Youve Taken The First Step Whats Next
Here at Renew Life, we believe the journey toward being stronger for life is all about the little things we do every day to keep our minds and bodies healthystarting with supporting a balanced gut.
The human gut is a veritable powerhouse of potential, which is why we make products specifically with the health of your entire digestive system in mind. Our single-minded focus has made us a leader in the industry, and all of our probiotics, digestive enzymes, herbal cleansing formulas, fiber and specialty supplements work together to help you achieve digestive balance and harmony.*
All the best on your journey!
Are There Any Risks Related To Probiotics
Probiotics are generally considered safe. However, there are some risks linked to the supplements. These risks are increased if you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system, have recently had surgery or have other serious medical conditions.
Unlikely, but possible, risks can include:
- Developing an infection.
Read Also: What Does It Mean When You Keep Having Heartburn
Mistake #: You Take More Than One Type Of Probiotic Supplement
If you are considering layering your probiotic supplements for different health concerns, know that different bacteria can interact. Think of it this way: part of the reason we take probiotics is to fight off other bacteria, says Nielsen. It is possible, in a multi-strain product and if you take two different probiotic products at the same time, that they can out-compete each other. Research supports this: you can include 10 strains in a single product but without proper study, you cant be sure that one strain isnt out-competing the other nine. Nielsen says to check out the manufacturers website for clinical studies that the strains were tested together.
Read Also: Probiotics What Is It Used For
But Why Take Them On An Ongoing Basis
Many people choose to take probiotics every day, whilst some might just use them periodically or whenever they feel that they need a little support. Whichever way you find works best for you, it is worth remembering that many factors can negatively affect the probiotic colonies in our gut.
So, whilst you might think that once you have established good gut flora that it can then be left to its own devices, in reality our lifestyles are now so challenging for our microbiome that many of us need to nurture it on an ongoing basis. If you would like to learn more, read our article on the gut microbiome – all you need to know.
Most people know that antibiotics do not differentiate between the good and bad bacteria in our guts, and therefore negatively impact on our probiotic colonies, but even if we don’t take them ourselves, it’s possible there may be other sources of antibiotics in our food chain, such as in meat and other animal products. These have a similarly negative impact on our gut flora.
In addition, we are often exposed to chemicals such as chlorine in our drinking water. Chlorine is a strong anti-microbial agent, and whilst it helps to keep undesirable bacteria out of our water supply, it also damages our delicate gut flora.
Should You Take A Probiotic Every Day
This is a very popular question in the health industry. Many people think that taking it will help them be better at maintaining their health and strength. Many others think that it is a harmful thing to do.
Here in this article, we will explore all the pros and cons of whether you should take a probiotic every day.
Also Check: Does Taking A Probiotic Prevent Yeast Infections
What Are The Most Common Types Of Probiotic Bacteria
Though there are many types of bacteria that can be considered probiotics, there are two specific types of bacteria that are common probiotics found in stores. These include:
- Lactobacillus.
- Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics are also made up of good yeast. The most common type of yeast found in probiotics is:
- Saccharomyces boulardii.
10 ).
It is not known exactly why some people experience these side effects, but they typically subside after a few weeks of continued use .
To reduce the likelihood of side effects, start with a low dose of probiotics and slowly increase to the full dosage over a few weeks. This can help your body adjust to them.
If the gas, bloating or any other side effects continue for more than a few weeks, stop taking the probiotic and consult a medical professional.
Summary
Some people experience an increase in gas, bloating, constipation or thirst when they start taking probiotics. These side effects should go away within a few weeks.
Why You Should Take Probiotics With Antibiotics
Antibiotics play a critical role in killing bad bacteria. But as they destroy infections, they can also cause collateral damage to the good bacteria in your gut, which could result in diarrhea for a couple of daysor even weeksafter you stop taking the medicine.
So how can you get the benefits of antibiotics without the nasty stomach side effects? The answer might be found in probioticspills or even powders with live microorganisms that offer health benefits.
Your intestines contain around 1,000 different species of bacteria, with 100 trillion bacteria in total, says Dr. Lawrence Hoberman, president and chief executive of Medical Care Innovations Inc. If 80% of that bacteria is the good, healthy kind, the harmful bacteria stay at bay. But antibiotics change the balance in the microbiome, which may result in an increase in the harmful bacteria, he explained.
The immune system recognizes the bad guys and will try to destroy them. But in the process, it breaks down the intestinal lining and causes inflammation, and thats how we get antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Dr. Hoberman explains.
