Why Are Probiotics Controversial For Sibo
The first thing I wanted to know: why does this controversy exist in the first place?
Dr. Hawrelak told me that it all goes back to a big misconception about HOW probiotics actually work.
As we know, SIBO is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
Normally, there should be very little bacteria in the small intestine bacterial growth should occur in the large intestine. But with SIBO, bacteria migrates into the small intestine and starts growing there.
The overgrowth of bacteria is the basis for why some practitioners recommend against probiotics for SIBO.
The thinking is: why would you add MORE bacteria with a probiotic when you already have too much?
At first, that made sense to me but then Dr. Hawrelak explained that this is based off a big misunderstanding about how probiotics actually work.
How To Ensure That More Of Your Probiotics Survive
Commercial probiotics can be expensive supplements, so you should make sure that you absolutely get the most value from them that you can! There are two simple tips that you should follow to achieve this.
First, take your probiotics immediately before or during your meal. Eating a meal temporarily reduces the acidity of your stomach and makes it easier for the probiotics to pass through. This means that more will survive the journey through to your intestines.
Second, take a brand of probiotics that contains lots and lots of bacteria. You should be aiming for at least 10 million CFUs per capsule to start with, and then increase your dose even further when you feel ready. Some of these bacteria are bound to die during transit to your intestines, so the more that you ingest, the greater the chance of an effective colonization.
If you need more advice on how to choose a good probiotic, check out our Ultimate Candida Diet program. It tells you everything you need to know about the low-sugar diet, probiotics, and antifungals that you need to beat Candida, as well as giving lots of tips on how to choose an effective probiotic.
Beat your candida in 60 days with this detailed 5-step program
Use Of Probiotics For Anxiety
Research has shown that there exists an important relationship between our gut and our brain aka the gut-brain axis. New and exciting research has begun to take a deep look at this relationship, with some studies showing that probiotics may play an important role in not only supporting a healthy gut but a healthy brain, as well. For example, a 2017 meta-analysis looking at the efficacy of probiotics on anxiety found that probiotics significantly decreased anxiety compared to controls. More specifically, a 2011 study included in the analysis found that L. helveticus and B. longum taken in combination displayed anxiety reducing activity in rats and beneficial psychological effects in healthy human volunteers. However, the meta-analysis concluded that more studies are needed to assess the specific probiotic strains, doses, and treatment periods most beneficial for anxiety. Therefore, the analysis did not recommend specific bacterial strains.
That being said, another meta-analysis published one year later, in 2018, found that the evidence of probiotics in treating anxiety is insufficient. This analysis showed no significant difference between probiotics and the placebo in alleviating anxiety symptoms. The paper concluded that more reliable evidence from clinical trials is needed before a case can be made for promoting the use of probiotics for anxiety treatment.
Example:Probiotics SticksCFU/Dose: 3B/stick, Dose/day: 1 stick approved by Health Canada
Recommended Reading: 50 Billion Cfu Probiotic With Prebiotics
More Is Not Necessarily Better
When youre struggling with digestive disorders or other chronic conditions, once you find the right supplement, it can be tempting to overuse it. More is not necessarily better in this case. Too high a dose of probiotics could actually be harmful to your health.
The safest and most effective dosage for most is 1-15 billion viable L. acidophilius, L. casei, or bifido bacteria organisms daily. Combinations of 10 or more species per capsule work best according to most studies.
Dosages in excess of 20 billion viable organisms can produce gut disturbances and are not recommended. Smaller amounts of viable organisms are usually sufficient for therapeutic effect. For example, studies indicate that a daily supplement of 1.5 billion colony forming units of L. sporogenese are adequate for all purposes.
The odd thing about this is that many supplement companies manufacture 40, 50 or even 70 billion live bacteria per capsule. Not only is this overkill and completely unsupported by medical literature, it could also be dangerous for many people with sensitive digestive systems.
Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux Criteria
It is important to find high-quality probiotic brands for the best effectiveness because probiotics are live organisms. Here are the criteria used for best probiotic for acid reflux:
- Certified Good Manufacturing Practices -meaning that the companies undergo voluntary third-party inspection
- Contains targeted GERD probiotic strains supported by research
- Rated at least 4.5 stars by over 100 reviewers
- Reviews discuss specific acid reflux benefits
- Soy Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free
- Shelf-stable for ease of use
Probiotics that are shelf stable make for ease of use. In my experience, refrigerated probiotics are less likely to be consumed because they are out-of-sight-out-of-mind.
If you are looking for a more all-encompassing probiotic, it is a good idea to get those that contain multiple beneficial probiotic strains. After all, GERD is related to IBS and other digestive conditions that may be helped by other probiotic types. .
Just make sure it has some of the GERD-researched strains listed above as well.
For some people, it is best to start with a lower dose, or lower colony-forming unit count . Other people do much better with a higher CFU. Because of this, I give you a range of doses and strains.
Also Check: What Is A Good Probiotic To Take While On Antibiotics
Best Probiotic Supplements For Gut Health In 2021
This article was produced in partnership with Blue Ribbon Group
Due to the pandemic, people have mostly stayed indoors. As a result, keeping a well-nourished and healthy body has become challenging even for those who actively go to the gym or exercise regularly.
