Can I Use Probiotics To Help With Medical Conditions
There is currently a large amount of research happening around the idea of what probiotics can do for your body. Even though there are a lot of possibly positive outcomes, researchers are still working to find definitive answers about how probiotics can help with various conditions.
However, there are some medical conditions where probiotics may help. This can vary between people meaning that what works for one person may not work for another. These can also vary based on the certain probiotic that is taken.
Some of the conditions that might be helped by increasing the amount of probiotics in your body include:
- Upper respiratory infections .
- .
Do Probiotics Need To Be Refrigerated
Are there certain brands which dont need to be refrigerated or do all probiotics, regardless of labeling, need to be refrigerated?
Enviromedica » Learn » Do Probiotics Need to Be Refrigerated?
Duration: 7 Minutes
Key Message: Are there certain brands which dont need to be refrigerated or do all probiotics, regardless of labeling, need to be refrigerated?
Most people are aware that refrigeration increases the shelf life of probiotics. But its hard to sort out whether this is true for all probiotics. Are there certain brands which dont need to be refrigerated or do all probiotics, regardless of labeling, need to be refrigerated?
Researchers analyzed the contents of 20 store-bought brands and found that 20% of the products contained no viable probiotic bacteria1 at all.
If you are as confused as most about when or when not to refrigerate, and why refrigeration is crucial for some products, read on. Well help you sort out the truth in regard to probiotic stability.
How Effective Are Probiotics
Researchers are currently unsure how effective probiotic supplements are for treating conditions. Theres constant research on the topic. While many research studies have had positive results on the impact of probiotic supplements, more research is still needed.
Its also important to keep in mind that unlike medications, dietary supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA. This means that manufacturers can sell supplements simply with claims of safety and effectiveness.
Always talk with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement or giving one to your child. Supplements might interfere with medicines you may be taking. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, check with your provider before taking any supplement.
Read Also: Best Probiotic To Keep You Regular
Probiotics: How Many Billion Cfu Do I Need To Maintain Daily Digestive Health
- The right dose of probiotics will depend on several factorsmost notably, an individuals purpose for taking probiotics
- A daily dose of 10-20 billion CFU is advisable for individuals seeking everyday immune and digestive support
- For some health indications, higher doses of probiotics may have a greater clinical benefit than lower doses
What Specific Health Benefits Do Probiotics Offer
Just as various nutrients support your overall health in different ways, certain groups of probiotics have proven to be more effective than others for treating specific conditions. For example, B. animalis subsp.lactis, B. longum, and S. cerevisiae may improve constipation, whereas Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus may improve lactose digestion for those with digestive discomfort related to lactose digestion. Its important to seek out credible sources for information on probiotics and specific health conditions. At the same time, note that each person has a unique gut flora, diet, and medication usage which may impact the efficacy of probiotics. One of the best things you can do is choose a probiotic from a reputable company.
You May Like: What Probiotic Supplement Should I Take
Are Some Strains Better Than Others
Many probiotics contain mixtures of two or more individual strains of bacteria or yeasts. They may also contain prebiotics, which are compounds that the probiotics can feed on. If a formula contains both probiotics and prebiotics, it is called a synbiotic.
Products most often contain Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species, although many other species exist. Different strains of the same species of probiotics can act in different ways, according to some research .
Some people take probiotics for maintaining everyday health. When using a probiotic for a specific health concern, people should speak to a healthcare professional about the best strategy. This is because show that different probiotics and dosages are effective for different conditions and situations.
Read on to learn more about the best probiotics for specific uses.
People can take probiotics in supplement form or in the form of foods and beverages such as yogurt and drinks that have live cultures added to them.
Fermented foods also naturally contain beneficial bacteria. Examples of fermented foods include:
- miso
- kimchi
- kombucha
Probiotic manufacturers measure amounts of bacteria in colony-forming units . Supplements can vary, with some commonly having a CFU of billions. Foods with added probiotics often contain lower numbers of bacteria. Generally, people might take higher-CFU products for specific conditions and a lower-CFU product for general health maintenance.
What Are Live Cultures
Alright, now were getting down to the nitty-gritty.
So, probiotics are filled with live or active cultures. What in the heck is are live or active culture?
Live cultures oftentimes referred to as active cultures as well should be broken down by their make. To begin from the top and work our way down, live cultures are microbes associated with foods, often as food fermentation agents, meaning live cultures aid in the fermenting process of fermented foods. On the next level, we look at the microorganisms, whichconsist mainly of bacteria yeasts. For instance, when it comes to dairy-based yogurt, live bacterial cultures help to convert milk into yogurt in the first place.
These food-found bacteria-based microorganisms are the live or active cultures that you are looking for in regards to obtaining health benefits.
On the other hand, some probiotics are microbes that would not typically be associated with foods , and these are usually not referred to as live or active cultures and are not readily available for consumption for obvious reasons.
