How To Choose The Right Probiotic
When looking for probiotic products, look for a supplement with the following features
Multispecies and multistrain probiotic: The product should contain different bacterial species and multiple strains of bacteria.
Differentiated products tailored to your needs: Different digestive issues warrant different probiotic strains. Therefore, for optimal benefits, try to seek out a probiotic that is tailored to the specific health outcomes you are trying to achieve.
Clinical studies: The probiotic and its claims should be backed by clinical studies using the final product. This will ensure that you are buying a product whose effects have been studied and proven.
Human strains: Only human bacterial strains can colonize your gut . Other bacteria, such as bacteria found in fermented foods such as yogurt and in soil-based probiotics, cannot colonize the gut and usually pass through your body within a few days. For lasting positive effects, you want to make sure that you have human strains that can colonize.
Free of animal proteins, allergens and fillers: It is recommended to choose a probiotic that is free of dairy and other animal proteins, gluten, soy and yeast to ensure you are taking a clean product.
Delivery mechanism: When you ingest your probiotic, the probiotic travels through the harsh, very acidic environment of the stomach before it reaches the small and large intestine.
Take Probiotics Before Bedtime
Taking probiotics immediately before bedtime on an empty stomach may help to reduce gas and bloating. Your gut is relatively inactive at night, but probiotics can produce gas when combined with certain foods. Taking food on an empty stomach ensures that the probiotics dont have any obstacles in the way, which also allows more of the live bacteria to reach your large intestines.14
Then He Said In My 25 Years In Nutrition Ive Never Heard Of Side Effects With Probiotics
Ronda told him, Well, it sure happened to me!
Rondas been doing great ever since the whole incident and is elated to be herself again. But she learned a hard lesson. Harmless probiotics deserve respect for their power and impact on the human system.
From now on, shell ALWAYS follow directions when it comes to over-the-counter remedies. And especially probiotics!
The good news is that if probiotics can cause this much change in someone whos healthy, they can also make a significant difference in anyone whos not.
Along with improving health in your stomach and intestines, as well as reducing inflammation and infection throughout your body, they can also relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
But be aware, theyre not to be taken lightly. Experts say that since each individual is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all for probiotic supplementation.
Remember: In general terms, up to 10 billion CFUs daily. Start gently. Watch for out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. A specific strain may not be right for you, or a specific combination. Take several days or a couple weeks to test the effects of partial doses, raising the dose a little each day as long as you have no negative symptoms. Include your doctor in the process.
This story isnt to scare you away from using a preparation that can help you become stronger and more resilient. But rather to alert you to possible risks if you use probiotics without supervision or awareness of potential side effects.
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Can Probiotics Make You Tired
Nothing we ever do is exempt from consequence. There are pros and cons to many things in life and that includes Probiotics. Thus, we always need to decide and be able to balance how good and bad a given choice is. The same thing is true for synthetic drugs a more natural approach to medicine has its safety concerns and considerations. However, what can we say about probiotics? Do they make you tired?
The jury is out in the scientific coumminty whether fatigue, tiredness and brain fog are attributible to Probioitcs making a person tired. There is some evidence that D-Lactate is responsible in some Probioitcs for tiredness or brain-fog, but its still not entirely a clear-cut finding.
In the market, we can see how the use ofthese supplements is booming sky high, and they dont need a prescription. Butit would be wise to understand the possible side effects of probiotic therapy beforestarting to use them in our day-to-day. One of the reported side effects isthat probiotics can make you feel tired, but is that true?
Why Does Ibs Cause Fatigue
The digestive system, more specifically the small intestine wall, is a major site for absorption of food and nutrients into the body. If this isnt working properly, consequences result.
For example, if not enough essential vitamins and minerals are absorbed our energy levels will decrease. This is especially so if diarrhoea is present and food does not stay in your gut for any length of time.
In addition to this, our bowel contains billions of good bacteria. These produce a number of nutrients, including the B group of vitamins essential for converting our food into energy. If this process is disrupted our energy levels may suffer.
Another possibility may be that bad bacteria or pathogens appear unwanted and are absorbed through the gut wall, which can put the immune system under huge pressure, resulting in fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome has been known to appear in people after they have suffered from a bacterial or viral infection.
Sleep disturbances are also linked with IBS and sleeping badly can have an impact on energy levels during the day.
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Lower Anxiety And Better Response To Stress
The gut and the brain stand in constant communication with one another. Oftentimes, an imbalance in gut bacteria goes along with increased anxiety. In fact, several psychological disorders including Alzheimers disease and depression have been linked to an altered gut microbiome.
In addition, leaky gut is often associated with inflammation in the brain, which can also impact mood and how you respond to stressful situations. OMNi-BiOTiC STRESS Release has demonstrated in clinical studies to improve positive mood and focus by strengthening the gut barrier function and by acting on the gut-brain axis.