Recommended Reading: What Does It Mean When You Keep Having Heartburn
Read Also: What To Take With Probiotics
Different Cfus For Different Needs
As with most supplements and drugs, there is a large dose range over which probiotics are clinically effective, and higher dosages may be advisable for certain individuals and health conditions.1012 For example, research suggests that supplementing with a high CFU may be beneficial for people whove experienced a significant alteration to their gut microbiome due to illness, use of antibiotics, or other lifestyle factors.5,13
Adding to the complexity of dosing, research studies show that different health conditions can respond differently to different probiotic strains and dosages. For some health conditions, a lower dose may work as well or even better than a higher dose, whereas for other health conditions, higher amounts are necessary to provide a clinical effect.7,10,1418 More and better studies investigating the dose-response relation of probiotics for different health conditions can further inform our understanding of optimal dosing.
Recommended Dosage For Probiotics
Probiotics can be beneficial in fighting a wide variety of ailments, but you have to know the right dosage for adults. As with any supplement, it’s imperative to take the right amount specified for what ails you.
Video of the Day
Tip
Probiotics aren’t like supplements that are taken daily. In fact, you may not even need them. There are certain ailments improved by probiotics, but to determine the probiotic dosage for adults, your doctor has to examine you and decide on your prescription.
Read Also: What Is A Good Probiotic Vitamin
My Fourth Experiment: Ingesting 2 Trillion Probiotics
I decided to get into the trillions of species. I decided to take 20 pills of this probiotic, and it was stronger, but I didnt notice that much of a difference than from 660 billion.
Overall, it had some good effects on mood and I thought it would be good for going out and socializing, as I felt more social.
Read Also: Swanson L Reuteri Probiotic Plus
What Is Candida Overgrowth
Candida albicans is a species of yeast that lives naturally on your skin and in your gastrointestinal tract. Normally, Candida is kept in check by your friendly gut bacteria, but sometimes, it can multiply out of control.
The resulting infections can cause pain and inflammation throughout the body, both on the skin and in the gut or genitals. Candida overgrowth is most often noticed on the skin, mouth, and vaginal infections.
An intestinal Candida overgrowth can inflame and weaken the walls of the intestines, releasing toxic byproducts that may lead to many different health issues, from digestive disorders to depression.
Don’t Miss: Is Probiotics Good For Your Immune System
What Is The Best Time To Take 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.
Is It Okay To Drink Probiotic Drinks Every Day
Yes. In fact, it is actually recommended in most cases. However, there are always exceptions. Probiotics and prebiotics are safe for daily consumption since you already have good healthy bacteria in your gut. The harmful bacteria in your body can cause inflammation and make you sick. Furthermore, sometimes, we need to replace those harmful bacteria with more good ones.
We are still just on the horizon of finding emerging information about our gut microbiome, so it is always best to monitor and manage how much you ingest every day. Everyone has a gut flora that is specifically unique to your body, and every probiotic will, in turn, have a different effect on the body. It is entirely okay to drink one probiotic drink every day, although there is no standard dosage recommendation yet.
Looking to boost the health of your digestive system? From elderberry to turmeric, Sunny Culture offers a wide range of delicious probiotic drinks.
Rany Bochi
Recommended Reading: Azo Complete Feminine Balance Daily Probiotic Reviews
Probiotics Dosage For Diarrhea & Yeast Infection
In handling gastro intestinal infections in humans, it has been identified that the use of probiotics can lead to being relieved.
In some instances, as the University of Maryland Medical center notes, it can be used to prevent diarrhea.
Should you be affected, the quantity of supplements that you proceed to dose yourself on will also depend on the products strains that the manufacturer avails.
The packet inserts normally indicate how many capsules for instance one may need to take per day to remain healthy. Lactobacillus GG, probiotics for instance are identified by researchers to handle infectious diarrhea.
Yeast infections emanate from the fact that the bacteria that aids in their avoidance are not present.
They may be killed by toxins that may result from prescriptions availed and ingested that have an effect on their habitable environment.
Yeast Infection adviser identifies that the most common probiotic yeast infection treatments would have around 500 million to 10 billion live cells by the time they are manufactured.
References
Dont I Have Enough Good Bacteria In My Gut
Really, its all about balanceand everyday factors such as stress, travel, an unhealthy diet and even using certain medications can upset the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. When this happens, it can lead to occasional tummy issues and may impact your overall health. Taking a daily probiotic supplement may be useful in helping to maintain good intestinal balance to support digestive and immune health.*
Recommended Reading: What Do Probiotics Look Like
No More Constipation With Probiotics
Constipation is one of those things most people don’t want to experience or discuss. Unfortunately for those who have this condition, there are several different causes of constipation. Luckily though, for some, a healthy dose of good bacteria can resolve the problem.
In a review on the effects of probiotics on bowel movement frequency, from the September 2017 issue of âAnnals of Gastroenterologyâ, researchers found consistent evidence of an increase of one bowel movement per week.
The review warned that readers should take this recommendation with caution due to the differences in methodology and practices between studies in the report. Should you decide to use probiotics for this purpose, studies focused on the Lactobacillus species, in particular.