You May Like: C Section Babies And Probiotics
When Does Your Body Need Probiotics
The human body contains more bacteria than cells, so maintaining healthy bacterial balance is important for overall health. Although probiotics can regularly support your overall health, there are certain occasions when they can be beneficial.
For example, when you are taking antibiotics, your doctor might also suggest you take probiotics. Regular probiotic supplementation can also help promote digestive health to help alleviate common gas, bloating, and indigestion, particularly after eating.
When To Consider Probiotics
While more research is needed for the EFSA to approve any health claims linked to probiotics, there is some evidence that probiotics can help with IBS symptoms and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, but its important to match the bacteria strain to your specific symptoms.
Some strains that have been studied in human clinical trials include:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has some evidence to help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
- Bifidobacterium lactis has been linked in some studies to constipation relief.
- There is some evidence for probiotics helping IBS, but it may not work for everyone. Some products that have published studies in relation to IBS include Alflorex, BioKult Advanced, Symprove and VSL3.
Experts suggest taking probiotics on an empty stomach and as a liquid formulation instead of solid, where possible, as the bacteria in liquid probiotics dont have to rehydrate in the gut, so may be more effective.
Also Check: Culturelle Probiotics Women’s Health Reviews
The Best Probiotic Foods
“The gut microbiome is literally and figuratively the core of overall health, so eating foods that are good for the microbiome is good for your health,” Del Coro says.
Probiotics naturally occur in some fermented foods, but, they can also be added to foods. “Different groups of probiotic bacteria and yeasts you may see on food labels include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces boulardii,” Del Coro says.
These foods have naturally occurring probiotics:
Some easy ways to incorporate these foods in your diet are to use yogurt instead of mayo for homemade tuna or chicken salads, throw sauerkraut or kimchi on top of grain bowls and salads and add miso to salad dressings and sauces, Del Coro says.
“Just remember to consume probiotics raw,” Del Coro says. “The cooking process kills the live beneficial bacteria in these foods.”
One more thing: If probiotics are new to you, start slow. “If you aren’t used to eating a lot of fiber and then load up on foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, you may experience increased gas or bloating,” Del Coro notes. Those with digestive issues like Crohn’s or IBS may also have trouble tolerating probiotic-rich foods.
Related Reading
How Is Activia Probiotic Yogurt Different Than The Other Yogurts
All yogurts are made with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, but most yogurts do not contain probiotics. Probiotics are live friendly bacteria that have been scientifically studied and when consumed in sufficient amounts provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. Activia yogurts contain Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactococcus lactis AND our probiotic culture, Bifidobacterium lactis DN 173 010/CNCM I-2494.
You May Like: Do Probiotics Help With Nausea
Has The Probiotic Strain Been Tested And Researched
Clinical studies and research are what distinguish promises from results. Be sure your probiotic is thoroughly studied, tested, and proven. To meet the gold standard, the research should be conducted in humans.
The Culturelle® Probiotic Advantage:
The probiotic strain in Culturelle® – Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is the #1 most clinically studied strain of probiotic. Considered the premier probiotic in the world, over 1,000 scientific studies and over 30 years of research have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG . It is able to survive harsh stomach acid and support a strong barrier against non-beneficial bacteria on the intestinal wall, providing a digestive health advantage.
Is Yogurt A Probiotic
Yogurt can contain probiotics and thus, be a probiotic yogurt if probiotics strains are added. While many yogurts have live and active cultures, not all have probiotic strains that provide specific health benefits such as supporting gut health and contributing to the maintenance of a balanced gut microbiota. Activia contains billions of the probiotic culture Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494, which has been shown to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract in sufficient amounts. Activia is a probiotic yogurt that may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort when consumed twice a day for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Minor digestive discomfort includes bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and rumbling.
Read Also: Do Probiotics Help Keep You Regular
What You Can Do
Don’t start taking probiotics without talking to your doctor or pharmacist about whether probiotics might help you. People who have immune deficiency or are being treated for cancer should not use probiotics without a doctor’s okay.
The most common species of bacteria used in probiotics are species of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. The bacteria are usually freeze-dried when you take the supplement, they warm up in your digestive system and become fully active. You can find probiotic supplements in most drugstores and supermarkets. They come as capsules or tablets to swallow and as loose powder to sprinkle on food. You’ll want a product that explicitly states a “sell-by” date. Dosages vary by product, so no general dosing recommendation can be made. However, common dosages for adults range from five billion to 10 billion colony-forming units per day. Take just one dose of probiotics per day.
Some people may experience loose stools in the first few days of taking probiotics, but this goes away. Taking probiotics at the end of a meal may help to reduce the symptoms.
Image:
Tips On Keeping Your Probiotics Alive Longer
Whether youre taking a high dose or lose dose probiotic, you want the healthy cells to stay alive and potent.
