Probiotics What To Look For

Importance Of Microorganisms For Your Gut

What To Look For When Buying Probiotics

The complex community of microorganisms in your gut is called the gut flora, gut microbiota, or gut microbiome .

The gut microbiota includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, and helminths with bacteria comprising the vast majority. Your gut is home to a complex eco-system of 300500 bacterial species .

Most of the gut flora is found in your colon, or large intestine, which is the last part of your digestive tract.

Surprisingly, the metabolic activities of your gut flora resemble those of an organ. For this reason, some scientists refer to the gut flora as the forgotten organ .

Your gut flora performs many important health functions. It manufactures vitamins, including vitamin K and some of the B vitamins .

It also turns fibers into short-chain fats like butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which feed your gut wall and perform many metabolic functions (

Probiotics and prebiotic fibers can help correct this balance, ensuring that your forgotten organ is functioning optimally .

Summary

Your gut flora consists of hundreds of types of microorganisms. These microorganisms perform numerous important bodily functions.

Probiotics are widely researched for their effects on digestive health .

Evidence suggests that probiotic supplements can help cure antibiotic-associated diarrhea .

When people take antibiotics, especially for long periods of time, they often experience diarrhea even long after the infection has been eradicated.

These unknowns include :

Summary

47 ).

62 ).

What Is The Difference Between Prebiotics And Probiotics

The difference between prebiotics and probiotics boils down to the fact that probiotics are alive, while prebiotics are not. People often mix up the two due to the similarities in their names. Prebiotics are food for probiotics. For probiotics to be happy and want to stick around, they need food. And because many of us arent getting enough fiber from our diet alone, prebiotic supplements can be a great way to ensure the probiotics stay.

Prebiotic fiber is usually in the form of fructooligosaccharides or galactooligosaccharides . On a microscopic level, these are long chains of plant carbohydrates. FOS doesnt spike blood sugar. In fact, it has been shown to decrease fasting glucose and insulin levels. Prebiotics are not digested until they make it all the way down to the colon, where they are fermented and eaten by healthy bacteria.

Prebiotic and probiotic supplements can either be sold separately or combined into one supplement. For example, Jacked Factorys Green Surge with Probiotics offers a healthy green drink with the benefit of six added probiotic strains. You could then take a prebiotic later to feed the friendly bacteria. Performance Labs makes Prebiotic, their FOS supplement, which is easy to swallow and does the job. Theres also the option of taking a supplement that offers both. Ritual makes Synbiotic+, which includes both a high-quality, clinically studied probiotic blend and a patented prebiotic, all in one capsule.

Improve Some Mental Health Conditions

A number of studies have linked gut health to mental health and mood. Part of the reason is that the good bacteria in your intestinal tract support the production of hundreds of chemicals in your nervous system that regulate your mood.

In fact, 95% of your bodys serotonin is made in the gut. Replenishing your serotonin levels often is one of the best ways to support a healthy emotional state.

Good bacteria in the gut are also responsible for producing dopamine, another happiness chemical.One studylooked at 70 chemical workers for six weeks and found that those who took a probiotic supplement or ate 100 grams of yogurt per day experienced improvements in their stress, anxiety, depression, and general health levels.

There is also a strong correlation between fatigue and mental health, as those who suffer from chronic fatigue are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Probiotic supplements can help with this as well, as fatigue is often a sign of poor digestion, which is a result of an unhealthy gut. By balancing your gut with a probiotic supplement, you may notice improved energy levels.

Recommended Reading: Health Benefits Of Probiotic Yogurt

How To Choose A Probiotic Thats Right For You

Okay so weve established that the opportunity to take advantage of the consumer is RIPE when it comes to supplements and probiotics specifically. But dont give up and throw in the probiotic towel yet. Lets dig into some tips on how to choose a probiotic thats legit and then Ill give my personal recommendation below.

According to Kristin Oja, DNP, FNP-C, IFCMP, there are four things you should consider:

How Long Does It Take For Probiotic Supplements To Work

As every person has a unique colony of bacteria in their digestive system, there is no guaranteed amount of time after which probiotic supplements will start to take effect after you begin taking them.

The strain of probiotic youre taking, the products brand, the supplements formula, and your overall health are all key factors impacting the effectiveness of probiotics and the speed with which they work.

