Md Probiotics: Best Probiotic Supplement Overall
1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum is one of the best probiotic supplements of 2021 that aids in ones microbial balance. With all of its good quality probiotic strains, 11 in total, it helps protect ones immunity from harmful diseases.
This probiotic has prebiotic fibers of nutraflora, so each capsule may revitalize and help in ones health and wellness overall. What makes it even healthier and more nutritious is its non-dairy, gluten-free composition.
1MD Complete Probiotics may also aid in the fast absorption of nutrients, prevent bloating, regulate heartburn, combat irregularities in low bowel movement and diarrhea, and assist in cell immunity function.
The consumption of probiotics assists beneficial bacteria to be brought to ones gut so it can provide the support to the body to enhance well-being.
How Do Probiotics Help The Immune System
While we may not think of the immune system as living in the belly, 70 to 80% of our immune system is located in the gut, integrative gastroenterologist , explains. So “When you have an overgrowth of bad bacteria, or dysbiosis , it can negatively affect your overall immune system,” integrative physician Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., tells mindbodygreen.
That’s where probiotics come in. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have positive health benefits on the gut microbiome when consumed.
But not all probiotics are created equal. Some strains support the immune system more effectively than others , so be sure to look at the label before purchasing.
The 6 Best Probiotics For Psoriasis
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The microorganisms that live in your gut help control your digestion, immune system, and more, and as Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Mic, âstudies have shown that the microbiome directly influences skin, specifically in the formation of inflammation,â which may be linked to psoriasis. First things first: if you havenât already, youâll want to see a dermatologist to confirm that you have psoriasis . If you do, youâll be glad to know thatthe best probiotics for psoriasis are formulated with scientifically backed probiotic species that can help balance your gut microbiome and potentially reduce inflammation. And they come in the form of oral supplements and topical sprays to suit your preferences.
Itâs worth considering a supplement that also contains prebiotics, which may help probiotic strains thrive in your gut. Whatâs more, some probiotic supplements are formulated with turmeric, which has been shown to help with psoriasis.
When choosing a supplement, you can also look at the number of active microorganisms per serving, measured in colony forming units . While thereâs no general guideline on how many CFUs you need per serving, most supplements will contain at least 1 billion CFUs in each dose.
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Risk Of Unwanted Infections
Unfortunately, for some people, taking probiotics has the reverse effect. In rare cases, bacteria or yeast might enter the bloodstream and cause infections. People at greatest risk include those who are immune-suppressed, have a history of prolonged hospitalizations, and those who underwent recent surgery. Once again, this is a rare phenomenon that individuals should merely be cautious of.
Do Probiotics Require Refrigeration
The bottom line
No, not by the consumer. A storage temperature that is less than 77 ðF is likely fine.
During short term storage , refrigeration is not required. One caveat, if your residence is hot then you should keep your probiotics in the fridge.
During longer term storage , yes probiotics should be refrigerated.
You can store your probiotics in the fridge if youd like, just understand its not required this is welcomed news by most of my patients as it makes life easier .
Ambient temp is OK
The journal Microorganisms in 2019 essentially states its OK to store at room temperature.
probiotics may be incorporated in dietary supplements and other dry food matrices which are expected to have up to 24 months of stability at ambient temperature and humidity.
Specifically, less than 77 ðF and youre OK.
This is via the International Probiotics Association 2019 guidelines recommend storing category 1 and 2 probiotics at less than 77 ðF.
Hot temps are bad
The Journal of Applied Microbiology found storage at a temperature of 104 Fahrenheit was damaging to probiotics.
We provide freezer bags when shipping certain probiotics, but this isnt really necessary.
Some evidence has even found that probiotics that were killed by heat still had positive effects!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Probiotics
Q: What are probiotics?
A: Probiotics are good live bacteria that assist the digestive tract and immune system for whole-body wellness and utmost protection.
Q: How do probiotics work?
A: They work in several ways. The first route is by populating the gut with more bacteria. The second route entails fueling existing probiotics in the gut and other pertinent body parts. The third route entails boosting the immune system to serve as a shield against bad bacteria.
Q: Is the goal of probiotics to eliminate bad bacteria?
A: No, it turns out that the body requires some bad to remain in balance. In general, too much bad or good can be problematic. Probiotics only target any bad bacteria found in excess.
Q: Who should consider taking probiotics?
A: Probiotics might be suitable for people suffering from diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, skin conditions, weight fluctuations, stomach discomforts, and treating allergies and asthma, among others .
Q: Are probiotics safe?
A: Yes, probiotics are generally safe to consume however, in rare cases, they might elicit unwanted side effects.
Q: What is the best time to take probiotics?
A: Since probiotics require time to reach and populate the digestive tract, there supposedly is no best time of day to take them. Hence, we encourage everyone to follow the instructions provided on the supplements label.
Q: What does proteolytic probiotic mean?
Q: What is rhamnosus, a genus or a strain?
