) bowel flushes. The restoration of diversity in the intestines occurs significantly faster than after antibiotic courses, so the use of supportive supplements is not necessarily required, although choosing them is not counterproductive either. In terms of dietary adjustments, the most important are:
1. A variety in food choices with an emphasis on plant-based foods,
2. Quality of the ingredients used (= avoiding industrially processed products),
3. Adequate fiber intake,
4. Preference for fermented foods.