Although some products may yield results against minor complaints such as occasional diarrhea within a few days, most people need to wait 2 to 3 weeks before experiencing significant benefits from taking the supplements. This is because the probiotic needs time to rebalance the level of bacteria in your gut and support healthy digestion.

Some people also notice symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas when they begin taking probiotics. These symptoms are a result of changes in your guts microbiome, and they should resolve themselves within several days or weeks.

If, however, you notice any persistent or serious side effects after taking probiotics, you should consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner immediately, and discontinue using any probiotic products.

Recommended Reading: How To Add Probiotics To Your Diet

Ritual Synbiotic+ At A Glance

Strains: Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus

CFU count: 11 billion

Type: vegetarian capsules

This probiotic blend provides 12 strains chosen specifically to reflect the natural diversity in the gut and restore digestive harmony.

It also contains probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, that may help enhance the health of the vaginal microbiome .

Ideally, this product should be refrigerated to maximize its shelf life. It can also be stored in a cool, dry place at 77°F or below.

Though this product is not third-party tested, Renew Life notes that its supplements are produced in facilities that adhere to CGMPs.

Support A Healthy Weight

According to the CDC, over 40% of the American population suffers from obesity. Those who suffer from obesity are at a higher risk of various illnesses and diseases, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Certain cancers

Digestive problems

Gut bacteria play an important role in your metabolism, and studies have found that the gut microbiome of those with obesity is different from the microbiomes of healthy-weight individuals. Obese individuals may not have the right microbiome balance to properly break down food, leading to weight gain or trouble losing weight.

While taking probiotic supplements alone wont make you lose weight, they can also play a positive role in weight maintenance through a number of different mechanisms. For example, some probiotic supplements can prevent the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine.

Probiotics can also help your body feel full for longer, store less fat, and burn more calories. This is partly due to the increase of certain hormones that help with your metabolic state.

Take Care Of The Bacteria You Have With Prebiotics

The probiotic industry is booming, but the benefits of probiotic products and the quantity of viable bacteria they contain can vary. So, instead of adding bacteria from an outside source, you might be better off consuming prebiotics, like fermentable fiber, which support your own beneficial bacteria. Good dietary sources of prebiotics include dried beans and other legumes, garlic, asparagus, onions, leeks, certain artichokes, green bananas, cold-boiled potatoes and wheat. Prebiotic supplements are available, as well.

What bacteria like is fermentable fiber, Dr. Cresci explains. I dont know that you need a probiotic if youre eating a healthy diet, one that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and fiber and low in saturated fats, sugar and processed foods. If you want to try a one-size-fits-all to improve your gut health, its really about your diet and including prebiotics. What we eat is probably the biggest influence on our gut microbiome.

Which Probiotic Product Does Iheartdogs Recommend

Dr. Becker Explains What to Look for in a Pet Probiotics Supplement

The team at iHeartDogs created an innovative 3-in-1 probiotic for dogs containing probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes. With 3 billion CFU from 3 different probiotic strains, we believe this product to be the most balanced and complete canine probiotic formula available.

Whatever product you choose, we hope this information was helpful, and trust that you have your dogs best in mind. Always consult your veterinarian and do your own research before choosing any product for your precious pup.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional.

How Popular Are Probiotics

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey showed that about 4 million U.S. adults had used probiotics or prebiotics in the past 30 days. Among adults, probiotics or prebiotics were the third most commonly used dietary supplement other than vitamins and minerals. The use of probiotics by adults quadrupled between 2007 and 2012. The 2012 NHIS also showed that 300,000 children age 4 to 17 had used probiotics or prebiotics in the 30 days before the survey.

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.

When To See A Doctor

You may be considering a probiotic supplement if youre experiencing gut issues. But its a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional first, because your symptoms could be related to a condition that requires a specific treatment or medication.

Additionally, taking a probiotic can do more harm than good in some individuals, so its important to discuss options with a trusted expert before trying anything new (

Simone Thomas Wellness Everyday Wellness 60 Capsules

There are many supplements designed for use before, during and in the weeks after pregnancy, but this one can be a lifelong part of your gut health routine because it is safe to take at any time of life. Take two acid-resistant capsules on an empty stomach each morning for a gut-loving 20 billion CFU hit of six different bacteria strains plus 40mg of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides.

We also love that this high-quality supplement comes in recyclable packaging and is certified vegan and cruelty free. It is among the pricier options, but there is a 20 per cent saving to be had for regular users who subscribe for a recurring monthly order.

Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic Capsules For Yogurt Making

More Doesnt Always Mean Better

Certain brands will try to sell you on the ultra-mega dose with 60 or even 100 billion CFU , which come with a hefty price increase. The good news for your budget is right now we dont have evidence that more is necessarily better. The number of CFU is typically what was present at the time of manufacture, and not what is present when you buy it which means you could be wasting your money in more than one way. Experts recommend to look for at least 1 billion CFU per daily dose. No need to shell out extra $$ for the 100 million billion CFU product.

What Are The Signs You Need Probiotics

Research suggests that probiotics may help improve symptoms associated with IBS and IBD.

If youre experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation, or have received a diagnosis of IBD or IBS, you may benefit from a probiotic .

Still, you should first meet with a healthcare professional to discuss your options and determine whether a probiotic is a good fit for you.

If you could benefit from a probiotic, they can help you choose the right strain or strains and suggest a dosage depending on your medical history and symptoms.

Recommended Reading: How To Lose Weight With Probiotics

Safe To Consume Confidently

People in good health may consume probiotics at the studied CFU level as a daily supplement.4

Health care professionals should be consulted when considering probiotic supplementation for babies, women who are pregnant, individuals with a weakened immune system, or people with short bowel syndrome.4

The probiotic should be approved for human consumption by a recognized regulatory or food safety authority:

GRAS notified to the FDA in the US 6
QPS granted by EFSA in Europe.7

LGG® is a registered trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S.

The article is provided for informational purposes regarding probiotics and is not meant to suggest that any substance referenced in the article is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.

Probiotics For Males And Females

Top 6 Probiotic Supplements for Gut Health

The effects of probiotics may be different in males and females.

In a 2014 study, researchers gave males and females with obesityLactobacillus rhamnosus. The results suggested that females lost weight and fat during the trial, and that they maintained the loss after study completion. The males in the study, however, did not.

A different study in people with Salmonella infection suggested that the effects of taking Lactobacillus plantarum varied according to sex. Although the study authors saw little evidence that this probiotic can treat Salmonella, they noted how males and females experienced the symptoms and clearance of the infection differently.

Scientists need to conduct more studies to establish whether or not probiotic therapy should be different depending on a persons sex.

shows that people with obesity have lower bacterial diversity.

A small 2019 study found that people following a low calorie diet for 15 weeks had changes in their gut bacteria. They also had a reduction in bacteria associated with atherosclerosis, which occurs when the arteries become clogged with plaque.

The links between weight and gut bacteria could indicate that probiotics may be able to support weight loss.

Some suggest that supplementation with synbiotics, using strains such as Lactobacillus gasseri, cause weight reduction in large independent studies. Adding certain fibers may increase these effects.

Don’t Miss: Hyperbiotics Pro 15 Probiotics Review

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.

The Number Of Bacteria In A Probiotic Product Decreases With Time

Probiotics are live microorganisms and must be alive when consumed to function appropriately.

The number of live bacteria in a probiotic product will decrease between manufacturing and purchasing. This means that on a probiotic label, the CFU level at the end of shelf life date should be within the same range of what was studied and associated with a particular beneficial effect.2

Level of probiotic present on the manufacturing date is not as important as the level present at the ‘end of shelf life’ date.2

Not all probiotics need to be refrigerated to maintain their functionality actually, most can be kept at room temperature.4

Correct Packaging Is Crucial For Probiotics To Remain Alive

Itâs great that more people are talking about their gut health and searching for ways to improve their digestion, but itâs important to ensure the quality of the probiotic youâre taking.

Packaging of probiotics is important in ensuring that the culture remains alive until it reaches your gut. Because bacteria can die in heat, and have a predetermined shelf life, packaging plays an important role in the effectiveness of the supplement. Looking to trusted manufacturers can be a good option to help in your selection process.

A Few Things To Consider Before Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are generally considered safe, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says however, there havent been extensive studies on the frequency and severity of side effects. Additionally, people with severe illness or compromised immune systems are at greater risk for harmful side effects.

The NCCIH says that, while unlikely, probiotics can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms, including infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract. Additionally, most probiotics are considered dietary supplements, which means the FDA does not regulate them.

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content., our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.

Read Also: Where To Buy 1md Probiotics