What Has Science Shown About The Effectiveness Of Probiotics For Health Conditions
A great deal of research has been done on probiotics, but much remains to be learned about whether theyâre helpful and safe for various health conditions.
Probiotics have shown promise for a variety of health purposes, including prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea , prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and in premature infants, treatment of infant colic, treatment of periodontal disease, and induction or maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.
However, in most instances, we still donât know which probiotics are helpful and which are not. We also donât know how much of the probiotic people would have to take or who would be most likely to benefit. Even for the conditions that have been studied the most, researchers are still working toward finding the answers to these questions.
The following sections summarize the research on probiotics for some of the conditions for which theyâve been studied.
Your Mood And Energy Levels Are Down
A microbiota overpopulated with unhealthy bacteria can have serious negative consequences for your brain. This can lead to a chronic decline in energy levels and poor mood.
If you find yourself feeling down regularly, or seem to have no energyall the time, then you might want to give some of the best probiotic supplements a shot!
Signs You Need To Improve Your Digestive System
A wide variety of good and bad bacteria helps the immune system, fights depression, combats obesity, and contributes to other health benefits. Here are 3 signs to look for that point to an unhealthy gut:
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Signs You Need Probiotics And What To Do About It
Probiotics affect nearly every part of your body. And they affect the health of all those parts.
Probiotics play many crucial roles in the body. They digest food, synthesize nutrients that you need, boost your immune system, regulate inflammation throughout your body, and even make neurotransmitters.
Its important for your health that you have plentiful probiotics in your gut. If you dont have enough of these critters, your body will suffer in a variety of ways. The list below shows possible signs that you dont have enough probiotics.
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 arent 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 Crohns or IBS may also have trouble tolerating probiotic-rich foods.
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Potential Side Effects Of Probiotics
You’ll be happy to know that generally, probiotic supplements cause no significant side effects, other than the intended improvement in your gut health.* However, probiotics can be tricky. Not every probiotic is right for each person. Sometimes it’s about finding the right fit. For example, signs that a probiotic might not be right for you include:
- Bloating after taking it
You Have A Yeasty Dog
We all have some yeast in our gut already its completely normal because they are members of the gut biome community. But a healthy microbiome is diverse and balanced, so if there is an overgrowth of yeast, it becomes problematic and can cause all sorts of g.i. upset.
If your pup is experiencing yeast infections in the skin or ears, that could also have come from the gut, meaning it started in the gut and invaded the rest of the body.
Flooding the gut with good bacteria can inhibit yeast growth and restore the balance to the microbiome, which eases g.i. upset too.
For a complete guide to managing yeast infections in dogs, head here.
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Eat Sleep And Be Healthy
The human gut is more complex than previously thought and has a huge impact on whole-body health. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, and effective digestion, and it may help prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases. There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to positively affect your gut health and your overall health as a result.
Should I Try Probiotics
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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They Cant Keep Weight On
Assuming youve ruled out any underlying condition with your vet, a pet who cant keep weight on isnt getting what they need out of the food theyre eating. And, again, this goes back to an imbalanced microbiome.
A healthy microbiome will produce digestive enzymes like protease, lipase, and a minimal amount of amylase. All these proteins are tasked with breaking down large molecules into smaller, more usable pieces. Basically, they help your pet digest and USE their food.
Thats why a quality probiotic will pair with multiple types of digestive enzymes picked specifically for carnivores.
Not only is the combination working to balance the microbiome, but elevated levels of digestive enzymes like amylase, cellulase, and other enzymes will help dogs and cats better digest the food they eat regardless of the diet youre feeding.
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
The small and large intestines usually contain different types of bacteria. SIBO occurs when bacteria from the large intestine start growing in the small intestine.
The large intestine predominantly contains anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen and live by fermenting indigestible carbohydrates from plant-based foods as they pass through the gut.
Symptoms of SIBO are similar to those of IBS, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea. SIBO can also cause brain fogginess and short-term memory problems.
Not everyone with IBS has SIBO, but the overgrowth is more common in people with IBS. SIBO also frequently develops in older females.
Experts do not fully understand what causes the overgrowth, but it may result from reduced gut motility, which slows the passage of food through the gut. This can cause fermentable carbohydrates to remain in the small intestine for longer.
Results of a indicate a possible link between SIBO and probiotic supplementation in people with brain fogginess. The researchers found that symptoms improved when participants stopped taking probiotics and started taking antibiotics.
Anyone with SIBO symptoms should consult a doctor.
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Your Cat Or Dog Is Anxious
When the microbiome is healthy & balanced, so is your four-legger because the microbiome can affect mood positively or negatively. Its true! A recent study found that an out-of-balance microbiome may be one cause of behavior issues in dogs.
You can read more about just how much the microbiome can influence mood and behavior here.
Do You Want A Probiotic Supplement That Actually Works
If youre suffering from low immunity, diarrhea, fatigue, gas or bloating – you dont have to suffer in silence any longer.
Probiotics could be the answer.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract. They aid in the digestion of food and keep bad bacteria and fungi from multiplying, creating excess gases and taking over. In short, they help preserve the natural health of your GI tract.
