Wednesday, March 13, 2024

How Do I Get Probiotics

What Is The Best Time To Take Probiotics

Where do I get my prebiotics & probiotics?

It’s best to take your probiotic every day and to take it as directed. In order for the probiotics to be effective, they need to get through your stomach acid as quickly as possible. When possible, take your probiotics on an empty stomach. This means you should take it around two to three hours after your last meal, and about 30 minutes before your next meal. When you take it on an empty stomach, it allows the probiotics to move through your stomach fast so they can get to work.

How Popular Are Probiotics

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey showed that about 4 million U.S. adults had used probiotics or prebiotics in the past 30 days. Among adults, probiotics or prebiotics were the third most commonly used dietary supplement other than vitamins and minerals. The use of probiotics by adults quadrupled between 2007 and 2012. The 2012 NHIS also showed that 300,000 children age 4 to 17 had used probiotics or prebiotics in the 30 days before the survey.

Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant

When carrying a child, a mother wants to create the safest environment possible. This is a time where the mother-to-be will begin integrating new and recommended health practices like exercise, supplements, and new diet habits. One question that is asked by pregnant women is whether or not probiotics are safe to take while pregnant. The benefits of probiotics are well documented, and many pregnant women want to know if probiotics will benefit them as well.

Pregnancy may be a good time to integrate a probiotic into your regimen simply due to the increased potential for an imbalance in gut bacteria that pregnancy naturally produces. Stress, medications, diarrhea, and vomiting as well as certain diet choices can cause bad bacteria to overrun the gut and lead to a dampened immune response, inflammation, fatigue, and more.

The simple answer is yes, probiotics are generally safe to take while pregnant. However, it is always recommended to discuss any introduction or discontinuation of supplements with your healthcare provider.

Many studies have shown that not only are probiotics safe to take while pregnant but also that they can add great benefits for mother and baby. A 2019 study by Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that the pregnant womens gut microbiota improved through probiotic supplementation and that her immune system was enhanced.

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Love Grace Probiotic Smoothie

Love Grace Probiotic Smoothie uses the same strain of probiotics as in the MELT organic butter spread, GanedenBC30,” says Koszyk. “The vegan smoothie contains a good dosage of the probiotic, but every 16-ounce bottle contains 245 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates from the fruit, so be aware of how much you drink.”

The Bottom Line: Drink this! But split it into two servings if you’re watching your carb intake.

Linwoods Ground Flaxseed With Probiotics & Vitamin D

NatureWise Daily Care Probiotics, 60 Count

This is yet another product packed with GanedenBC30and Linwoods is charging an arm and a leg for it. While a typical bag of flax will cost you about $0.42 an ounce, their probiotic variety goes for about $1.25 an ounce, which is more than three times as much!

The Bottom Line: “Be cautious of cost when considering which probiotic foods to buy,” warns Koszyk. “If food makers are charging more for the product because of the added bacteria, it may be a good indicator that it’s more a marketing ploy than a product with many additional benefits.” She suggests you stick to regular ground flax and get your probiotics elsewhere.

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Probiotics One Daily Support

Probiotics One was ranked number 1 on the ProbioticsGuide authority blog. Supports the intestines and immune system with 6 different strains. Non-GMO and gluten-free, contains no soy, yeast, nuts, sugar, or iron. $25.00.

Lauren writes: Ive had digestive issues for virtually my entire life. After many doctor visits, and trying a bunch of stuff that didnt really help, I found a naturopath who recommended giving probiotics a try. After doing my research on a dizzying number of probiotics, I ended up trying Probiotics One. Im happy to report he results have been amazing! My stomach problems are seriously much improved. I still get some things when I eat certain foods, but on the whole, I finally feel like Im on the right track.

Benefits Of Maintaining Your Gut Flora

Unbalanced gut flora is linked to many diseases. For this reason, people are rightfully concerned about maintaining a balanced gut. Taking probiotics can help you achieve this goal. When gut flora is unbalanced, it is linked to diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimers, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and depression. Probiotics from yogurt and other probiotic foods can help restore balance to the gut flora as well as ensure the gut flora functions properly to enhance our overall health. It will also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

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Learning About The Microbiome

The community of microorganisms that lives on us and in us is called the âmicrobiome,â and itâs a hot topic for research. The Human Microbiome Project, supported by the National Institutes of Health from 2007 to 2016, played a key role in this research by mapping the normal bacteria that live in and on the healthy human body. With this understanding of a normal microbiome as the basis, researchers around the world, including many supported by NIH, are now exploring the links between changes in the microbiome and various diseases. Theyâre also developing new therapeutic approaches designed to modify the microbiome to treat disease and support health.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is among the many agencies funding research on the microbiome. Researchers supported by NCCIH are studying the interactions between components of food and microorganisms in the digestive tract. The focus is on the ways in which diet-microbiome interactions may lead to the production of substances with beneficial health effects.

