There Is No Right Dose Of Probiotics
The average dose of probiotic supplements is 1 to 10 billion colony forming units according to the National Institutes of Health.
Most probiotics on the market have this amount, though you may see products that claim to have up to 50 billion CFU. However, theres no concrete research that says what the most effective dosage is, says Farhadi.
This is kind of uncharted territory. Most of our knowledge about probiotics is not pharmaceutically scientific or chemically scientific, and its a little bit different from other medications, he says. For these reasons, researchers dont know exactly which probiotics and what the effective dose is for health benefits.
However, if you are taking probiotics to deal with the uncomfortable effects of antibiotics, there is some evidence that a higher dose of certain probiotics might help abate the side-effect of diarrhea. In a small 2010 study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, patients who were given two capsules of probiotic, each containing 50 billion CFU, had fewer instances of antibiotic-induced diarrhea than patients who were given one capsule or no probiotic at all.
So What Exactly Makes A Good Probiotic Supplement
Over the last few years, me and my team have personally tested out over 200 probiotic brands. And by tested, I mean we actually bought and took the probiotics! Most review sites out there dont ever actually buy and take what theyre reviewing.
Anyway, after trying that many brands, I think we have a pretty good sense of what makes a good product, and what doesnt.
You see, most of the really good probiotic supplements out there tend to have some things in common. Of course they have their differences too, but we started to see some commonality in the good products the more and more brands we tested.
Ill go into more detail in a minute about what you should look for, but before I do, theres one thing I want you to keep in mind.
Its something that a lot of consumers make a mistake about and end up very frustrated
Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea
C.difficile-associated diarrhea is a common nosocomial and community-based medical condition. While typically linked to antibiotic induced disturbance of the intestinal microbiota, CDAD is now increasingly identified in patients without recent antibiotic exposure.32 Antibiotic therapy with metronidazole, oral vancomycin and now fidaxomicin makeup the current treatment paradigm.33 Recurrence of CDAD remains a clinical problem. In 1994 a trial reported that S. boulardii offered for 4 weeks after antibiotic therapy reduced overall CDAD recurrence rates.34 However, the finding was only significant for those with a history of recurrent CDAD. A follow up study, designed to be confirmatory, did not find S. boulardii to significantly reduce CDAD recurrence after standard therapy.35 Though a favorable trend was found in patients treated with high-dose vancomycin in the latter study, the clinical significance of this is less clear. Lactobacillus probiotics have been tested as single species and as combination probiotic products for preventing CDAD recurrence. While some results have been promising, most studies are underpowered, have methodological flaws, or have not been reproduced.36
While controversy exists, current society guidelines and expert opinion panels state that existing data are not sufficient to justify recommending available probiotics for preventing primary or recurrent CDAD.15, 36, 37
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How Did Align Probiotic Supplement Start
There is no sensational story behind the genesis of Align. Just like every other invention, the need for a trustworthy probiotic has driven countless researchers in this area.
Align was developed by a team of gastroenterologists, with ten years of scientific research. The unique component of Align is Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum 35624 .
This particular strain is similar to the good bacteria found naturally in the human digestive system this aids in digestion while ensuring the host remains healthy. Other ingredients that contribute to the work of Align are:
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
Can Probiotics Cause Gas And Bloating
Probiotics are safe for the majority of the population, but side effects can occur. The most common side effects are a temporary increase in gas, bloating, constipation and thirst. Some people can also react poorly to ingredients used in probiotic supplements or to naturally occurring amines in probiotic foods.
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Phillips Colon Health Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects may include:
-
stomach bloating or discomfort.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What To Look For In A Probiotic
Since over-the-counter probiotics are supplements and not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as drugs, its important to look for third-party certification. Third-party testing can ensure the product actually contains what it says it does, and that its free of harmful ingredients like heavy metals. Resources like ConsumerLab.com and Labdoor.com can provide information on a supplements certifications and testing.
And, as mentioned above, a probiotics health benefits are strain-specific. Speak with your doctor about which strain is best for you and your needs.
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Best Probiotics For Women In Detailed Review
#1. Probiology Gut+: Best Probiotics for Women
Probiology Gut+ has been selected as the top ranking best probiotic for women by our expert review team.
One of the criteria which provoked our review team to select Probiology Gut+ for women is its ability to reach your gut crossing the highly acidic environment of the stomach.
This is a prime concern for selecting the right probiotic. Many probiotics fail to reach the gut as the bacteria present in the probiotic die due to the strong acid which is present in the stomach.
Probiotic Gut+ is able to cross past the highly acidic condition of the stomach by including Maktrek Marine Polysaccharide Complex which protects the probiotics and saves the probiotics from getting dissolved in the strong acid.
