Up to 80% of immunity is in our gut
Therefore, it is essential to take good care of our gut microbiome and nourish it well.
Intestines as a second brain
They are responsible for a number of important reactions and processes in the human body. With the brain, the intestines are interconnected, communicate with each other and influence each other. The microbiota-gut-brain axis represents a complex communication system. Communication and interaction between the digestive tract and the central nervous system takes place. Microbes produce various neuroactive substances that affect the brain, our psyche, our mood and our behaviour. The gut also produces various hormones, such as the happiness hormone serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin.
Taking care of the gut microbiome serves to prevent and support our health.
Do you know that…
The total mass of bacteria in our gut is 1 to 2 kg
There are both friendly bacteria and pathogenic ones.
The gut microbiome is influenced by the mode of delivery
Natural childbirth promotes a sufficiently diverse gut microbiome and predetermines good health. A caesarean section can cause fluctuations in an individual's health because proper bacterial colonization has not occurred.
What affects our intestinal microbiome
Positively
- The basis is a quality and varied diet in the form of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, cereals (whole grain), fermented dairy and vegetable products (fermented vegetables, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, miso, etc.).
- Regular exercise, walks or a stay in nature are important.
- Make sure to get a good night's sleep.
- Avoid stress, relax and meditate.
Negatively
- The combination of a polluted environment (also fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides) and inappropriate food composition (refined sugar, fast food, saturated fatty acids, alcohol) disrupts the level of diversity of the gut microbiome. One-sided diets are not suitable either.
- Medications, especially antibiotic treatment, upset the balance in the gut and increase the risk of complications in everyday life.
- Beware of long-term stress, lack of exercise and lack of sleep.
- A lot of chemicals, a sterile environment and a strong emphasis on hygiene.
Why is it important to have a healthy gut environment and friendly bacteria?
Disruption of the gut microbiome can lead to various health complications:
- Intestinal dysfunction (diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain and cramps).
- The development of allergies and food intolerances (coeliac disease, lactose allergy).
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Psychological problems (mood swings, anxiety, depression).
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Gaining or losing weight, and other problems.
- Skin problems.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics
Probiotics are living organisms (bacteria and yeast) that help to restore balance in our intestines. They protect and regulate our digestive tract and immune system.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are fibres that serve as food for bacteria. Soluble prebiotic fibre improves nutrient absorption and the quality of intestinal microflora. Prebiotics support the growth of friendly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the intestines.
Science and research
Gut microbiome analysis and customized probiotics
- In our laboratories, we analyse client stool samples using molecular biological analysis (Smart Probio service) and sequencing analysis (Probione service).
- Smart Probio - probiotics for 6 months and report.
- Probione - probiotics for 12 months and report (2x sample analysis takes place, and you always get probiotics for half a year).
- Microbiome test - overview of the representation of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, recommendations for liquid probiotics.
Our scientific team in our Brno laboratories is constantly developing truly unique food supplements. Several years of research conducted by our experts within TAČR (Technology Agency of the Czech Republic) projects resulted in the development of targeted probiotics Harmonelo Liver+® and Harmonelo Kidney+®. Harmonelo Liver+®, which supports the liver and normal liver function, was the first to emerge. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of live probiotic bacteria and other active substances. The other product that was specially developed is Harmonelo Kidney+® supporting the natural function of the kidneys. It contains several valuable ingredients from selected herbal extracts and targeted live probiotics.
Scientific Council
Prof. MUDr. David Stejskal, Ph.D., MBA, EurChem
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of Palacký University in Olomouc, majoring in Internal Medicine, Diabetology and Clinical Biochemistry.
- Lectured doctors on nephrology, internal medicine, metabolism and nutrition, having dealt with this issue for over 30 years.
- Head of the Institute of Laboratory Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ostrava and head physician of the laboratory medicine department of the Central Moravian Hospital, guarantor of biochemical care.
- Member of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ostrava.
- Currently lectures clinical biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine in Olomouc and Ostrava.
- Responsible for clinical biochemistry lectures at the University of Ostrava.
- Head of the Institute of Laboratory Medicine at the University Hospital in Olomouc.
- Works with scientific and international institutions in the research of new diagnostic indicators.
Prof. MUDr. Vladimír Teplan, DrSc.
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Prague.
- Worked at the Thomayer Hospital in Prague in the research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, having led the clinic for 10 years.
- At the same time, he lectured doctors on nephrology, internal medicine, metabolism and nutrition, having dealt with this issue for over 30 years.
- Professor of Internal Medicine at Charles University in Prague and Doctor of Medical Sciences.
- Author of a number of books and other publications.
- Often lectures at international as well as Czech conferences on metabolic disorders in nephrology and internal medicine, in the elderly and in nutritional disorders (malnutrition and obesity).
- Member of a number of international professional societies and an honorary member of the Czech, Hungarian and Slovak nephrological societies.
RNDr. Jaroslav Roček
- Graduated from the Masaryk University in Brno, majoring in biochemistry.
- Works in the field of clinical biochemistry with a focus on the production of medicines, medical preparations, as well as the production of dietary supplements.
- Worked at Vítkovice Hospital in Ostrava.
- Supervised the production of food, dietary supplements and medicines in several companies.
- In recent years, he worked as the director of the special products department in the production of dietary supplements.
- Supervised the production and distribution of medicines, veterinary preparations, dental materials, etc.
- Currently works as the head of Research and Development at Harmonelo Factory.
Mgr. Radek Netušil, Ph.D.
- Graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, majoring in Experimental Biology and in Physiology, Immunology and Developmental Biology of Animals.
- Long-term professional interest in the microbiome.
- Participated in the development of a number of dietary supplements, including custom-made probiotics.
- Principal investigator for TAČR (Technology Agency of the Czech Republic) grant projects, participation in other projects related to the microbiome and probiotics.
- Head of the Medi Pharma Vision laboratory, having worked there since its establishment and participated in the implementation of procedures, including the introduction of molecular analyses of the microbiome.
Ing. Vendula Popelková, Ph.D.
- Graduated from Mendel University, majoring in Chemistry and Food Technology with a special focus on Ecotrophology (Human Nutrition), as well as Properties and Processing of Agricultural Materials and Products.
- Author and co-author of several scientific articles.
- Involved in several scientific projects dealing with, among other things, the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles for wound healing or the development of biodegradable tableware.
- Worked as a university ambassador and member of the academic senate.
- Lectured on a number of university subjects (Human nutrition, Microbiological analysis of food, Safety of food sources, Food hygiene).
- Currently involved in the popularisation of science and its connection with marketing.
MUDr. Ronald Pavlov
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice.
- Worked in the paediatric ward.
- Completed 4 certifications – 1st and 2nd degrees in internal medicine, gastroenterology and general medicine.
- Worked as gastroenterologist, internist and general practitioner for adults.
- Head of internal medicine at a polyclinic where he worked for 10 years.
- Worked as a private outpatient doctor in all his specialties.
- Also worked as leading internist in his district.
Acknowledgement
- Our services and products receive various awards in the scientific field all over the world due to their quality.
- The PROBIONE project received an award in 2020 for the best biotechnological project put into practice. This award was given in the EUROPEAN BIOTECHNOLOGY CONGRESS 2020.
- Gold medal at the 2022 International Congress of Alternative Medicine in Bucharest.
- Award for Harmonelo Probiotics in the international trade fair competition, EkoStyl 2022, in Bielsko-Biala (PL).