Should I Try Probiotics

Why you need Prebiotics and Probiotics and how to get them. Simplified quick video from a Dietitian

If you are interested in adding probiotics to your diet, its worth a conversation with your healthcare provider. Many providers may suggest giving them a try to see if they help with your general health. It is important to remember that not all probiotics behave the same way and have the same effects. Each has their own individual benefits. They generally dont cause harm. One easy way to start can be by simply introducing probiotic-rich foods into your diet, like yogurt.

Before you start any supplements, make sure you talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider may be able to point you in the right direction, helping you figure out the best probiotic to take, how much to take and when to take it. A conversation is always worth the time when it concerns your health.

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Fermented Foods And Probiotics

The probiotics present in fermented foods vary from one food to the next. The most common, however, are the micro-organisms that belong to Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Bifidobacterium groups.

But, before you go and purchase some beer and wine in the hopes of increasing your probiotic intake, know that probiotics may not be present in all fermented foods. According to Harvard Health Publishing, beer and wine remove the probiotics before bottling. High heat during baking and canning inactivates micro-organisms, as does pickling with acids like vinegar.

Incorporating fermented foods into your diet is a no-brainer. They help keep your gut healthy, which, in turn, can alter your mood and may even stop the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Just be sure to look for labels that state they are naturally fermented or contain live cultures .

Are Probiotic Drinks Actually Good For You

In recent years, many probiotic drinks have been advertised as particularly healthy. Probiotic drinks and yogurts with added probiotics can definitely be useful. However, you should consider a few things when buying them:

  • The probiotic content decreases continuously after the drink/yogurt is bottled. The fresher the probiotic, the better.
  • The sell-by date does not indicate when the food is off. After expiry, however, the product no longer contains the minimum number of bacteria that makes it probiotic.
  • Only 10 to 40 percent of the lactic acid bacteria actually survive their passage through the stomach because of stomach acid.
  • Beware of high sugar levels. Sugar serves as an energy source especially for bad bacteria.

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What Does The Research Say

Probiotic doses are listed as colony forming units , which means the number of live strains in each dose.

Different brands will have different suggested doses and uses, so its important to understand the information listed.

Recent research found that the type of microbe strain, health condition, product formula, dose, and the quality of the product are all important for effectiveness.

The condition or symptom youre trying to treat can affect how the probiotic works and when youll see results. If youre taking a probiotic for general gut or immune health, youll need to take it awhile to see results.

On the other hand, if youre taking a probiotic for relief from diarrhea, you may see faster results.

For example, has shown that, when used in combination with rehydration therapy, treatment with probiotics can reduce the duration and frequency of infectious diarrhea in as little as 2 days.

Another study demonstrated that people who consumed a high-dose probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus fermentium for 12 weeks experienced significantly less upper respiratory infections and flu-like symptoms compared to a placebo group.

Plus, it was shown that the probiotic drink boosted the immune system of the participants by increasing levels of antibodies including sIgA in the gut after 12 weeks.

Depending on what youre taking probiotics for, you may see symptom improvements anywhere between a few days to a few months.

Gingery Apple Parsnip Salt

Physician

1 head cabbage2 large apples, peeled and cored2-3 c. spring water2 quart-sized, wide-mouth mason jars

Remove outer leaves of cabbage and set aside. Shred cabbage, ginger, and parsnips in a food processor. Place in a bowl. Puree the apples with 2-3 cups water in a blender until smooth. Pour over veggies and use hands to press veggies down until completely covered by liquid. Pack veggies tightly into two 1-quart mason jars, leaving a 1-inch space at the top. Roll a cabbage leaf into a cigar shape. Place on top of veggies. Repeat and stuff in 1-2 more leaves, then place lid and screw cap on. Set jars on a plate, as they may leak out. Let ferment for 5-7 days. Compost the rolled cabbage leaves on top, remove any mold that may have formed, and store in the fridge. Eat 1-2 tablespoons or up to 1/4 cup daily with meals.

Variations: 1) Replace parsnip with 1-2 carrots or 1-2 beets. 2) Replace cabbage with 3-4 carrots plus 2-3 beets. 3) Feel free to omit the ginger if you like, and add in your favorite herbs and spices.

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Don’t Stick To One Type Of Probiotic Food

Alita Ong/Stocksy

“Eating foods rich in probiotics is great, but eating a variety of probiotic-rich foods is even better,” Foster explains. “This is really the key to taking full advantage of gut health benefits. You see, different foods can contain different probiotic strains, with each one having a different effect on your body. Some limit the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut, while others can help your body better absorb nutrients, and some can give your immune system a boost.” And as a bonus, a lot of these foods have other nutritional benefits, such as calcium, potassium, protein, and magnesium.

