Prebiotic And Probiotic Side Effects
Because probiotics work to make your digestive system more effective, some people do notice increased gas and bloating when first increasing consumption. You may want to ease into increasing your probiotic intake slowly and pay attention to any side effects.
There can also be risks for patients with compromised immune systems so you may want to consult with your doctor before starting any supplements.
Otherwise, however, negative effects tend to be rare. A 2016 paper in the journal Nutrients concluded that both prebiotics and probiotics have a relatively low capacity to cause adverse effects.
Side Effects Related To Probiotics
Most people who use probiotics do not experience side effects, and even if they do, the effects are usually not diverse.
The harmful effects of probiotics can also emerge due to people suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, neonates, asthmatic patients, stomach ulcers. These special groups of people should consult with their doctors before using the supplements to know whether they can reduce their dosages to accommodate their conditions.
Supplements could also cause harm if they are consumed after expiry, poor storage conditions that could tamper with the quality of the bacterial strain, such as storing in poorly ventilated areas, storing above or below recommended temperature or in damp areas.
Poorly coated probiotic supplements may also cause more harm than good as viable counts of bacteria, when exposed to a poor environment, tend to die faster than multiply.
According to a CDC review paper, some of these effects may include:
The stomach is temporarily bloating with gas after ingesting the probiotic supplement.
How the bowel constipates, and users get excessive thirst from ingesting yeast-based probiotics.
How Do Probiotics Help Bloating
Probiotics are live bacteria supplements that are available in the form of capsules or powders. You can find them in the health food aisle at your local pharmacy, pharmacy, or supermarket.
Probiotics are found naturally in our bodies, but when taken as a supplement they help to improve digestion by breaking down food and getting rid of excess gas. Studies have shown that taking probiotics can improve digestive symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain.
Meanwhile, prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as the food source for probiotics. They nourish good bacteria in your gut to help them thrive. Prebiotics can improve digestion by feeding friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. They can also reduce digestive symptoms like bloating, stomach pain and discomfort, and flatulence.
Also Check: Should I Take Probiotics After Antibiotics
How Probiotic Strains Get Their Name
All probiotics have three different qualifiers: genus, species, and strain . For example, when looking at Bifidobacterium lactis BI-07, Bifidobacterium is the genus, lactis is the species, and BI-07 is the strain. But what does that all mean?
Genus: Genus is the broadest identifier. It encompasses several different types of bacteria in the same general category but with lots of different characteristics and health benefits.
Species: The term species gets a little more specific. All of the bacterial strains within a species have similar characteristics but with some subtle differences between them.
Strain: A specific strain is one type of bacteria. All of the bacteria identified within a strain carry out the same function within your body.
The two most well-known genera of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Several different species and strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are often included in supplements because each one performs an individual, specific function.
Probiotics: Single Strain Or Multiple Strains Which Is Better
by Ryan Bentley, MD, PhD, DC | Sep 26, 2017 | Probiotic Blog, Probiotic Education
If youre reading this article, you probably have already figured out that probiotics are good for you, but maybe youre still trying to figure out how to weigh your options. There are so many facets to consider when selecting a probiotic that it can get overwhelming. One of those factors is choosing a probiotic supplement with a single bacterial strain or one with multiple strains.
Its pretty easy to find articles on both sides of the fence. The companies selling single strain products will tell you that bacteria are inherently competitive and will make each other less effective when packaged together. The companies selling multi-strain products will tell you that it is important to take a variety of strains in order to cover a wide range of possible functions, and single-strain probiotic supplements can create a detrimental dominance of one species.
Well, we do advocate taking a variety of strains in order to cover a wide range of benefits, and we do caution against single-strain probiotics due to the possibility of creating a dominant species, so I hate to break it to you, but this blog post isnt going really going to break that moldexcept for the part where we provide science to back up our claims! Thats right. Here at Humarian, the makers of a multi-strain and multi-species probiotic, we dish out opinions AND the research to back them.
Read Also: Best Probiotic For Seasonal Allergies
Mason Natural Probiotic Acidophilus With Pectin
Mason Natural Probiotic Acidophilus with Pectin supplement comes in 100-capsule packages with gelatin, magnesium stearate and silica as the main ingredients. IT contains no additives like sugar, starch, sodium, yeast, soy, corn, wheat or dairy products, nuts, and other flavors. People can take it from all age groups, but pregnant and lactating mothers must consult with a physician before taking the supplements. They are most useful when taken with meals at least twice a day as dietary supplements. The Probiotic acidophilus helps in milk and sugar digestion, promoting general good health of the digestive system.
