Your Gut Health And Immune System Are Connected
Before we dive into why people over 60, in particular, need probiotics, lets take a look at the importance of gut health for everyone no matter what your age, gender, or even species .
Every human carries around several pounds of bacteria in their body, mostly in the gut but also in the skin, the mouth, and other areas .
What To Consider When Choosing Probiotics
A general recommendation is to select probiotic products with at least one billion colony forming units and containing the genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces boulardii, some of the most researched probiotics.
Not all probiotics will work for you: It may take some trial and error to find the probiotic that will work for you and show results. If after a few weeks you notice no benefits, try a different probiotic with a different strain of bacteria.
Probiotics may cause bloating and gas – that means it’s working: At first you may notice some changes in your stool patterns or have some gas and occasional bloating these are all indications that the product is working, says Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, an intestinal microbe specialist with Cleveland Clinics Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.
How many CFUs do you need?: There are two ways of approaching probiotics. If you think your gut and overall health are good and you are looking to regulate your good gut health, then a low number may be all you need. If you have IBS or require a gut health detox, then a higher number would be beneficial. Additionally, as our immune systems weaken as we age, a higher number may be necessary for women over 50 to stay healthy and see significant results. A probiotic with a CFU ranging from 25 to 50 billion is a great place to start out.
Bad For Gut Health: Fake Sweeteners
The best probiotics and foods restore bacterial balance, but others things disrupt it. And one culprit may be artificial sweeteners, says Dr. Kahan. One 2014 study in mice found that when mice ate certain zero-calorie sweeteners, the numbers and types of bacteria in their guts changedand not for the better. Mice in the study who were fed real sugar did not experience these negative changes.
You May Like: Best Dairy Free Yogurt With Probiotics
Best Supplements For Men Over 60
In addition to taking multivitamins, men over 60 should consider the use of certain supplements for the improvement of their overall health. Well now discuss the best supplements that men can use towards the treatment of osteoarthritis, cholesterol levels, prostate enlargement, and cognitive decline.
The Best Probiotic Supplements For Men
There are criteria that one can follow when choosing the right probiotic supplement. Dr. David Williams has the following suggestions to get you started:
- Know the strain included in the supplements.
- Look at how the product is packaged and how it is delivered.
- Watch out for the expiry date on the label.
- Does it have a money-back guarantee?
According to Health Ambition, the top 5 best men probiotic supplements are:
Best Probiotic Supplements to take.Shutterstock Images
- Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Men
- Hyperbiotics Pro-15
- Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra.
You May Like: Does Silver Floss Sauerkraut Have Probiotics
Probiotiques Ferments Lactiques Et Microbiotiques Quelles Diffrences
“Probiotique” est un terme qui convient en principe à des bactéries et à des levures. Selon la définition de lOMS “les probiotiques sont des micro-organismes vivants qui apportent des effets bénéfiques à la flore intestinale“. Etymologiquement parlant, ce terme signifie “pour la vie” et représente donc une allégation santé en tant que telle, alors même que ces bactéries nont pas encore obtenu dallégation de la part des autorités de santé.
Le terme “ferment lactique” regroupe des “bonnes” bactéries lyophilisées qui vont interagir avec lécosystème intestinal, et cela même si théoriquement un ferment lactique fait référence à un type spécifique de bactéries et que nous lutilisons avec une définition plus générale.
Dautres utilisent le terme “microbiotiques”, mais il peut être trompeur car le microbiote fait référence à la flore “propre” de lindividu, or cet apport externe de bactérie nen fait pas partie.
Voir également ce qu’ils peuvent apporter comme effets sur les symptômes de la diarrhée, les liens avec une perte de poids ou bien la relation avec une infection urinaire.
Références
Which Are The Best Probiotic Strains For Older People
A gold standard study was conducted in 68 adults aged 58-67 years old to assess the immune boosting effects of the Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 strain. It was found that the individuals that were taking a milk drink that contained Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 experienced an over 200% improvement in Natural Killer cell activity. This is promising for immune response.3
Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 is part of a group of bacteria known as soil-based organisms which are commonly used in food, beverage and gummy supplement production due to the robust nature of this bacteria.
It is also important to ensure that we are getting a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals daily as they contribute to our body functioning properly. Some important ones, especially, when we age include: Calcium4 helps with bone health which is important as we know bone density starts to decrease at around 50 years of age Zinc5 maintains immune function and helps with wound healing Vitamin D36 helps with immune function, and absorption of calcium in our diets.
Also Check: Where Can I Buy Garden Of Life Probiotics
Flora Udos Choice Advanced Adults Probiotic
Flora Udo makes this straightforward adult probiotic targeting digestive health in people over the age of 55. It lists 7 senior specific substrains. However, the benefits of these strains are not limited to older adults. It requires refrigeration which can be inconvenient and risks the quality of the product. Its not dairy-free or soy-free, so take note if youre allergic or sensitive to these ingredients.
