Best Probiotics For Immune Support

May Improve Symptoms Of Certain Gastrointestinal Diseases

Some of the most well-studied uses of probiotic supplements relate to the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases like IBS and IBD.

In one review of 11 studies, 7 of the studies reported significant improvements in symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain in people with IBS who took probiotic supplements, compared with a placebo. The remaining four studies didnt find significant improvements.

The review also found that multi-strain probiotics used for at least 8 weeks were the most effective for improving IBS symptoms (

38 ).

While some people, including those with IBS and certain types of IBD, may benefit from specific strains of probiotics, in general, most healthy people who follow a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle do not need to take probiotic supplements.

Whats more, some researchers are concerned that the widespread use of probiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance and warn that many studies investigating the safety and efficacy of probiotics are of poor quality .

For these reasons, its not a good idea to take probiotics before consulting a healthcare professional. They can help you decide whether a probiotic supplement is appropriate and give brand and dosage recommendations.

Side Effects Of Probiotics

While probiotics may cause gas, they have a strong track record of safetyhowever, the NCCIH notes that studies are limited on the frequency and severity of side effects. The organization does caution, however, that the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater for those with severe illness or compromised immune systems.

Which Probiotics Are Best For Your Immune System

You might already be getting probiotics without realizing it. Most of the research on the benefits of probiotics have focused on these common strains of bacteria:

• Acidophilus, which is found in yogurt, milk, miso, and tempeh, might support the immune system, according to a meta-analysis published in the journal Food Bioscience in August 2020.
• Bifidobacterium is in yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, miso, tempeh, pickles, kimchi, cured meats, some wines and vinegars, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread. It may reduce inflammation, according to one meta-analysis in the journal Nutrients, from January 2017. And a study in the February 2017 Nutrients suggested it may support immune health in older adults, too.
• All yogurt with live and active probiotics contains Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus, according to the FDA, and these have both been associated with supporting the immune system.

Conversely, there are foods that can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Research published in the January 2018 issue of Oncotargetshows that regularly consuming alcohol, sugar, and ultra-processed foods can lead to cellular inflammation, your immune systems response to potential harm. Inflammation is a natural process, but when it occurs inappropriately or for sustained amounts of time, it can trigger chronic diseases and conditions including depression, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimers disease, according to Cleveland Clinic.

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What Is A Probiotic

Probiotics are a type of supplement that you can take to add beneficial bacteria and other live microorganisms to your digestive system. These tiny organisms and their genetic material make up what is called our gut microbiome. They help your digestive system break down the food you eat and create essential vitamins and nutrients that help boost your immune system, and support urinary tract and vaginal health.

Different strains of probiotics impact our gut health in different ways. Probiotics can be used to relieve or manage symptoms of bloating, constipation, lactose intolerance, eczema, acid reflux and diarrhea. New research is also beginning to link how our gut microbiome connects to our mental health.

You can also take prebiotics and postbiotics. Prebiotics are certain natural fibers and other substrates that cannot be digested or absorbed in the stomach or small intestine. If a probiotic is adding the good bacteria, prebiotics are feeding the good bacteria, says Dan Greenwood, Ph.D., RD, a clinical nutrition expert and the former president of the Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Postbiotics are the result of probiotics eating prebiotics. Postbiotics are also essential members of the gut microbiome and help our immune system. Symbiotics are a type of supplement that combines probiotics and prebiotics.

Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics For Women At A Glance

Strains:Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum

CFU count: 50 billion

• Price: $$
• Type: vegetarian capsules

The multi-strain probiotic blend in Culturelle Womens Health Balance works naturally with a womans body to support vaginal, digestive, and immune health.

It also helps to maintain an optimal balance of good bacteria in the body, thanks to the inclusion of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain .

The convenient once-daily capsules are also gelatin-free, vegan-friendly, and made without gluten, sugar, dairy, or soy.

Whats more, Culturelle is certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that tests supplements for strength, safety, and quality.

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Works Quickly Stopped My Symptoms

“My wife became seriously ill with flu-like symptoms. She was in bed with aches, coughing, and fever for about a week. I can’t afford to get ill, so I did some research to see if there was anything that might help me avoid it, or at least lessen the symptoms or how long they hang around. I decided to try Dynamic Immunity. By the time they arrived, I was feeling symptoms coughing and a sore throat. I started taking these supplements and within two days, I felt that my flu symptoms were subsiding. My wife also took them, and she got better pretty quickly. We’ll both be taking Dynamic Immunity daily from now on.”

Who Should Not Take Probiotic Supplements

People with compromised immune systems should not take probiotics as they are at higher risk of infection. These people include children and adults with severe illnesses and those who have recently undergone surgery.