When To Persist And When To Consider Taking Action
If a client only has a mild dysbiosis or imbalance of bacteria, without any significant pathogens or overgrowths, pushing through the initial mild reaction to probiotics may be advisable and sufficient to correct the gut dysfunction. Remember to start with small amounts of probiotics or probiotic-rich foods and build slowly. However, for clients who have diagnosable levels of bacterial or yeast pathogens or overgrowths, in my experience, probiotics alone will not likely fix the problem.
For these clients, continuing with the same probiotic that causes an initial reaction or side-effect will often see symptoms get worse, not better. If this is the case, and your practitioner has not been able to find a strain and brand that works for you, identifying the exact pathogen or overgrowth at the root of your gut microbiome imbalance is essential to any proper gut healing. More on this below.
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You Might Have More Energy
Not only might your mood get a lift from taking probiotics, but Dr. Axe notes that you may also find you have increased energy and less fatigue.
“Probiotics play a role in neurotransmitter production, including serotonin, which has mood-boosting and calming/sleep-promoting effects,” he explains. “Some also contribute to cognitive health by helping to facilitate a healthy inflammation response and supporting nutrient absorption, which helps fuel normal brain activity.”
Research has revealed that chronic fatigue syndrome is linked to an imbalance in the microbiomewhich can cause “leaky gut syndrome.” Basically, this means that bacteria enter the blood, triggering an immune response. Fortunately, research has also proven that taking probiotics may be useful for restoring balance to the microbiome and thus, alleviating fatigue and other symptoms.
You can also get a good amount of probiotics in your diet when you incorporate these 14 Probiotic Foods for a Healthy Gut into your meals!
Probiotics Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Another possible side effect of taking probiotics is an allergic reaction. Humans can be allergic to just about anything, including milk which is often used in the probiotic production process.
The purification process used in the production of some probiotics such as Nexabiotic® Advanced should remove most of these allergens.
If you are lactose intolerant you should be able to tolerate the small amounts of milk in probiotics. Furthermore, probiotics themselves break down lactose. This is the reason why probiotic-loaded kefir yogurt is advertised as being lactose-free.
However, if you have developed an allergic reaction to milk ingredients that results in problems breathing then you should avoid probiotics.
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Safety Considerations Using Probiotics
Probiotics are excellent therapeutic toolswith an impressive potential to improve many different conditions. They arewidely used in the medical field to improve cases of chronic diarrhea, and theyhave been found useful as a side treatment for other gastrointestinal ailmentsas well as autoimmune problems, and much more.
However, the responsible use of probioticsshould also consider the side effects of this revolutionary method. Thus,patients may experience the following symptoms after using probiotics:
- Bloating and abdominalcramps: The intestinal bacteria included in probioticswill grow in your intestinal lumen and start creating gas. Thus, you may feelbloating and sporadic abdominal cramps.
- Nausea and tastedisturbances: Some patients have reported nausea,but it is quite uncommon. However, taste disturbances are apparently morecommon, and they are possibly due to a modulation of the nervous system in thegastrointestinal tract.
- Low appetite: Similarly, you may find a reduction in your appetite levels causedby chemical modifications in the gastrointestinal tract that may be used in ouradvantage to favor weight loss.
There are also sporadic cases ofbacteremia, sepsis, and other health problems presumably caused by probioticsuse in immunocompromised and terminal patients. For this reason, if you arehospitalized or have a serious disease it is a good idea to talk to your doctorbefore starting probiotics.
Sign 7 Fewer Sugar Cravings
Some experts consider adding probiotics into the diet to be one of the best ways toreduce sugar cravings.A poor diet leads to less diversity of gut bacteria, and having an imbalance of bacteria in your gut, called dysbiosis, leads to cravings for sugary foods and drinks.Certain microbes in the gut prefer sugar, causing an increase in the number ofsweet receptors. Thus you crave and consume more sugary foods and drinks,thereby creating a snowball effect where you feed and create more sugar-lovingbacteria in the gut, causing more sugar cravings. Its a vicious cycle that can be broken by taking a high-quality probiotic, which increases the diversity and health of the gut, thereby reducing the influence of any one species of bacteria, say the sugar loving one, on the body.
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May Contribute To Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
A 2018 study suggested that there may be a link between SIBO and probiotic supplementation in people who regularly suffer from brain fog. It appears that the symptoms of these people improved when they stopped taking probiotics and started taking antibiotics.
The bacteria in your small and large intestines are usually somewhat different from one another in terms of species and strains. Your large intestine contains mostly anaerobic bacteria, which can grow without oxygen. These bacteria survive by fermenting prebiotics, the carbohydrates that cannot be broken down in the gut.
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth SIBO occurs when bacteria from your large intestine end up in your small intestine and start growing. Symptoms are often mistaken for IBS because they include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Sometimes, SIBO can cause brain fog and short-term memory problems. In fact, SIBO is more common in those with IBS.
Although its not known what causes the bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, some researchers suggest it can be a result of sluggish gut motility. This causes food to spend longer periods of time in the gut, which in turn means more fermentation in the small intestine.