However, along with the efficient & best probiotics, one can still attain an immunized body and good health to push through the boundaries these rough times have given us.
With a combination of safe and beneficial bacteria, probiotics help optimize your immune system. They aid in fighting damaging bacteria and assist tissues and cells through their vital repair process. Probiotics can also help good bacteria with their natural selection and get rid of unwanted microbes that toxify our blood.
Now more than ever is the time to take care of ourselves and be healthy through proper diet and exercise. So, make sure to consume the right probiotics that will ensure sustainable immunity and everyday health.
In this article, we have provided the best and most trustworthy probiotics available and have described how each can help you achieve good health.
Which Probiotics Have Been Researched For Ibs
First of all, when looking for the best probiotic to help with IBS, you should choose a probiotic with plenty of research that is of good quality. There are also different types of IBS, so it is essential to figure out what type you are dealing with. Then, you need to be aware that there are so many different types of probiotics and they all have different properties. In this article, we hope to make things clear for you by outlining the different types of IBS and which strains of probiotics have been shown to support each.
You May Like: What Is The Benefit Of Taking A Probiotic
What Happens When You Start Taking Probiotics
When you start taking probiotics, bacteria gets to work quickly. They are living organisms after all and need some time to adjust to their new environment before they can begin helping your gut microbiome.
It can take anywhere from several days to several weeks for the good bacteria in your probiotic supplement to reach high enough numbers in your digestive tract where they can have a positive effect on your digestive health.
It is also important to remember that probiotics work best when taken in conjunction with prebiotic foods which are high in fiber and promote the growth of good bacteria.
Should Probiotics Be Taken On A Low Fodmap Diet
The low FODMAP diet is one of the proven methods for treating IBS.
It involves first eliminating most FODMAPs from the diet for a 3-8 week period so that you are virtually symptom-free. Then you begin to systematically reintroduce them in order to identify the culprits, followed by a modified diet long term.
For this to work, its important that other possible triggers of digestive stress are minimized. That includes caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, and fiber supplements among other things. Removing these ensures that if symptoms do occur, you will be able to trace it back to an exact FODMAP group.
While probiotics can be highly beneficial, some people experience a worsening of symptoms. Given this risk, its typically not recommended to start a new probiotic supplement during any phase of the low FODMAP diet.
The exception is if you already use a probiotic supplement before starting a low FODMAP diet. In this case you you can continue to do so throughout.
Summary: Some people may experience even worse digestive symptoms when starting a new probiotic supplement. This will compromise the results of a low FODMAP diet, so its not recommended to do them at the same time.
Read Also: Probiotic Yogurt For Lactose Intolerant
A New Cause Of Acid Reflux
Another emerging cause of reflux is an imbalanced microbiome, or gut bacteria and flora.
Many experts in the field of probiotics have conducted research to show that acid reflux can be a result of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth .
Both SIBO and GERD may be caused by an altered microbiome. This is where probiotics start to come in to focus on acid reflux.
Garden Of Life Raw Probiotics Colon Care Shelf Stable
as of April 11, 2022 6:49 pm
Features
- COLON HEALTH SUPPORT: Proprietary Colon Care Blend contains probiotics for constipation to promote regular, healthy, and comfortable bowel movements.
- DIGESTION SUPPORT: This 50 billion CFU probiotic supplement contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium to support digestive health.
- DIGESTIVE ENZTME SUPPLEMENT: Provides 17 digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
- IMMUNE SUPPORT: 50 Billion CFU and 33 RAW probiotic strains to support immune system health and is RAW, gluten free, soy free, vegetarian, non-GMO, with no binders, fillers, or carriers.
Recommended Reading: How To Make Homemade Probiotics For Chickens
Benefits Of Probiotics For Weight Loss Reviews By Users
To conclude here are the benefits, advantages or pros of probiotics for weight loss and other general health conditions.
- Proper development and function of your immune system
- Digestion of food and absorption of nutrients
- Protection against over-growth of other microorganisms that could cause disease
- Keeping bad bacteria under control
- Producing vitamins, absorbing minerals and eliminating toxins
- Preventing allergies.
All the above benefits contribute to your general well-being in one way or another. From the above studies, it is clear that probiotics should be included in your weight loss plan tools.
However, be careful on the strain you choose. Probiotics are readily available in fermented foods or you can buy them as supplements.Review #1
Review #2 why they may not help
On popular forums like sparklepeople, myfitness pal, 3fatchicks some people support the idea that probiotics can help you lose well others say they are useless.
Well, this makes sense, every individual reacts to supplements differently. The only to know that they may work or not work is to try them. Afterall, there some evidence that these tiny beneficial bugs are certainly important.
Intestinal Imbalances: Sibo Leaky Gut Fungus H Pylori & Infection
Certain circles on the internet claim you should not take probiotics for SIBO because in SIBO you already have too much bacteria. However, looking at the research,
we CLEARLY see probiotics help with SIBO
and may even be effective as a stand-alone treatment.