Some tips to keep in mind to prolong the cell life are:
- Follow the specific directions on the bottle
- Make sure to refrigerate after opening or at all times, if the label says thats required
- Dont expose the probiotics to excessive heat or temperatures
- Make sure to seal your probiotic bottle tight after each use
- Dont handle the supplements and then put them back in the bottle, this may introduce moisture into the bottle from your hands
You May Like: Probiotics For Yeast Infection Treatment
Kombucha Kimchi And Other Fermented Foods
Fermented drinks, such as kombucha and foods such as miso, kimchi and sauerkraut, are associated with positive digestive health, but the evidence for this is somewhat limited.
A lack of evidence doesn’t necessarily mean these foods arent beneficial, but not enough studies have been done to prove their effects. The microbes in fermented food are different in every batch, which makes it difficult to standardise and replicate results in studies.
Should I Give Probiotics To My Kids
Probiotics can be beneficial for both adults and kids. If your child has an illness that requires an antibiotic medication for treatment, taking a probiotic can help shorten symptoms. Probiotics can also be used to help relieve constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea, gas and eczema in children.
Introducing probiotics into your childs diet through food is typically a safe way to give them probiotics. Foods like yogurt and cottage cheese are often part of a balanced diet and can add in good bacteria without much risk.
There are commercially available probiotic supplements specifically designed for infants and children. However, it is important to talk to your childs pediatrician before giving them any probiotic supplement or changing the childs diet to include probiotic-rich foods.
Don’t Miss: Are Probiotics Good For Acid Reflux
What Are The Drugs Or Supplement With Which Live Cultures And Probiotics May Be Contraindicated
At present, there are no known contraindications with medical drugs or supplements, however, there are some things you should definitely consider when taking probiotics with certain medications or supplements.
- If taking probiotic bacteria along with antibiotics you will want to take them separately, ideally several hours apart, unless you have been specially told to take them together with antibiotics. For more information on whether or not you should take probiotics when on specific medication, always contact your doctor or medical provider.
- If you are taking anti-fungal medication, or natural supplements with anti-fungal properties, you may want to stop taking any probiotics or wait until you are off the anti-fungal until you begin.
- Additionally, if you are taking immunosuppressant medication, then you should absolutely speak with your doctor before you begin taking probiotics.
The reason why you should not take probiotics if you are severely immunocompromised or immunosuppressed is because patients who are do not have the ability to mount an appropriate body response to any microbe that they come in contact with. specialized cells in the intestine are continually testing and sampling the intestinal lumen for antigens . Microbes, even the ones that are normally neutral or even considered beneficial to your body, can sometimes cross the gut barrier and grow in the blood or in the internal organs where the nutrients are high and the competition for nutrients is low.
Is It Better To Consume Probiotics Through Pills Or By Eating Foods With Probiotics
There are several reasons why probiotic foods are the preferred choice for getting probiotic bacteria over pills. Consuming probiotics through dairy foods allows the stomach acids to be buffered and increases the chance that the probiotics will survive and make it to the intestine. Probiotic supplements in the form of pills dont usually provide nutrients that the cultures found in probiotic foods like yogurt produce during fermentation. Finally, fermented dairy products, like yogurt, are also a source of nutrients that are critical for good health such as calcium, protein, and potassium.
Don’t Miss: Is A Digestive Enzyme The Same As A Probiotic
How To Replace Good Bacteria After Antibiotics
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics to clear up a bacterial infection, they’ll likely kill the bacteria that make you sick but might also destroy your beneficial intestinal bacteria, causing diarrhea or other uncomfortable tummy troubles.
But you can replenish good bacteria after antibiotics by eating probiotic foods or by taking a supplement.
A May 2012 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that taking probiotics can reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
If you decide to take a probiotic supplement, follow the dosing instructions on the label and refrigerate the supplement to maintain its quality. If you’re experiencing any side effects from antibiotics, including diarrhea, talk to your doctor.
Related Reading
The Factor Of Kevita Probiotic Drink Price: High Or Low
Apart from the side effects, there is one more thing wrong with KeVita, the price. The drink comes for a hefty price. A single case of bottles costs something between $44-$56, which means one bottle is available for $5. Not everybody would like to spend such a substantial amount for a little bottle.
When you have other means to cut down your fat and exercise to a healthier lifestyle, there is nothing in the drink of KeVita. KeVita price is a significant factor that repels consumers looking for a cheaper solution.
Prices across retailers are:
You May Like: What Is A Good Probiotic Vitamin
Common Types Of Probiotics
There are more than 500 different kinds of probiotic species, according to Harvard Medical School. Each probiotic is identified by its unique strain, which is named first by its genus, then by the species, and then by their strain . The microbes in the genus share genetics but each species and strain have a variety of genes.
Different probiotic species and strains perform different functions in the body. Thats why it is so important to choose a probiotic supplement that mindfully combines the probiotic strains and clinically tests the products for efficacy.
Youll most likely see probiotics listed by their genus and their species or by their strain nickname. But its helpful to have a basic understanding of probiotics classification so you spend your money on a probiotic supplement or probiotic food that will actually help you.