If you have allergies, always check the ingredients of a product before consuming it. Even if the product does not contain allergens, the manufacturer may have used a facility that processes things like dairy, wheat, or eggs.

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What Should You Look For In A Probiotic Supplement

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, a probiotic label should contain several pieces of useful information like:

• __ The probiotic species:__ Look for well studied specieslike L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus and B. lactis which have been shown to help support gut and immune health.

• Quantity of bacteria: Probiotics differ in the quantity of bacteria in the supplement. Doses of probiotics are measured in colony forming units and can range from 1million to 30 billion. Check with your doctor to see which dosage is right for you, more isnt always better. Generally, a daily probiotic for gut and immune health is between 5-15 billion CFUs.

• Expiration date: As probiotics are live microbial organisms, always aim to purchase a product that does not expire for at least three months and if you have a probiotic supplement sitting in your medicine cabinet be sure to check the expiration date before taking it. Additionally, be mindful of storing your probiotics in excessive heat which can degrade the microorganisms faster.

In addition to supplements, you can also add probiotic-rich foods to your diet. Look for fermented foods like kombucha, miso, sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and tempeh which provide a nutritious way of getting more good bacteria in your daily routine.

Ready to start your personalized routine?

Studies Suggest That Lgg May Help Promote The Immune System And May Help Reduce The Incidence Of Flu

A study of healthy adults investigated how supplementing with the LGG® strain affected the number of antibodies the body produced in response to a vaccine challenge.9 Compared to taking placebo, 29% more participants who took LGG®produced a number of specific antibodies that is associated with increased immune system function. This suggests that the LGG® strain may help promote immune responses by increasing the number of antibodies the body makes to fight against foreign invaders.9

In another study, children who consumed the LGG® probiotic strain for three months had a significant reduction in the incidence of flu-like sickness.1 The length of time that children experienced symptoms was also reduced, and they had significantly fewer days away from daycare due to illness, compared to the placebo group.1 Similarly, children who consumed LGG® for the length of a hospital stay had a significantly lower incidence of digestive system illness and flu-like sickness.10

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How To Get Started With Probiotics

Think you want to give probiotics a shot? Here are Dr. Crescis take-aways to help you navigate them:

Probiotics are generally recognized as safe, but theyre typically not recommended if you have a compromised immune system. Ask your physician if probiotics are right for you.

It may take some trial and error to find the probiotic that works for you. If you notice no benefits from one product after a few weeks, try a different one with a different strain of bacteria.

Probiotics may cause bloating and gas, as well as changes in your stool patterns all indications that the product is working, Dr. Cresci says.

Prebiotic foods help your good bacteria flourish. Include beans, asparagus, onions, green bananas and other fermentable fiber sources in your diet.

This article originally appeared in Cleveland Clinic Mens Health Advisor.

If You Want An Option The Whole Family Will Love Meet Sambucus Gummies

Theyre delicious, theyre family-friendly, and theyre packed with good-for-you ingredients. Sambucus Gummies are one of our biggest bestsellers and most beloved immune support gummies for good reason their sweet and tart berry flavor makes them fun to take, and their blend of vitamin C, zinc, and black elderberry extract unites traditional wisdom with immune support stars.* , and your whole family will look forward to their daily dose.

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Why Should You Consider Using Them

If there is one thing you take away from this article, let it be: a healthy gut biome is a happy one. Keeping the right assortment of bacteria in your gut is one of the most important things you can do when working towards having a healthy digestive system. The symptoms of a poorly behaving gut biome can range anywhere from a simple upset stomach to extreme sickness.

Additionally, probiotics do no harm. They are the bacteria you already have in your gut, working hard to help you digest everything from your favorite pudding to that piece of gum you accidentally swallowed seven years back.

Things All Effective Probiotics Must Have

High CFU Count

Since our microbiome is composed of about 100 trillion good and bad bacteria, a high number of Colony Forming Units will have greater impact on the growth of beneficial bacteria within our gut. 23 It’s essential to choose a probiotic which specifies CFU versus “active cultures” or “live cultures.” Look for a formula with a minimum of 40 billion CFU.

Prebiotics

The latest research shows that fiber-based prebiotics feed the probiotics, helping them to populate and flourish in our gut. 24 Choose probiotics supplements containing prebiotics to significantly increase the overall effectiveness of the probiotic.

Clinically Studied Strains

There are hundreds of different probiotics strains, but many have never been proven effective. The best way to identify the potency of a particular strain is to look at the clinical studies backing it up. To find out if a particular strain has clinical backing, search the strain name on the internet. Look for strains proven effective by clinical studies.

Formulated By A Doctor

It takes specific expertise to form an effective probiotic formulation. More is not necessarily better. The exact combination of strain type, potency, quantity, and prebiotics determines the product’s quality. Look for real doctors specializing in gut health backing the product.