Flora Childrens probiotic contains seven strains specifically cultured for children plus, raw probiotics are taken as a dietary supplement. Every capsule has at least 5billion viable cells during production, dropping to a 3billion upon expiration, two-year shelf life. They are meant for children and should be taken once daily after meals, but they can take more capsules for additional energy levels. The supplement has dairy and soy traces consumers should consult with a health professional if they have underlying conditions.
Flora Advanced Adult Probiotic
Probiotic with 34 billion microorganisms of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
These are strains of the Canadian company Lallemand Inc, with almost 100 years dedicated to the development of bacteria, yeasts and probiotics.
There is not much published information about these strains in particular, although there are some studies that show that the strains Bifidobacterium bifidum HA-132, Bifidobacterium breve HA-129, Bifidobacterium longum HA-135, Lactobacillus acidophilus HA-122 and Lactobacillus plantarum HA-119 are able to rebalance the microbiota in elderly patients who take a diet rich in protein as a result of sarcopenia they suffer due to age
However, the species contained in this product are common in intestinal probiotics and therefore exert their function of rebalancing the microbiota when it is altered by some treatment
Recommended Reading: Does Taking Probiotics Help Acne
Medical Conditions & Known Health Benefits From Probiotics
Before making a choice of the right probiotic or probiotic-rich foods, it is important to know medical areas where probiotic benefits have been well researched. These conditions have benefits medically confirmed and the use of probiotics is generally accepted in the healthcare profession.
1. Digestive Health
Good bacteria are known to restore the natural balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut. 3.
Some of the common digestive health conditions known to benefit from probiotics include:
- Diarrhea Antibiotic induced/associated diarrhea , Travelers diarrhea, etc
- Gastroenteritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- A review of studies demonstrated that probiotics are efficacious that may have a role to play in IBS. 4
2. Female Intimate Health
In one study, the use of probiotics confirmed the efficacy of orally administered Lactobacillus as a non-pharmaceutical means to restore and maintain a normal urogenital flora. 8
3. Allergies and Eczema
4. Immune System
5. Other Conditions and Health Benefits
Can Probiotics Cause Weight Loss
Probiotics can cause weight loss because they help maintain a healthy balance of good and bad microbes in your digestive system. One way they do this is by making it so that you feel full after eating a meal, which can prevent overeating and unnecessary snacking.
In addition to promoting a healthy metabolism, probiotics may promote the breakdown of fat cells.
Read Also: Glowbiotics Probiotic Hydraglow Cream Oil
Now Probiotic 10 & Bifido Boost
In this case, it is the same product as the previous one, with the same 10 probiotic strains and 25 billion viable microorganisms.
The difference of this product with respect to the previous one is its content is a special prebiotic based on xylose, a xyloligosaccharide obtained from corn. It is a prebiotic patented by AIDP Inc. under the name PRETICX XOS and recently authorized by both the FDA and the European EFSA.
The theory behind this prebiotic PRETICX XOS is its ability to stimulate the growth of certain species of bifidobacteria present in the body in a native way and hence the product is called Bifido Boost.
Align Probiotic Digestive Support
Align Probiotic Digestive Support is a supplement that also contains a unique probiotic strain. This is Bifidobacterium infantis 35624. This particular strain is indicated for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome as confirmed by the various studies and clinical trials conducted with this strain
They are chewable tablets, which makes it easier to take them without the need to administer them with a drink. The manufacturer guarantees a minimum concentration of 10 million cfu/tablet throughout the life of the product.It has a pleasant banana and strawberry flavor and does not have soy or gluten derivatives, which makes it suitable for people with celiac disease.Manufactured by Align Probiotic, a brand belonging to the US multinational Procter & Gamble and with clinical applications recommended by the Clinical Guide of the Alliance for Education on Probiotics in both the USA and Canada.
Recommended Reading: Probiotics Help With Bowel Movements
What Is A Probiotic Strain
Probiotic strains are where things get a bit more complicated.
You see, most of us are used to seeing probiotic names listed on supplement labels with two parts to the name.
For example, you might see Lactobacillus rhamnosus on a supplement label and nothing more than that. Looks pretty legit, right? Its a complicated name that most of us probably wouldnt pronounce correctly.
But the truth is that its missing the most important part of its name its strain.
Probiotic effects are strain-specific. That means that you cant expect Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to do the same things as Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01. Those third letters/numbers are the strain of the bacteria and are extremely important when you are evaluating the best probiotics for you.