What Type Of Probiotic Is Best
We wish there was a quick and easy response to this question, but choosing the best probiotic product for your digestive tract is determined by your unique conditions. As we said earlier, there are millions of bacteria in our bodies, and most of them are located in the gut. These bacteria make up your gut flora . To learn more about how to restore healthy gut flora, visit our blog. Your gut flora begins before birth and changes throughout your life because of diet, lifestyle, and other environmental influences, so beneficial bacteria will differ from person to person.
Because we are unique individuals, the impacts outside sources have on our bodies vary greatly. Probiotics are one of the ways we can potentially relieve conditions affecting our bodies, but finding the right genus, species, and strain is important in relieving your condition. Here is a list of physical conditions and which strains of probiotics have been proven to help certain types of people:
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome constipation
A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus PBS066, Lactobacillus reuteri PBS072, and Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH020, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BL050 have shown to help constipation relief in children.13 The results of these strains can be less belching, abdominal fullness, and bloating.
2. Diarrhea
3. Stress, Mood, and Mental Conditions
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Question #: Which Strains Of Bacteria Does It Contain
Along with CFU count, another important thing to take note of is the strains of bacteria that are found in the probiotic.
This can be confusing there are countless different strains, and some of them sound very similar!
Thankfully there has been a considerable amount of research on probiotic bacteria in the last decade. We are now confident which strains will benefit us the most, and which we should take if we have any specific health conditions.
The reasoning for taking a probiotic will dictate which bacterial strains are most suitable for you. Some of the best bacterial strains to look for in a probiotic are:
What Are The Probiotic Strains
Harmful bacteria in our gut can cause numerous health problems. Some of the medical conditions that happen because of unhealthy bad gut bacteria can be effectively relieved without medication. If you are interested in learning more about how to relieve your unhealthy gut, read more about how to improve digestion naturally.
One of the ways we recommend relieving bad bacteria in your gut is with a probiotic if your doctor says taking a probiotic is right for you. But with hundreds of different probiotic strains, all performing different functions in our bodies, this may send you into panic mode, wondering how you will understand each specific probiotic strain. Probiotics are split into genus, species, and strain. There are two genus that are the most popular and have been proven to provide health benefits for certain people effectively: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.2 Most probiotics will include strains from these two genera.
Lactobacillus is mostly found in the small intestine and vagina, and Bifidobacterium is mostly found in the large intestine or colon. Lactobacillus produces lactic acid and helps control the bad bacteria in our gut. It also helps with the bodys mineral absorption.8 Bifidobacterium, also known as lactic acid bacteria, supports the immune system by limiting the growth of bad bacteria in the intestine. Both help break down lactose.9
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Best Probiotic For Leaky Gut
The intestinal lining is not a passive, inert barrier but rather a dynamic, selective filter. Lining the gut are epithelial cells whose cell membranes fuse together to form protein complexes called tight junctions. The tight junctions serve as doormen: their job is to discern between what belongs inside and what doesnt. In a perfect world, these tight junctions keep out pathogens, antigens, and toxins while admitting nutrients and water. But its not a perfect world, and sometimes the intestinal tight junctions are asleep at the post. Sometimes the gut is leaky.
Addressing leaky gut isnt as simple as popping a few pills. Defeating it requires a multi-pronged approach, including sleep, diet, exercise, sun, and all the other regular lifestyle pieces Ive covered in previous posts. But certain probiotic strains really do seem to help. In children with atopic dermatitis, for example, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri supplements reduce leaky gut and improve symptoms.4 L. rhamnosus also helps restore the gut barrier in kids with acute gastroenteritis.5 And in rats with leaky gut, yogurt improves gut barrier function.6 We arent rats, but yogurt is a safe bet .
Are Probiotics Safe For Your Immune System
There are some situations where beneficial bacteria can post a threat to the host
Noreen emailed to ask Could you do a podcast on probiotic foods that one should avoid if one has a compromised immune system? Is commercial yogurt ok since its pasteurized? What about kombucha? Homemade sauerkraut, pickles, hot sauces?
Before I answer Noreens questions, lets talk about how probiotic bacteria might affect the immune system.
One of the immune systems jobs is to protect us from harmful bacterial. And the beneficial organisms that we refer to as probiotics contribute to this effort in a number of ways. In the gut, a robust population of beneficial bacteria can help crowd out harmful bacteria, making it harder for them to thrive. In addition, probiotic bacteria can influence the activity of our own immune cells, regulating inflammation, barrier function, and cell-to-cell signaling.
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Individual Results May Vary But The Key To Healthy Digestion Is Consistency
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Within Hours
Thanks to its prebiotic content and encapsulation technology, your first dose of probiotics will reach your gut alive and will start supporting a healthy bacterial balance of the gut.*
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1 Month
Maximize your health benefits by incorporating good nutrition and regular exercise into your routine.*
-
2 Months
Studies have shown that habits develop in about 66 days. By now, regular Complete Probiotics Platinum® doses and your healthy lifestyle changes will feel more automatic.*
-
3 Months and Beyond
As the weeks go by, a healthy microbiome balance can support your overall health.*
*Individual results may vary. This timeline may not reflect the typical purchaserâs experience, and is not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.
