Lactic ferments, what they are for: all the benefits for children.

The term lactic ferments indicates all those bacteria capable of digesting lactose (sugar present in milk) through a fermentation process. Not all bacterial strains belonging to the so-called lactic ferments, however, bring benefits to the body.

Lactic ferments what they are for

The "live" lactic ferments are those able to bring benefits to the intestinal flora. These are bacteria that remain alive, in fact, inside the digestive system and colonize the intestinal mucosa; the latter thus becomes more resistant and capable of fighting dangerous microorganisms.

Lactic ferments, in adults and children, are essential for maintaining intestinal balance and ensuring better health of our body. The best are those that mainly produce lactic acid and other substances to a minimum. Specifically, therefore, we are talking about bacteria belonging to the genera Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcusm and a species of Streptococcus.

Lactic ferments are part of the set of so-called probiotics, even if the two are not synonymous as we will discuss later.

Generally better for the body, they must have particular resistance properties. For example, they must resist gastric acids in order to be able to reach the intestine alive. They have to fight off harmful bacteria that can cause infections to the individual.

In case of illness and taking antibiotics, for example, an imbalance of the intestinal flora can occur. This is the time to take lactic ferments capable of resisting the action of the antibiotic, so as to bring the necessary benefits to the body.

The benefits of lactic ferments

The benefits of live lactic ferments for the body are many, let's see them specifically:

• rebalancing function: in the case of the use of antibiotics, incorrect nutrition with consequent alteration of the intestinal flora, disorders such as diarrhea, meteorism, constipation, digestive problems, in this case the lactic ferments are a healthy touch to restore balance

• immune function: the intake of lactic ferments also acts by strengthening the intestinal immune defenses, increases the production of antibodies

• nutritional function: finally, the lactic ferments have their own nutritional function, their intake, in fact, nourishes the intestinal mycobiota and helps the enteric mucous membranes to absorb all the nutrients.

Use of lactic ferments in children

Infants have, from birth, a very important source of live lactic ferments: mother's milk. In children, however, teething, possible intestinal infections and antibiotic therapies could cause digestive disorders, diarrhea, constipation or weaken the immune system. In these cases, the supply of lactic ferments is essential to rebalance the functioning of the intestinal mucous membranes.

In pediatric age, the intake of lactic ferments is recommended in liquid form, to be added to the bottle with water or other drinks that the child likes and can be purchased in the form of ampoules at the pharmacy.

It is important to underline, however, that lactic ferments are also found in some fermented foods, such as yogurt, fermented cheeses, kefir, soy-based foods and fermented cereals.

Do lactic ferments increase the immune system?

The use of live lactic ferments is essential to balance the bacterial flora. If the latter is healthy, in fact, germs cannot spread and there is less risk of infections and intestinal diseases. For this reason, lactic ferments are essential for strengthening the immune defenses of even the smallest.

In particular, probiotics are essential to support the immune system, preserving it from colds, flu and more serious diseases. Let's see below which lactic ferments belong to probiotics.

What are probiotics

Only some lactic ferments belong to probiotics, they are lactic ferments of human origin, resistant to digestive action and able to reach the intestine intact.

This type of powerful lactic ferments is mainly used to balance intestinal functions, strengthen the immune system and counteract the side effects of antibiotic drugs. Their contribution is also essential in case of digestive system dysfunctions. According to some studies, even if the opinions are conflicting, probiotics could also be beneficial in case of respiratory and urinary tract and in case of inflammatory syndromes and food allergies.