- Type: Capsule
- Dosage: 1 capsule, 1-3 x/day on a full stomach
- Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian, raw, gluten-free. Contains traces of milk and soy.
- Clinical Studies Using the Final Formulation: No
Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Womens
Garden of Life has an extensive line of Dr. Formulated probiotics. This one is geared toward women of any age and contains a combination of 16 lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains to support general digestive, vaginal and immune health. Garden of Life is increasingly promoting the fact that its derived from raw sources but doesnt offer consumers any compelling evidence to the benefit of this feature.
It also contains prebiotic fiber and avoids the use of yeast in the formulation, which is important for women sensitive to yeasts.
- Type: Capsule
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day
- Dietary Considerations: Dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, vegetarian, raw, and non-GMO
- Clinical Studies Using the Final Formulation: No
Also Check: Which Probiotics Are Best For Yeast Infection
Reasons Why People Over 60 Need Probiotics
Everybody needs a healthy gut for a healthy life its just common knowledge, right? What you may not know, however, is that there are some very specific reasons why men and women over 60 need probiotic support more than any other age group. Read on for three reasons why probiotics for seniors are important.
What Users Are Saying
Maybe this doesnt work for everyone, and it doesnt work as a stand alone for weight loss, you have to change habits etc. too. But I was 201 lbs July 2020 when I started taking it, 186 lbs in Oct 2020, to 148 in April and Im currently at 127 lbs. I take it before bed and it has no side effects for me. Its a keeper for me.
Recommended Reading: Fda Approved Probiotics For Infants
Also Check: Probiotic Acidophilus With Pectin Weight Loss
Probiotic Supplements For Older People
As we get older we can find it more difficult to swallow capsules for a variety of reasons, including having a dry mouth, which can influence our decision making when it comes to taking supplements. There are many different formats of probiotics available:
- Capsules these are small and easy to swallow but with the added advantage of being able to be opened and the contents sprinkled on to cool, non-acidic foods such as yoghurts.
- Powders these come in easy to use sachets and are dissolved in cool water or taken directly in the mouth.
- Gummies these are the easiest format to take. Just take one from the packet and chew it at the same time as your breakfast. The hardest part about them is just taking one as they are so delicious! Or maybe thats just me!
Can Probiotics Reduce Cancer Incidence
Although no solid scientific research has showed that probiotics really prevent people from getting cancer, results show that the future is very promising. A study by the UCLA in the year 2016 showed that, a probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii 456 greatly reduced gene damage, and inflammation in animals such as mice.
This is a very encouraging finding due to the fact that inflammation is the root cause of many diseases such as cancer, heart disease. For instance, when a mouse was fed with probiotic bacteria, lymphoma, which is cancer that originates from the immune system greatly slowed down.
*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Although these are not concrete claims, these findings give credibility to the fact that manipulating microbial composition could be effective in the prevention of cancer.
Diet interventions and natural supplements being applied in the quest to prevent cancer have been very effective. Therefore, since probiotics are indigestible, they have been credited with the improvement of the rate of metabolism in the distal colon and therefore reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
Research has shown that colon cancer is initiated by the production of carcinogens via the colon. However, with a change of diet, there have been great improvements. For instance, when placed under probiotics diet, 53% of rats showed a reduced risk of developing cancer as opposed to those who were on a normal diet.
Also Check: Bacillus Subtilis Probiotic Side Effects
What Are Probiotics And How Are They Supposed To Work
Probiotics are essentially friendly bacteria that can help support both your digestive system and immune system, says Amber Pankonin, MS, RD, registered dietitian and owner of Stirlist.
They boost good bacteria by fighting off bad gut bacteria.
help fight off bad and harmful bacteria that may lead to chronic disease and illnesses, says Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Bucket List Tummy. We have research showing they can be helpful for immunity, digestion, and GI diseases. They may even reduce the risk of chronic disease, like heart disease.
Pankonin adds, Research suggests that probiotics might be helpful when treating diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and could even influence your weight and mood.
The Most Effective Probiotic Supplements In 2021
Discover which probitioic supplements are worth buying, and which ones to watch out for.
Linda
Linda is our resident health and nutrition expert who recently retired from a 14-year career in biomedical sciences to pursue writing and researching natural health and wellness. In her free time, Linda enjoys spending time with her community gardening club and harvesting her own vegetables and flowers.
Believe it or not, not all bacteria is bad. Our bodies are made up of both good and bad bacteria, and collectively, they form a very delicate microbiome that keeps our bodies running smoothly. Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in our bodies and help our bodies maintain a healthy balance1.