Since the review looked at multiple studies, it didn’t provide a recommendation for probiotic dosage in adults. Medication dosages should only be determined by your physician, as people are all different, and so are their relative states of gut fauna health.
Mistake #: You Think All Probiotics Are Equal
Its not good to assume that all probiotics will provide the same benefits, says Millette. There are a variety of probiotic strains and not all strains have the same health benefits. The human body houses more than 500 different strains of bacteria. Some are for immune support. Some are for digestive issues. Some are for weight maintenance. And there are even strains for heart health.
Examples include: Lactobacillus Acidophilus has been shown to help blood pressure, cholesterol, allergies and digestion, while Lactobacillus Rhamnosus can help with blood glucose, immune function and cholesterol, and Lactobacillus helveticus reduces blood pressure, improves sleep quality and bone health.
Check the packaging, talk to your health care provider or even double-check with a pharmacist to make sure what youre buying is what you need. Thankfully in Canada, foods with probiotic claims must be truthful and not misleading , and supplements must meet requirements for its claims as well as science to support its efficacy, safety and quality.
You May Like: Can Probiotics Help With Gas
What Are The Risks Of Ingesting Probiotics
- Side effects. Probiotics seem to have few side effects. Some may cause intestinal gas and bloating. However, this is likely to get better over time. If your probiotics are causing these side effects, try decreasing the dose or using it every other day.
- Interactions. If you have any medical problems or take any medicines regularly, talk to your health care provider before you start using probiotics. They could interact with medicines such as antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs.
- Risks. If you have intestinal disease or damage, HIV, cancer, a weakened immune system, or excessive bacteria in your intestines, don’t use probiotics without checking first with your health care provider.
Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are two of the most common types of probiotics on the market.
Make Sure Any Supplements You Buy Are Coated
Some probiotic strains canât survive the acidity of your gut. So if youâre taking a supplement, make sure itâs coated the outer shell will help it reach your intestines intact. If you can find only an uncoated version, take it with food to help protect it from the aggressive environment.
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Womens Health. For more intel on how to live a happier, healthier life, pick up an issue on newsstands now.
Also Check: Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Mood
What Does The Research Say About Daily Probiotic Use
In the majority of studies that investigate the effects of taking probiotics, researchers administer a daily dose to participants . This indicates an advantage to taking probiotics every day. Evidence for daily supplementation dates back to the 1990s2, and therefore this is now established best practice for probiotic use.
In a small study2, 10 women were allocated to either a probiotic or control group to investigate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® could colonise in the vagina. The women took either the probiotic or placebo supplement orally for 14 days, and follow-up faecal and vaginal swabs were collected on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. It was found that the strains were able to colonise in the vaginal region after day 7 and 14, but that once the probiotic intake stopped at day 14, neither strain was detected after a further week . These findings indicate the need to take a probiotic supplement daily in order for them to colonise and exert their health benefits, and that if you stop taking them, the probiotics will ‘exit’ the body within a week. Healthcare professionals can read more about Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® on the Probiotics Database.
How Can We Tell If Ingested Probiotics Stay Alive In The Gut To Provide Health Benefits
For more on the question: do probiotics reach the gut alive? Check out this post.
First, a number of experiments are done in the lab in order to examine their potential as probiotics. In these experiments, we check the following: acid/bile tolerance, antibiotic resistance, adherence to human intestinal cells, and antibacterial activity.1, 2 Research has shown that the ability to survive in the gut is highly dependent on the strain.3
Another way of telling if bacteria can survive for a period of time in the human gut is to search for this bacteria in feces. The longer it takes to find these bacteria, the longer they remain in the gut and the more health benefits they can provide.
Many studies have demonstrated that indeed, good bacteria can be found in feces, even after 7-10 days of no probiotic consumption.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, The drawback here is that generally, after stopping the consumption of probiotics, the number of bacteria detected in feces also goes down.
Also, it is important to mention that their presence in feces does not necessarily correlate with their persistence in the gut. The best indicator is by directly taking intestinal samples with an endoscope.
Also Check: Garden Of Life Mood Daily Care Probiotics
The Health Benefits Of Daily Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial microbes that help with digestion, keep your gut microbiota balanced, and can help fight off harmful bacteria. These bacteria can be found in some foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt, and can also be obtained through supplements.
Choosing your probiotic is important because the quality differs and there are many strains of probiotics that provide different effects within your gut. Certain probiotic strains also work in teams. The quality of the probiotic also matters. Thats why its best to find a probiotic that has been studied for the specific health benefit you are looking for, is rooted in extensive research and testing, and made up of clean ingredients
The three most studied probiotic strains are the bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and a yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Nutrient absorption, including some vitamins and minerals
- Support for your immune system
