Choose The Right Probiotic For Your Health Condition
Not all probiotics are created equal. The combination of strains in the probiotic supplement plays a critical role in determining its impact on various health outcomes.
Each probiotic strain performs a different function. Depending on the purpose of the probiotic, you will find different strains in the composition.
Several studies, including this powerful study by Visconti et al., have demonstrated that probiotic strains work in teams for optimal impact.
While you can get probiotic bacteria by eating foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kefir, a high-quality, science-based probiotic supplement will contain strains that are mindfully combined for optimal impact.
At OMNi-BiOTiC®, our products are tailored to specific health conditions , rooted in 25 years of microbiome research and clinical studies to demonstrate efficacy. For example, OMNi-BiOTiC® STRESS Release was specifically formulated for individuals with leaky gut and irritable bowel syndrome.
In a clinical study with IBS patients, OMNi-BiOTiC® STRESS Release demonstrated a reduction in symptom severity, improved bacterial diversity in the intestines, and reduced Zonulin, the main marker for leaky gut.
How To Choose A Probiotic
The vast selection of probiotic products on the market contains a wide range of probiotic bacterial strains. To reap the benefits, you need to choose the right one to address your particular issue or concern.
If someone has disrupted their gut microbial balance, this is where a probiotic can be of benefit, says Dr. Cresci. But whether its really going to help and whether youre taking the right one are the big questions out there.
When searching for the best probiotics to improve the function of your gut microbiome, youll want to pay close attention to:
- Colony-forming units .
- Types of bacterial strains that are used.
- How your probiotics need to be stored.
- Which strains and/or brand names have been studied for their effectiveness.
You also may want to consider focusing on probiotic-containing foods instead of supplements.
Heres why those things matter:
How To Choose The Best Probiotics For Bloating
Probiotics usually come in a bottle and can be taken once a day with a glass of water. However, the dose per capsule or serving may vary depending on the specific probiotic supplement that you choose.
Some probiotics are high potency, meaning they have more active live cultures than other brands. Other formulas contain different strains of probiotics that work better with certain symptoms, like bloating.
If you are wondering how to choose the best probiotics for bloating, it is important to read the label carefully and take your time researching different brands. Probiotics can be found in many grocery stores or online through retailers like the 10 best probiotics for bloating we featured in this article.
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How Long Do Side Effects From Probiotics Last
How you feeland how long you feel that wayreally comes down to the current state of your gut health and how your body processes the different probiotic strains. According to Shah, everyone metabolizes probiotics differently, so there’s really no definitive time frame for everyone.
As a general rule, initial unpleasant side effects typically go away within the first two weeks, when your gut microbiome starts to reach its new state of balance. Many people start experiencing gut support benefits as soon as two days after taking probiotics, but it really depends on how imbalanced your gut is to start and which strains you’re taking.*
If you don’t see unpleasant side effects start to diminish in the first couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor and make sure there isn’t something else going on underneath the surface. For example, if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or irritable bowel syndrome , the side effects may be more intense and long-lasting.
As for the fringe benefitslike less bloating and more regular eliminationthose should stick around for the long haul.*
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, there’s 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 it’s a little bit different from other medications,” he says. For these reasons, researchers don’t 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.
Read Also: Bayer Phillips Colon Health Probiotic Reviews
Physicians Choice Thin 30 Probiotic Review
There are many different avenues in the journey to losing weight. With the combination of exercise, eating healthy, and determination, the end result can be rewarding. The Physicians Choice Thin 30 Probiotic can be considered an asset as it is a part of the Physicians Choice weight loss collection. This supplement contains Greenselect Phytosome, which is an all-natural and caffeine-free green tea extract that has been clinically proven to have an impact on weight.
Targeting the bodys metabolism, the extract helps provide energy as well as burn fat and cleanse the body due to its antioxidant properties. Additionally, the brand states that probiotics can promote more efficient digestion with less fat absorption. The Physicians Choice Thin 30 Probiotic formula includes prebiotics and natural support for weight management, which consists of clinically supported strains such as actobacillus gasseri and bifidobacterium lactis.
This product also has a long shelf life, as it is patented and protected to require no refrigeration. These Physicians Choice probiotics are time delayed, which protects the probiotics from dying in your stomach acid.