We also have evidence showing that some probiotics are as effective as antifungal drugs in treating fungi and that probiotics are as effective as antiparasitic medications in treating parasites. The antibacterial effect of probiotics can help to reduce bacterial overgrowths, correct imbalances, and clear infections.
Proof
Probiotics have been shown to be effective in treating SIBO , both in improving symptoms and in improving lab values. The clinical trials here were even summarized in a meta-analysis, concluding that probiotics are an effective therapy for SIBO. One study found probiotics to be more effective when compared directly to the antibiotic metronidazole.
Two types of probiotics have been shown effective for SIBO. One, a blend of lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium strains . Two, a probiotic containing bacillus strains, aka soil-based probiotics . More evidence supports a blend of Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.
Data from 18 clinical trials were summarized in a meta-analysis, which concluded that probiotics are an effective treatment for SIBO. Specifically:
A wide variety of probiotic strains were used in these clinical trials, however all of them fall into Category 1 or Category 3.
Recommended Reading: What Probiotic Is Best For Me
Best Probiotics For Autoimmune Disease
While assessing the quality of different probiotic supplements for autoimmune disorders, we evaluated quality, brand history, reviews, third-party testing, and certificates. We also focused on CFU , as it is one of the most important factors for probiotics. CFU estimates the number of live bacteria in each sample and is commonly used in microbiology.
Best Rated Probiotic Supplement
Gastric Benefits Of Probiotics In Healthy Adults
People who are healthy experience gastric benefits of probiotics too.
For example, a follow-up study of Bifidobacterium bifidum YIT 10347 fermented milk in healthy adults found that this supplement reduced gastric pain and overall post-meal comfort compared to a placebo too.
This particular strain of probiotic is helpful at alleviating gastric pain because the results have been duplicated in two different clinical studies .
Interesting Tip: Another perk to the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri yogurt is that it may reduce abdominal fat by as much as 8-9 percent compared to conventional yogurt over a 12 week period .
Lactobacillus gasseri also reduced waist circumference and abdominal fat according to another study especially when using a higher dose .
Also Check: Is 50 Billion Probiotic Too Much
Best Probiotics For Digestive Health
Digestive concerns can have many underlying causes, such as stress, food sensitivities, or bacterial imbalance.
Probiotics can help address some of these issues. When choosing a probiotic for digestive health, it is important to evaluate your symptoms first.
Whether you have constipation, diarrhea, or IBS, it is important to choose the product with the right strains for your specific digestive symptoms.
In Conclusion: Should You Add Probiotic Supplement To Your Routine
Probiotic supplements are made up of good bacteria. These good bacteria help the body in many ways, like fighting off bad bacteria when there is too much of it.
If you are someone who always suffers from constipation, give these probiotic supplements a go, as consistent consumption may keep you regular.
Throughout the years, countless studies have been done on probiotics. Through these studies, we now know how probiotic supplements help in the prevention of a lot of medical conditions.
Data supporting their role in other conditions are often conflicting, and more research still needs to be done, but probiotics have already proven their effectiveness ever since.
So, feel free to invest your hard-earned money in one of the probiotic supplements we have mentioned above. We hope you will be able to see the outcome for yourself.
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more,
Don’t Miss: Best Probiotic For Toddlers With Constipation
Probiotic Formulations And Delivery Systems
Probiotics are available in a wide variety of formulations ranging from tablets and powders to yogurts, milk, and juices. Physicians tend to recommend tablets and powders other formulations are heavily promoted by direct-to-consumer marketing.
To qualify as a probiotic, certain criteria need to be met: a bacterial strain must be fully identified, be safe for ingestion, adhere to the luminal mucosa, colonize the gut, and possess documented health benefits . A probiotic should be delivered in a formulation that is stable when stored. The colony number of bacteria and viability need to be reliable and they must survive the acid and bilious environment in the upper GI tract before they reach the small intestine and colon. Since the quality and content of probiotics have not been regulated, it is difficult to accurately assess their efficacy and safety.
The Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux In 2021
When it comes to the best probiotic for acid reflux, the strains of bacteria used in these probiotic supplements matter.
Probiotics for acid reflux are relatively new on the scene, but new research shows that certain types of beneficial bacteria may help with many aspects of digestive health, including reflux and heartburn.
To date, 8 major strains of probiotics have been studied for use in acid reflux, and I will review those for you here along with brands that have these strains and also are high-quality brands of probiotics.
I will also review the potential benefits of probiotics in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
This post contains affiliate links. Visit the disclosure page for more information.
Also Check: Can Probiotics Help With Flatulence
Which Probiotics Should You Purchase
You have options. You can use any quality probiotic that fits the profile of what Ive described above. I recommend the formulas Ive created here. These are what I use in my clinic and myself, so I can vouch for them. I went through a period of not feeling well, I know its not fun. Fatigue and brain fog, as I suffered from, made life hard. This is why Ive tried to make using Probiotic Triple Therapy as easy for you as I can.
Our store offers free shipping and stands behind our probiotics with a satisfaction guarantee. If this is helpful, great. If not, feel free to shop around and use what you feel most comfortable with. We will detail what quality assurance practices you should look for in a probiotic a little later.