The manufacturer of the probiotic, Probiology Gut+ claims that the above ingredient which is included in the product gives 250% greater protection to the probiotics and also helps in the absorption of the probiotics by the guts.
Other Features Of Probiology Gut+ which have been appreciated by the team are the following
The feedback from the women participants who consumed the probiotics
The Probiotics in the Probiology Gut+
Prices
Can Probiotic Supplements Be Harmful
Though many companies and influencers encourage everyone to use probiotics, they are, in fact, not beneficial for everyone, and different strains have different effects on different people.
More research is needed, but preliminary research has shown that probiotics may be harmful to people with certain underlying conditions or diagnoses, such as those with critical illness, AIDS, organ transplantation, necrotizing enterocolitis, cancer, and allergies. In such cases, probiotic supplementation may lead to life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, endocarditis , and sepsis.
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Align Probiotics Review Is It Really Worth It
Our digestive system is home to trillions of bacteria and other microbes, in a system called the gut microbiome.
Under normal circumstances, the good bacteria in your digestive system are called probiotics that can help support a healthy digestive system.
Unfortunately, bad bacteria can also grow, which can lead to stomach upset, bloating, and other digestive problems.
Align Probiotic Side Effects
Digestive complaints are never fun, whether you fall on the too slow or too fast side of the spectrum. Many people turn to probiotics, or good bacteria supplements, to help restore a digestive balance, and Align probiotics have shown especially promising results in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. According to nutritionist Christine Avanti, probiotics are almost universally safe. According to the clinical trials, however, Align probiotics are even safer than most.
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Benefits Of Phillips Colon Health Probiotic
This colon health probiotic supplement provides a variety of health benefits when taken as directed. It helps maintain the balance of bacteria in the stomach and intestines, which can reduce allergies and digestive issues, and provide gas and constipation relief. Probiotics help treat and prevent diarrhea, including the types associated with antibiotic use. traveling and infections. There are also numerous studies showing the possible benefits of probiotic use on mental health disorders, heart health, allergies and eczema. Probiotics are also linked to boosting the immune system and assisting with weight loss. Phillips Colon Health probiotic also comes with a shelf-life guarantee that ensures that 1.5 billion live bacteria remain in the supplement at the expiration date specified. This guarantee provides peace of mind that the supplement youre taking remains effective with live probiotics.
How Many Billion Probiotics Should I Take
Probiotics are measured by Colony Forming Units , which essentially indicate the number of viable cells. A probiotic supplement should have around 10 billion CFUs as this is the dose required to reduce the duration of diarrhea in children.
Not only is dose important but delivery as well. Many probiotic products do not protect the probiotics inside from stomach acid which kills many of the probiotics inside before they make it to the gut.
Look for probiotics with an enteric coating or some kind of delayed-release mechanisms to maximize the effective probiotic dose you are getting.
In addition to the dose, you need to consider the diversity of your probiotics. Many probiotics have one, two or just a couple strains or types of probiotics.
Studies have shown that more diverse formulations of probiotics with multiple strains of probiotics is more helpful than single strain probiotics.
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Which Probiotics Benefit Your Health The Most
Similar to what we just talked about, this is obviously the most important characteristic that all good probiotics share.
Good probiotics just tend to work, and work well in most people.
The list of health issues probiotics seem to help with is enormous.
Everything from gas, indigestion and constipation all the way to energy and the immune system.
If you talk to people, many credit probiotics with aiding in quite a few health concerns.
So when youre trying to find the best probiotics, this is the most important consideration.
You want maximum health benefit in the area youre looking to improve. Its as simple as that.
Megafood Megaflora 7 Day Intensive Probiotic
| MegaFlora 7 Day Intensive Probiotic.
This product is advertised as a treatment for a variety of digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, as well as constipation and bloating.
MegaFlora is a high-quality probiotic supplement that includes 50 billion CFUs of live microorganisms. This item is meant to aid with occasional digestive issues while also promoting a healthy immune system.
It contains 11 different strains of microorganisms and is non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Its also suitable for vegans.
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How Do I Choose The Best Probiotic And Prebiotic For Me
With probiotics, you need to know what health benefit you want in order to pick the product with the strain that will deliver that health benefit. Plus, you need to get the amount of colony-forming units, or CFUs, that have been shown to deliver the benefit. For prebiotics, you also need to make sure you get the right dose.
Eating foods with prebiotics and probiotics is important to your gut health, but it may not be enough.