Lose 30 pounds in 90 days with Physicians Choice Thin 30 Probiotic supplements. This item comes in 3 different price points:
- 1 bottle: $17.37
There Is No Way To Know What Dose You Are Taking
The probiotic supplement market is relatively unregulated, so it’s hard to know how many CFUs we actually are consuming when we take probiotics in pill form. Moreover, it’s difficult to know if the organisms in those probiotics are even still alive and capable of doing their job, or if they’re dead and useless. Even if the bacteria are alive, there’s a question about whether they can survive once inside your gut.
If you are getting your probiotics from foods like store-bought yogurt, there are also very few ways to be sure that you are consuming a significant dose of good bacteria. The conditions that the yogurt is stored in down the supply chain, the temperature of your refrigerator, and the strain of probiotic that the yogurt contains all have a significant effect on the dosage of CFU. Many of the beneficial microbes could have perished before you consume the yogurt.
Also Check: Why Do Babies Need Probiotics
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.
Taking Too Many Probiotics Can Cause Mild Discomfort
Taking more than a usual dose 1 to 10 billion colony forming units of probiotics doesn’t necessarily mean better results and, instead, might provoke some mildly uncomfortable side effects.
“Some research has shown that using more bacteria may, in fact, counteract . If the bacteria get to the food before us, they can turn it into gas,” says Farhadi. On top of excess gas, you might experience bloating or a generally upset stomach. Diarrhea can also occur, but that’s about as bad as it gets.
Side effects, most commonly gas, may also occur when someone first starts taking probiotics, as their gut may experience some changes in bacteria levels. Usually, though, if someone is taking an average dose, these side effects should wear off soon, once the body adjusts.
Also Check: Can A Probiotic Constipate You
Focus On Probiotic Foods Instead Of Supplements
Some people prefer probiotic supplements over foods, but Dr. Cresci notes that probiotic foods are a better choice. In particular, fermented foods like yogurt, kefir , kombucha , sauerkraut , kimchi and tempeh and miso provide a nourishing environment in which healthful bacteria thrive and release important byproducts such as short-chain fatty acids.
They have beneficial effects on your immunity, inflammation and cholesterol, Dr. Cresci adds. Go for probiotic foods first.
Probiotics Can Help Reduce Symptoms Of Certain Digestive Disorders
Over one million people in the US suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease .
Certain types of probiotics from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains have improved symptoms in people with mild ulcerative colitis .
Surprisingly, one study found that supplementing with the probiotic E. coli Nissle was just as effective as drugs in maintaining remission in people with ulcerative colitis (
31 ).
Nevertheless, probiotics may have benefits for other bowel disorders. Early research suggests they may help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome .
They have also been shown to reduce the risk of severe necrotizing enterocolitis by 50%. This is a fatal bowel condition that occurs in premature infants .
Bottom Line:
Recommended Reading: Phillips Colon Health Probiotic Side Effects
Read Also: What Is The Difference Between Prebiotics And Probiotics
Your Baby Has Acute Gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis is defined as diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than seven days. You should always talk to your doctor if your baby is experiencing these symptoms, and there is some evidence that probiotics can help, according to Kaufmann. The effect is that probiotics compete with enteric pathogens, there are then less nutrients for these pathogens, and probiotics increase immune response, she says.
Physicians Choice Probiotic Ingredients
As we have mentioned briefly, Physicians Choice probiotic supplement contains a probiotic blend with 10 different strains of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
The 10 different strains of bacteria are:
L. Casey is safe and potentially helpful in regulating the digestive system.
Existing evidence shows that drinking probiotic drinks containing Lactobacillus casei a beneficial adjunctive therapy for people with chronic constipation.
A trial in 2007 studied a probiotic drink containing L. casei, L. bulgaricus, and S. thermophiles, and the researchers concluded it may reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Later in 2014, a clinical trial found that L. casei supplements can help ease symptoms and improve inflammatory cytokines in women with rheumatoid arthritis.
L. acidophilus is another strain present in Physicians Choice probiotic supplement, but its not exclusive to this supplement, which means you can find it in many others.
Researchers have extensively studied this probiotic, and the results show it may provide several health benefits.
There is evidence suggesting that L. acidophilus can help reduce cholesterol levels more effectively than other types of probiotics. However, the evidence is mixed, and its difficult to determine whether this benefit comes from consuming this probiotic on its own, or with other probiotics.
Still, more research is required to confirm those results.
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If Your Baby Has Colic
Colic is defined as three or more hours of crying per day on three or more days of the week for a period of three weeks in an otherwise healthy, well-fed infant, says Kaufmann, adding that some research has found that probiotics may decrease crying duration in colicky babies.