Take A Kombucha Break

Kombucha is a probiotic-rich fermented drink made with tea, sugar , bacteria, and yeast making it a great vegan alternative to other probiotic-rich dairy products, such as kefir or yogurt, Sassos says. You can swap the refreshing probiotic drink for your afternoon coffee or happy hour cocktail, she adds.

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Should I Take A Probiotic Every Day

The short answer: Yes, you should aim to take a probiotic every single day if possible. “It’s best to take probiotics at least once daily with water or milk,” Dr. Asike says. There are many different forms of probiotics you can purchase in the wellness aisle from powders to capsules, tablets to liquid suspensions, but a regular dose on an even basis should be a goal regardless of which strain of probiotic you take.

If you’re wondering what may be the best option for a daily probiotic, Dr. Asike recommends looking for multi-species or multi-strain products before single-strain supplements, as they may provide more benefits overall. Saccharomyces boulardii, as well as Lactobaccilus rhamnosus,are popular options that may provide more relief to those experiencing irritable bowel syndrome, he adds. “There isn’t one over-the-counter brand that’s better than another when it comes to strains I advise looking for multi-species or multi-strain , and to grab a store brand if that’s what’s available.”

How To Ensure Your Probiotic Will Work

How Do I Know I’m Getting The BEST Probiotic? | Ask Eric Bakker

The most important way to make sure the probiotic you choose will work is to find a reputable brand and follow the label directions suggested on how to take it. Each brand will have specific information based on the product.

Manufacturers are constantly trying to improve probiotic effectiveness by using different methods such as microencapsulation to protect probiotics from the environment, increasing chances of survival and potency.

tips for effective probiotic use

For a probiotic to work for you, it should be:

  • Good quality . Choose one that shows proof of effectiveness.
  • Stored correctly. Read labels and store as the label states .
  • Taken as directed. Read labels and take as suggested .
  • Able to survive in the body. The probiotic must be able to survive the trip through stomach acid and bile and colonize your gut.
  • Safe for you. Read the label and note added ingredients. Watch out for added fillers and binders which might cause reactions.

A typical label will have the name of the specific probiotic , the dose in CFU, an expiration date, and instructions for use and storage.

The expiration date is important because it should have the use by date, which is how long the product will have live cultures.

Avoid products that list expiration as time of manufacture. The cultures may not be active or be less than listed by the time you buy it.

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Misconceptions About Probiotic Foods

There are several misconceptions about probiotic foods.

Just because some food types can contain probiotics, it does not mean they all do. For example, not all yogurts contain live and active cultures. The ones that do are usually clearly marked.

Also, not all fermented foods contain live cultures. Examples of fermented foods that do not have probiotics include:

  • beer
  • soya sauce
  • wine

These and other foods like them go through additional processing that inactivates the live cultures. Examples of these processes include baking, filtering, or pasteurization.

So Do Probiotics Cause Gas And Bloating

The short answer is that yes, some people do experience an increased amount of gas/bloating after taking probiotics. Gas is the bi-product of rapidly changing gut microbiota . This is a temporary, but normal, side-effect and should clear up soon after beginning your new regimen.

When you take probiotics, youre altering your gut flora. Anytime you make changes to this system , it can lead to things like gas, bloating, and flatulence. Gas is a bi-product of changing gut bacteria.

Even though probiotics are good for you, you may have to endure a bit of discomfort in the beginning. Kind of like when you were a kid and your parents had to convince you to eat your vegetables or take your medicine. It may be uncomfortable at first, but youre better off for it in the long run.

Some people dont experience gas, bloating or any side effects at all from taking probiotics. Your experience may be different, and thats OK.There are a wide range of reactions to probiotics that are completely normal.The good thing is that for those who do experience side effects from probiotics, they usually go away after taking them consistently for a few weeks.

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Foods With Natural Probiotics

Youll find natural probiotics in fermented, or traditionally prepared foods. The process of fermentation is what populates these foods with probiotic bacteria. Fermentation has been around for millennia as a way to naturally preserve food.

During the fermentation process, the carbohydrates in the food begin to break down and interact with bacteria. The result is a tangy, often sour food that doesnt expire easily. Its also now filled with probiotics, which help the foods nutrient bioavailability.

Lets review 10 of the best foods to find natural probiotics.

Are There Any Storage Instructions For Probiotics

Innovixlabs Mood Probiotic Capsules, 60 Ct

Several probiotic strains are very fragile and need to be protected from heat, oxygen, light and humidity. The probiotics might start to break down or die if they are exposed to these elements. Because of this, you may need to refrigerate your probiotics or store it in a particular place. Refrigerating certain probiotic strains ensures that theyre still viable when you go to use them and will still provide the full benefit of the probiotic. Always read the labels on any probiotic product you purchase to make sure you store it correctly and use it within the expiration date.

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