The problem is most of us simply dont get enough probiotics from our diets. Plus, many probiotic supplements are low dose and/or the bacteria are killed by harsh stomach acid before getting to your gut where they are needed.
Here at Nutracraft we have developed a premium high dose probiotic called Probio-40. Each serving contains 40 billion CFU across the 4 probiotic strains mentioned above plus a prebiotic, all wrapped up in a Bio-trek capsule. This makes Probio-40 one of the highest strength, stomach acid stable, gut-loving probiotic supplements on the market.
Dont wait another day to get the relief you deserve. With a 100% money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose.
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Types Of Food For Gut Health
Diet and gut health are very closely linked. Avoiding processed foods, high-fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars is extremely important to maintaining a healthy microbiome, as these foods destroy good bacteria and promote growth of damaging bacteria. There are also a number of foods you can eat that actively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to your overall health. These foods include:
Can You Take Prebiotics And Probiotics Together
The answer is, it depends on the type of probiotic and prebiotics that you are taking. For example, some types of probiotics need a certain kind of prebiotic to work properly in your body.
If you are taking a probiotic and prebiotic supplement daily, it is best to take them at different times of the day.
This will help your body to absorb the nutrients from each supplement.
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Is The Milk Test Reliable
Many consumers ask if the milk test is a valid way to examine if the probiotics in certain products are alive and active. The official professional answer is no.
Though it can be done at home, it is not a particularly reliable method to check the viability of a probiotic supplement even if the milk curdles quickly.
While the milk test is commonly used in a pinch at home, if you need to reliably determine if your probiotics are truly active youll need to consult a lab.
This is particularly important if youre using probiotics to treat any sort of medical condition. Once again, the only officially reliable method to determine their viability is to consult a medical professional at a laboratory.
Prebiotics Vs Probiotics Supplements
One of the best things about using a probiotic or a prebiotic is that you can use them together for an even better effect. Probiotics and prebiotics can be taken as supplements, or you can get them from the foods you eat.
If youre taking a probiotic supplement, make sure to also take a prebiotic supplement to ensure that youre getting the most benefit from both.
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What Is A Probiotic
A probiotic is a supplement containing beneficial microorganisms believed to improve digestive or immune system functions.
The most common microbes featured in probiotics are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which are also found in some yogurts and sauerkraut.
The microbes can be transferred to your gut during a course of antibiotics or when you take certain medications like Nexium and Prilosec. Some dietary supplements may also contain probiotics.
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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.
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Sign #: You Have Diarrhoea
Short term diarrhoea is often caused by a virus and can also be caused by food poisoning, but if the issue is ongoing and not linked to a particular illness thats another sign your gut bacteria are off kilter.
A lot of people have loose stools and live with it, says Pardo. But loose stools are not normal. Diarrhoea is a sign that your body is trying to get rid of something, which can be another sign your gut bacteria are out of balance, says Pardo.
If youre suffering from diarrhoea predominant IBS, the probiotic strain S. boulardii may be the most effective strain, according to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted on 34 IBS patients with predominant episodes of diarrhoea in the French journal of Med Chir Dig. Treatment with S. boulardii was found to decrease the daily number of stools and improved their consistency after one month of treatment. However, S. boulardii did not improve other gut symptoms.
Whats Wrong With The Milk Test
While some probiotic bacteria will cause milk to clump or curdle, its not an identifying trait of all probiotic bacteria. Not all probiotics will ferment lactose and produce lactic acid. The products of fermentation can include ethanol, lactate, and hydrogen gas. The ones that primarily produce lactic acid are called Lactic Acid Bacteria .
Lactose is actually made of two 6-carbon sugars, glucose and galactose. In lactic acid fermentation these 6-carbon sugars are converted into the 3-carbon molecule lactic acid which causes the curdling of milk.
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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.
How Do I Know If My Probiotic Is Working
As every persons microbiome is different, it is difficult to know exactly how your body will respond to starting a new probiotic supplement. Most people report noticing a positive impact on their health within a week to a few months after beginning a probiotic supplement. If youre new to probiotics, here are 9 signs that your probiotic is working :
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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.
- Developing a resistance to antibiotics.
- Developing harmful byproducts from the probiotic supplement.
Are There Any Storage Instructions For Probiotics
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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Probiotics: What Are They And How Can They Help
Last reviewed: Medically reviewed
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Probiotics are friendly’ live bacteria and yeasts of the same kinds that naturally live in your gut, as well as your mouth, skin, lungs, vagina and urinary tract. Theyre sold in supplement form or added to certain foods, like kombucha, tempeh and kefir. But theyre also naturally present in some foods, like miso, cottage cheese and buttermilk.
Theres already some evidence in this exciting area of gut health, to show that probiotics can help your body maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your digestive system to keep your gut healthy. Theres also some evidence that probiotics can help symptoms in certain conditions, but more research is needed in this area. This is partly due to the many different types of bacteria that exist and their various strains.
So could they help you? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about probiotics, including what they are, whether they can help you and your condition, and how to use them in the right way.