If youre looking to prevent colic in the first place, she adds, theres no reason to give your baby a probiotic supplementthere is currently no evidence to support probiotic use as a helpful tool.
Physicians Choice Collagen Peptides Powder Review
You hear about collagen a lot when it comes to beauty and skincare, but what exactly is it? Collagen, according to Physicians Choice, is essentially the glue of the human body. Its responsible for how our skin looks and feels, with the addition to muscle, joint, and hair health. ThePhysicians Choice Collagen Peptides Powder has clinically proven digestive enzymes that help ensure that your system is ready to absorb the collagen and directs it where it needs to go.
The Physicians Choice Collagen Peptides Powder also helps to reduce cellulite and wrinkles. The brand states that the use of collagen peptides has been shown to reduce cellulite in people taking a dose of 2500mg each day for six months.Collagen is also great for strengthening brittle nails, so keep that in mind if you regularly paint your nails. These supplements are odorless and flavorless, which means you can add them into your oatmeal bowls, smoothies, shakes, and more, for a bit of a health boost.
For a 212g bottle of Physicians Choice Collagen Peptides Powder, there are 3 quantity options that all differ in price:
- 1 bottle: $16.77
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Who Should Not Use 60 Billion Probiotics
Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with known medical conditions should consult a physician before using Physicians Choice 60 Billion Probiotic or any other dietary supplement.
Do not take this supplement if you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients. May adversely affect existing medical conditions, including but not limited to:
You’ll Feel Less Bloated*
Increased bloating is a common side effect when you first start taking probiotics, but over time, the switch will flip and you’ll likely notice less bloating.* “Typically, bloating is caused by an imbalance of good-to-bad bacteria in your gut,” explains Shah. Adding more good bacteria to crowd out the bad contributes to less gas and less bloat.* “We do know that taking probiotics on a regular basis can support a healthy microbial balance in the gut, which can ease bloating,” says Shah.*
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Billion Probiotic Reviews: What Do Customers Think
60 Billion Probiotic has gained a great deal of positive attention from all sorts of online platforms, including its parent companys website, Amazon, Walmart, iHerb, and more. y
My 60 Billion Probiotic reviewwill explore the many satisfied customer reactions that this supplement has received.
The ratings of the supplement from the multiple websites were all glowing:
- Physicians Choice: 4.8/5 stars from 5,354 reviews
- Amazon: 4.5/5 stars over 94,640 global ratings
- iHerb: 4.7/5 stars from 236 reviews
- Walmart: 4.9/5 stars following 5,366 reviews
A reviewer on the brand website mentioned that this supplement is the besttheyve tried out of many others: I have tried many probiotics in the past, but these are simple and effective. I now have minimal problems with loose stools and gas. Others have not worked as well.
Another happy customer on Amazon mentioned that their symptoms had improved noticeably: I have had chronic constipation pretty much my entire adult life, 25-30 years. I have tried a multitude of fiber supplements. The Physicians Choice probiotic is the first one that has actually made a difference.
I also checked out Influenster, where one customer wrote: Physicians Choice probiotics is the best one I have used. I take this once daily to relieve discomfort and bloating. You just need to be consistent with taking these to see the full benefits.
Then He Said In My 25 Years In Nutrition Ive Never Heard Of Side Effects With Probiotics
Ronda told him, Well, it sure happened to me!
Rondas been doing great ever since the whole incident and is elated to be herself again. But she learned a hard lesson. Harmless probiotics deserve respect for their power and impact on the human system.
From now on, shell ALWAYS follow directions when it comes to over-the-counter remedies. And especially probiotics!
The good news is that if probiotics can cause this much change in someone whos healthy, they can also make a significant difference in anyone whos not.
Along with improving health in your stomach and intestines, as well as reducing inflammation and infection throughout your body, they can also relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
But be aware, theyre not to be taken lightly. Experts say that since each individual is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all for probiotic supplementation.
Remember: In general terms, up to 10 billion CFUs daily. Start gently. Watch for out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. A specific strain may not be right for you, or a specific combination. Take several days or a couple weeks to test the effects of partial doses, raising the dose a little each day as long as you have no negative symptoms. Include your doctor in the process.
This story isnt to scare you away from using a preparation that can help you become stronger and more resilient. But rather to alert you to possible risks if you use probiotics without supervision or awareness of potential side effects.
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