Align makes it easy by offering supplements with the right amount of prebiotics and probiotics to ensure you receive the benefits of both. Alignâs DualBiotic Prebiotic + Probiotic Gummies contain prebiotics and probiotics, all in one gummy. It contains the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans LactoSporeî to help support your digestive health* as well as the prebiotic inulin to nourish your good bacteria.*
Even more, Align makes it easy with multiple prebiotic + probiotic gummies plus added benefits to fit your needs:
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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Once Daily 30 Billion Cfus
Price: $$$
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily 30 Billion CFUs provides 30 billion CFUs of 14 probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei.
Garden of Life guarantees the CFU count through the end of the products best use date when stored properly. This supplement keeps best in the refrigerator.
This product is dairy-free and makes a good choice for those with lactose intolerance.
While its also made without peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and soy products, the supplement is manufactured in a facility that handles major allergens, so it may not be a good option if you have a severe food allergy.
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California Gold Nutrition Probiotic
| LactoBif 30 Probiotic.
Gold Nutritions California Gold Nutrition Probiotic is a high-quality probiotic, with 50 billion CFUs of live bacteria. This medicine is meant to assist with occasional digestive difficulties and maintain a strong immune system.
This probiotic pill is made from 11 distinct species of bacteria and is non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Are Multiple Strains Better When Choosing A Probiotic
No, the number of strains does not determine if one probiotic is better than another.Some probiotic brands offer products with multiple strains of bacteria with the rationale that this may replicate the normal environment of the gut. However, research has shown that the more is better concept is not necessarily true. Multiple strains do not make one probiotic better than another. The specific strain in the probiotic and the research supporting the health benefits of the strain is important to consider when choosing what probiotic is best for you.
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Which Is Better Florastor Or Culturelle
Culturelle: Although has a lot of check marks above, they are also a single strain probiotic. If Culturelle contained bifidobacterium I would rank it a top probiotic. Florastor is one of the top selling and recommended probiotics, but yet has the fewest check marks.How to compare probiotics FloraTummys
Side Effects Of Probiotics
While probiotics may cause gas, they have a strong track record of safetyhowever, the NCCIH notes that studies are limited on the frequency and severity of side effects. The organization does caution, however, that the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater for those with severe illness or compromised immune systems.
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Elm & Rye Daily Probiotic
The second top ranking best probiotics for women, as selected by our all women review team is Elm & Rye daily Probiotic.
Reasons for selecting the brand of probiotic are
- The probiotic Elm & Rye daily Probiotic is manufactured by Elm & Rye which is a reputed manufacturer of a number of dietary supplements which are very popular among the users. Their probiotic which is full of friendly microorganisms has been developed after years of dedicated research by a worlds top-class research team.
- The probiotic formula is simple and transparent. It contains only one bacterium called Lactobacillus Acidophilus. It is the most vital good bacteria in the gut and comes in the group of Lactobacillus genus. The bacteria converts the sugar of the food into lactic acid. Along with hydrogen peroxide the bacteria also produce substances which have properties of inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.
- Our clinical testing with women participants who consumed the probiotics has confirmed that the probiotic improves the health of the intestine, regulates the gastrointestinal flow, improves general immunity, improves cardiovascular health and dermatological health.
Ingredients of the probiotic Elm & Rye Daily Probiotic
The probiotic Elm & Rye Daily Probiotic is soy free, gluten free, GMO free, dairy Free and preservative free.
Use Instruction
Take one capsule daily. If you are pregnant or have any medical conditions you should consult your doctor before starting the probiotic.
Possible Side Effects Of Probiotics
Probiotics are living bacteria and yeasts that provide health benefits when consumed in large amounts.
They can be taken as supplements or consumed naturally through fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha .
The health benefits of probiotic supplements and foods have been well documented, including a lower risk of infections, improved digestion and even a reduced risk for some chronic diseases .
While there are many health benefits linked to taking probiotics, there can also be side effects. Most of these are minor and only affect a small percentage of the population.
However, some people with serious illnesses or compromised immune systems may experience more severe complications.
This article reviews the most common side effects of probiotics and how to reduce them.
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How To Use Align
Follow all directions on the product package. Refer to the label directions for your specific product to see if the dose should be swallowed whole, chewed, sprinkled onto food or mixed with liquid. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Some probiotic products may contain live bacteria . Antibiotics may prevent these products from working well. Take any product containing live bacteria at least 2 to 3 hours before or after taking antibiotics. Follow the directions for your specific product.
If you are taking this product for diarrhea due to antibiotics, do not use it if you have a high fever or for more than 2 days, unless directed by your doctor. You may have a serious problem that requires medical treatment.
If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