Common Strains Of Probiotics
Probiotic strains are genetic subtypes of species. Each probiotic strain has a different effect in the body. You will see the probiotic strain names on food or supplement labels, combined with the species name. For example, the Bifidobacteria or Lactobacillus species are often abbreviated as B. or L. and combined with the individual strain name, such as acidophilus. This gives you the probiotic L. acidophilus. This is how the name will appear on food or supplement labels.
Here are six common strains of probiotics that youll find on food and supplement labels.
B. animalis: This strain is an ingredient in Dannon yogurts Activia product. Its helpful in aiding digestion and fighting food-borne bacteria. Its also thought to boost your immune system.
B. breve: This strain lives in your digestive tract and in the vagina. In both places, it fights off infection-causing bacteria, or yeast. It helps your body absorb nutrients by fermenting sugars. It also breaks down plant fiber to make it digestible.
B. lactis: This is derived from raw milk. Its an ingredient in Nestles probiotic infant formula, called Good Start Natural Cultures. It also serves as a starter for:
- buttermilk
- cottage cheese
- other cheeses
B. longum: This strain lives in your gastrointestinal tract. It helps break down carbohydrates and also can be an antioxidant.
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Smart Belly Adult Daily
This formula contains a selection of 7 well-researched lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains, as well as a prebiotic. The CFU is 7 billion, which is less than ideal, but it does use the patented Bio-tract delivery system so that the majority of those probiotic bacteria will survive stomach acid. Its allergy-free and requires no refrigeration.
Side Effects Related To Probiotics
Most people who use probiotics do not experience side effects, and even if they do, the effects are usually not diverse.
The harmful effects of probiotics can also emerge due to people suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, neonates, asthmatic patients, stomach ulcers. These special groups of people should consult with their doctors before using the supplements to know whether they can reduce their dosages to accommodate their conditions.
Supplements could also cause harm if they are consumed after expiry, poor storage conditions that could tamper with the quality of the bacterial strain, such as storing in poorly ventilated areas, storing above or below recommended temperature or in damp areas.
Poorly coated probiotic supplements may also cause more harm than good as viable counts of bacteria, when exposed to a poor environment, tend to die faster than multiply.
According to a CDC review paper, some of these effects may include:
The stomach is temporarily bloating with gas after ingesting the probiotic supplement.
How the bowel constipates, and users get excessive thirst from ingesting yeast-based probiotics.
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Probiotics Strengthen Your Immune System
Did you know that more than 70 percent of your immune tissue is in your gut? The cells lining your gut are the first line of defense between your internal body systems and external pathogens. Probiotics can strengthen those defenses.
Any disease-causing microbes that enter your body need to pass through several defense systems in your gastrointestinal tract before reaching the bloodstream.
The microflora of your gut is constantly on the lookout for incoming pathogens. Probiotic bacteria work to fight these pathogens by increasing your bodys production of antibodies. They also regulate acidity in your gut, which is another part of your immune systems defenses.
Regular infections, along with some diseases and autoimmune conditions, are linked to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut and a misfiring immune system.
Types Of Probiotic Strains Used
Probiotic manufacturers often use a specific probiotic strain to achieve a particular benefit. For example, many supplements include Bifidobacterium lactis because research suggests it helps the digestive system more easily break down food.
For our top five list, we chose the effective probiotic supplements that contain several viable bacteria strains to provide a wide range of benefits.
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Probiotics To Heal From Candida Overgrowth
Intestinal Candida overgrowth is a form of dysbiosis. It occurs when the good bacteria are disrupted by some external force like diet or antibiotics, and the Candida yeast has the opportunity to proliferate.
A body of scientific evidence has proved that probiotics can help both adults and children recover from Candida overgrowth.
It is essential to pick a probiotic with the correct strains of bacteria to displace the overgrowth of Candida from the gut. Probiotic strains like L. acidophilus and L. paracasei have been shown to demonstrate anti-Candidal activity. Select a probiotic that has the strains you need to heal from Candida.
What Is The Most Effective Probiotic Strain
Research suggests that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains offer the most consistent benefits, although every person is different and strains affect people differently. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, for example, promotes a healthy immune system while other strains have other effects.
The probiotic strain that will be most effective for you depends on many factors, including what digestive problems you suffer from, how many probiotics you get in your everyday diet, and how effective the formula is at protecting the live bacteria from the acid in your stomach.
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Best Probiotic For Ibs
Irritable bowel syndrome is, well, irritating. Even more irritating is the fact that it describes a confluence of symptoms rather than a specific disease two people, each with IBS, can have disorders with completely different etiologies. This complicates the probiotic you choose.
In one study, IBS patients who took a combo of Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus plantarumsaw a 73% improvement in symptomsbut only if they also had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth . IBS patients without SIBO only had a 10% improvement.2
Another paper, a meta-analysis from 2019, sought to determine which strains were best for IBS patients. While they didnt come up with one prevailing strain, they did find that multi-strain probiotics generally worked better than single-strain probiotics, and that Lactobacillus acidophilus appeared in all the successful multi-strain studies.3
Get Primal Probiotics, which includes 4 of my favorite strains plus a prebiotic blend to help them take root all in one convenient capsule