Proof of Results

Here are some of the most effective strains available in a high-quality probiotic:

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What To Look For In A Probiotic

Since over-the-counter probiotics are supplements and not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as drugs, its important to look for third-party certification. Third-party testing can ensure the product actually contains what it says it does, and that its free of harmful ingredients like heavy metals. Resources like ConsumerLab.com and Labdoor.com can provide information on a supplements certifications and testing.

And, as mentioned above, a probiotics health benefits are strain-specific. Speak with your doctor about which strain is best for you and your needs.

Helpful Considerations To Keep In Mind

Before taking probiotics, there are a few things that are helpful to keep in mind.

In general, probiotics are safe. However, they could be dangerous if you have a weakened immune system. Your doctor can help determine which probiotics will help you.

Sometimes it takes time to find a probiotic that is right for you. If you donât experience any benefits from using one product after a few weeks, try something different. Different probiotic products will carry different strains of bacteria, and theyâll interact with your body in different ways. Itâs about finding whatâs best for you.

Some probiotics can cause gas and bloating and changes to your bowel movements. Those can all be signs that itâs working, but if you have concerns, donât hesitate to contact your doctor.

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A Great Way To Boost Your Immunity

I’m an ER nurse, and the best way to avoid getting the flu is to repeatedly wash your hands, always wear a mask and wash your clothes and take a shower as soon as you get home from work. Another thing I do is take Dynamic Immunity to support my immune system. It’s got a solid dose of elderberry plus other invaluable ingredients known to support the immune system. Since I started taking Dynamic Immunity to boost my immune system, I haven’t had as much as a sniffle. What I’m really excited about is I haven’t had any allergy/sinus issues either. I’m in Kentucky, and this state is notorious for pollen allergies. The pills are easy to swallow too. From now on, I will have a bottle on hand.”

Recommended By 1md Nutrition’s Gastroenterologist

Dr. David Kahana

As a gastrointestinal doctor with years of experience under my belt I’ve seen my fair share of patients come in with common intestinal concerns. I most often recommend two things. These two things work time and time again and I have watched in amazement as they instill confidence in my patients.

First, getting the proper nutrition can and will improve your health substantially. Most people already know this.

Second, using a good, solid probiotic can help support your digestive, immune and overall health.* This surprises a lot of my patients. I can’t believe how small of a percentage of people dealing with typical digestive upset use probiotics regularly.

When my patients ask me what probiotic is best, I recommend 1MD Nutritions Complete Probiotics Platinum®. It has 11 different strains and guarantees 51 billion live cultures per capsule. It also contains an effective dosage of Nutraflora prebiotic fiber that will ensure these cultures get the fuel they need to really make a difference in your gut.*

1MD Nutritions formula does not contain any unnecessary fillers. I consider this to be the most complete probiotic on the market today.*

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Probiotic Benefits For Kids

The gut is made up of trillions of live microorganisms responsible for 80% of our immune system, so having good gut health is extremely important for your baby and toddlers health for years to come. The gut also plays a huge role in digestion, skin health, brain chemistry, hormones, and immunity and is often referred to as a second brain.

A healthy gut makes for a healthy life!

And while you would think that baby comes into this world with a perfectly balanced little gut, that just isnt the case. Babys gut bacteria is influenced by the moms gut health in utero, gestational age, mode of delivery, diet, and antibiotic exposure. And because of the modern world that we live in high-stress, pre-antibiotic, nutrient-poor, and abundance of refined foods, most moms gut health is depleted to some extent.

So while I am wary of adding any supplements or medicine into an infants daily life, I am a firm believer that probiotics are a must for most babies to help them boost their growing gut health. They are generally safe for healthy babies, but as always, consult with your pediatrician before starting any probiotic, especially if your child has serious health issues.

How Often Should You Take Probiotics

Many people benefit from daily supplementation of probiotics, which keep them regular and stave off the symptoms of digestive conditions like IBS.

However, taking a daily supplement proves unnecessary for others because they already get plenty of probiotics in their regular diet. To determine whether you should take supplements long-term, ask your doctor. After all, your physician sees you in person and can help you understand your bodys needs much better than we can.

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Now Optimal Digestive System

Optimal Digestive System by NOW is a highly effective and intelligently formulated probiotic product that has received a considerable amount of praise by athletes, bodybuilders, and average folk around the world.

• Available in bottles providing 90 capsules
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
• Formulated to withstand the acidic conditions of your stomach
• Manufactured by one of the worlds leading health supplement brands

And other bacterial cultures contained within this product are made from vegan-friendly sources, making it a suitable choice for just about everyone.