Our bodies are made up of about 39 trillion bacteria, and together, they help to protect our bodies and keep us healthy. Most of this bacteria lives in our gut and helps to expel bad bacteria, break down fibre, and produce vitamins like B12 and K2.
Research has determined that as much as 70% of our immune health lies in our gut, which is why maintaining our gastrointestinal health is essential for overall wellness3. However, our bodys gut flora is a delicate microbiome that is easily disrupted.
Sometimes our bodies balance may be thrown off by an increase in bad bacteria due to a number of environmental factors or lifestyle choices, for example pollution and unhealthy foods. One of the easiest and most effective ways to restore this balance is by taking a probiotic supplement.
You May Like: Are More Strains In Probiotics Better
Tl Dr: What You Need To Know
- The bodys ability to absorb nutrients from the food naturally declines with age.
- The most common deficiencies amongst older adults are vitamin D, B12, Zinc, and Magnesium.
- Calcium is also a common deficiency but supplementation with it can increase the risk of cardiovascular events so try to consume more dairy instead
- Do not supplement with iron unless prescribed by your medical doctor
If youd rather just see our picks, below is a comparison table. Otherwise, you can keep reading to discover how we picked them and what to look for or avoid when choosing a multivitamin on your own.
One In Natren’s Three
Megadophilus® is step one in Natren’s three-step custom probiotic system. This Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic product provides support to the small intestine.Lactobacillus acidophilus prefer to reside along the walls of the small intestine, where most of the digestive process takes place. Acidophilus is also a resident beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity, vaginal tract, and part of the urinary system. Available in dairy, or vegetarian/vegan appropriate dairy free probiotic formulas, each serving of Megadophilus® provides a minimum of 2 billion colony forming units of:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus, DDS-1 super strain in the dairy cultures OR
- Lactobacillus acidophilus, NAS super strain in the dairy free vegetarian/vegan cultures.
Natren’s Megadophilus® was the first genuine probiotic, ushering in the entire category of dietary probiotic supplements and introducing the term “probiotic” to North America. Natren was the first company to introduce a single strain concentrated Lactobacillus acidophilus powder requiring continuous refrigeration.
Prior to the introduction of Megadophilus®in 1983, Lactobacillus was a catch all phrase for low potency, questionable and often outright inferior products including yogurt tablets, sweet acidophilus milk, and liquid acidophilus.
- Digestion of dairy products by assisting with lactose metabolism*
- Small intestine health*
100% potency guaranteed through the printed expiration date when stored under the conditions stated on the label.
Also Check: Do Probiotics Make You Bloated
How Can Probiotics Help With Menopause
Probiotics help keep the body populated with the beneficial bacteria needed to help your body adjust to changing hormone levels. For many women, menopause brings on mood changes, weight gain, digestive woes, decreased energy, and an increase in certain infections. While the roller coaster of menopause-related changes tapers off over time, probiotics help ease the transition.
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.
Read Also: Probiotics Help With Bowel Movements
Combinaison De 9 Souches Probiotiques Dont 3 Brevetes
Lassociation de nos 5 lactobacilles et 4 bifidobactéries a été pensée pour trouver un consensus entre lapproche dite “des souches spécifiques” et celle dite “multi-souches” :
What Makes A Good Probiotic
For a probiotic supplement to be useful it needs to have few important factors included.
Firstly, the strains of microbes used in the probiotic supplement should be well researched with known beneficial effects. There is no point in eating bacteria that might have no effect or the effects of which are not known very well.
Secondly, there should be several different strains of microbes in a high quality probiotic. This is because probiotics often work symbiotically and having several different strains improves the likelihood of colonizing you gut with a new beneficial bacteria strain.
Thirdly, there needs to be enough of all of the different microbes and they need to be stored in a biologically active way. There is no point in eating probiotic supplements that have only a little amount of the bacteria, especially if they are already dead.
High quality probiotic supplements use manufacturing and storing methods that ensure there are millions of living organisms in one pill and the capsule is designed so that they can survive your stomach acid and actually reach your bowels.
Find out more about what to look for in a probiotic.
Also Check: Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic Para Que Sirve
Supplements For Cognitive Function
There are numerous supplements that men over 60 can take to improve their cognitive function and reduce their risk of forming cognitive disorders that lead to a loss of memory or concentration. Some of the best supplements for improving cognitive function include ginkgo biloba extract, omega-3 fatty acids, and phospholipids.
Ginkgo biloba extract promotes the circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain and also reduces inflammation throughout the body. Both omega-3 fatty acids and phospholipids help maintains brain cell integrity and structure and omega-3 specifically reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke which may lead to long-term cognitive impairment.