What Should I Do
Dont let the embarrassment of discussing digestive problems, stomach pain after eating, frequent or explosive diarrhea, or other possible symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome keep you from having your symptoms diagnosed. Even if they arent common symptoms of IBS, your symptoms may be a signal that something is wrong. Its important for your health to address any new symptoms that you experience. The first step is becoming aware of IBS and all the potential symptoms it causes.
Gastroenterologists are specialists in conditions and diseases affecting the digestive tract. When IBS symptoms occur, they can provide you with an accurate diagnosis for your condition. They also make it easier to talk about the problems you are having without embarrassment. If you are having any of the symptoms associated with IBS, contact GI Associates to schedule an appointment.
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So How Should Ibs And Fatigue Be Treated
First, the root cause of your symptoms needs to be identified.
And unfortunately you wont get an answer from your conventional medical practitioner. Instead, you will only receive treatment for your symptoms.
Conventional treatment for IBS will depend on the type of IBS you have. For IBS-C, stool softeners and laxatives are often prescribed. For IBS-D, antidiarrheals from the opioid family are prescribed. Medications used to ease muscle spasms will often be recommended for abdominal discomfort. While there is not a lot of evidence, low doses of antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed.
The key thing to remember is that conventional treatment of IBS does not look for the root cause of the disease. However, when the root cause is found and removed, you should no longer need continuous medical intervention.
A different type of treatment
At Flourish Clinic, we take the Functional Medicine approach and begin the treatment of both IBS and fatigue with changes in nutrition. This includes either lab testing or a reset diet to determine what foods you best tolerate. Sometimes, simple dietary changes are enough to completely eliminate your symptoms.
When diet therapy does not change your symptoms, the next step is looking to see if you have a hidden gut infection like SIBO or Blastocystis Hominis. Often, these hidden infections contribute to your IBS and fatigue symptoms.
Now, I want to hear from you!
How has the health of your gut impacted your energy levels?
How Long Should I Be Taking Probiotics
How long should I be taking probiotics? Is there a time limit? Or can I take them limitessly? Thanks
16 March 2021
Probiotics are microbial food supplements that help keep your digestive system healthy. Currently there is no recognised or definitive duration of use of probiotics, but it is noted that there is no evidence of harm caused by them.
Evidence from randomised controlled trials suggests that probiotics are effective at relieving some of the symptoms in a variety of gastro-intestinal disorders. For example, in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the use of probiotics is a valid discussion point between patient and doctor in the lifestyle and diet management. NICE guidance suggests people who wish to try probiotics be encouraged to select one brand and take it at the recommended dose for at least four weeks while monitoring the effect. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend named bacteria or probiotic products.
Further studies and research are required into the duration of use, likewise the results of long-term use of probiotics, type vs type and the dose taken.
In summary, probiotics are a recognised option in symptom management in some gastro-intestinal disorders, with no evidence to suggest harm, but the selection and treatment length is independent to the original need and should be continued under careful monitoring.
We hope this information is helpful.
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Why Your Current Probiotic May Not Work Or May Take Longer To Work
Taking the supplement incorrectly: Check the intake instructions of your supplement to ensure that you are taking it correctly.
Wrong probiotic strain: Different bacterial strains specialize in different functions in your gut and can have vastly different effects on your body. If you are not seeing improvements in your digestive health, you might simply be taking a probiotic that does not contain the right strains for you.
A qualified healthcare practitioner with gut health experience can provide you with medical advice and may be able to direct you to the right probiotic. Once again, we recommend looking for a probiotic specific to your health needs for optimal results.
Improper storage: Some probiotic supplements require refrigeration to ensure the survival of the bacteria. If these probiotics are left outside of the fridge for prolonged periods of time or exposed to too much heat, then the probiotic bacteria may have died and are no longer effective.
Poor product quality: There are many probiotics to choose from and unfortunately product quality is difficult to determine for the consumer.
Product quality is based on many factors, but the overarching ones to look out for are the science the products are based on, the manufacturing process, the source and quality of the bacteria strains, and the composition of the product itself. Each of these factors can negatively impact product quality and the success you experience with the product.
Can Ibs Make You Feel Unwell
kimberly20051
Just wondering for those who have been diagnosed with IBS when you have a flare up does it also make you feel unwell? As in, body aches, tired, like youre coming down with a cold or something but without the ENT symptoms? Not referring to the gastrointestinal pains that go along with it.
If so, how long do you feel unwell for? And do you ever feel 100%?
Thank you.
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2 years ago
Hi Kimberly,
I have CFS so can never be sure what condition is causing which symptoms but during a flare up I generally feel worse all over my body, like you say flu like without the ENT symptoms.
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Posted 2 years ago
yes I get flu like symptoms I have suffered with chronic sinusitis for years . At first I thought these attacks were my sinus but non of the usual helping and then as you say it is like having the flu without the ENT symptoms. Sometimes I would be cold and others burning up and I just had to sleep and there were times when I was so tired but unable to sleep. Just had to go with the flow. Then theres the stomach issues dont want food or afraid to eat food. I have had then last for a morning or two or three days.
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