For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a highly-studied strain that has a whole host of benefits, including preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, C.difficile treatment, and promoting intestinal barrier function.
On the other hand, Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 is mostly studied for urogenital infections in women, sperm motility, and pain.
So if youre looking for the best probiotic to prevent diarrhea while youre on an antibiotic, should you really be taking a probiotic that has mostly been studied to help get rid of a urinary infection or improve sperm motility? Absolutely not!
The best probiotic for you is going to be different from the best probiotic for someone else.
Pros Of Natures Bounty Probiotics
Natures Bounty offers a wide variety of probiotics, so you can easily find the product that can satisfy your dietary needs. You can choose Natures Bounty probiotics with 2 billion, 4 billion, 10 billion, 20 billion or 25 billion live cultures per capsule or serving. A higher number of live cultures per serving is better and stronger than a lower number.
In addition, it offers bottles with a different number of capsules or gummies, making it easier for you to get a bottle that you can afford. It also uses natural flavors in its probiotics, but there are also flavorless options.
Its probiotics may help with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and more.
Also Check: Can Probiotics Help With Constipation In Babies
How Do Probiotic Strains Work Together
Probiotics require fructooligosaccharides , a type of soluble fiber that is found in a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables, to thrive. This type of fiber is commonly known as prebiotics. In simplest terms, prebiotics are food for probiotics, helping nourish them to keep them alive and active in the gut.
The combination of probiotics and prebiotic strains creates a synergistic effect that allows the body to thrive. By encouraging the growth of the good bacterial strains and crowding out the bad ones, you enjoy the benefits of good digestion, including more energy, better weight control, and making feeling good the new normal.
Best Probiotics For Bloating
2. Phillips Colon Health Daily Probiotic
3. Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotics
4. DrFormulas Nexabiotic Advanced Multi Probiotic
5. Align Probiotic Digestive Support
6. Natures Bounty Probiotic GX
7. Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics
8. 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum
9. 60 Billion Probiotics by Physicians Choice
10. Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
Also Check: Dr Formulated Probiotics Women’s Daily Care Review
The 5 Most Important Probiotic Strains For Overall Health
Did you know that the strain of a probiotic determines its effect? And that most probiotic supplements dont tell you what strain they contain because they’re proprietary blends In order to take the best probiotic for you, you need to understand what the 5 most important probiotic strains are for overall health
What Is The Difference Between Probiotics And Prebiotics
The difference between prebiotics and probiotics is interesting because the two have a synergistic relationship. Prebiotics are a type of fiber, which is not digested by the body. Prebiotic fiber can be found in many foods, such as almonds, apple skins, bananas, barley, beans, chickpeas, chicory root, custard apples, flaxseed, garlic, grapefruit, Jerusalem artichokes, kidney beans, leeks, lentils, onions, and watermelon.
Prebiotics travel through the small intestine undigested and are fermented in the large colon. This fermentation process is what provides nutrition for probiotics and thus helps increase the population of these beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that are produced naturally through the fermentation of foods such as sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, kefir, and others. They also are available as supplements for anyone who cannot get a sufficient amount of probiotics through food. Understand that there is no established dose of probiotics for individuals to take. However, experts have suggested some dosing guidelines depending on the reason you are taking the microorganisms.
Recommended Reading: Probiotic For Digestive Health Supplement
Align Probiotic Supplement Kombucha On
Probiotic from the well-known brand Align with 1 billion cfu of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Epicor ®.
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM ® one of the most studied strains with proven therapeutic capacity in the treatment of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and constipation.
On the other hand, Epicor ® is the registered trademark of a group of metabolites obtained from the fermentation process carried out by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast widely used for years in the production of bread as well as in the fermentation of alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine.
Is It Safe To Take Probiotics During Pregnancy
Most experts say that it is perfectly fine to take probiotics during pregnancy because your baby gets their first dose of healthy bacteria from you when they are born through breast milk or vaginal delivery.
Your gut health will be directly related to how well your own digestive system and immune system are operating, which means that you need to take care of yourself during pregnancy.
Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic For Child Constipation
Probiotics 60 Billion Cfu
Probiotics 60 billion CFU contains 60 CFUs per serving, unlike other probiotic supplements that might exaggerate their serving CFU. These CFUs work to give the body maximum energy and stamina. The supplement is made of 10 probiotic strains and premium grade non-GMO ingredients. Probiotics and organic prebiotic components are clinically approved as effective and safe for consumption for improved digestive functionality. Benefits of Probiotics 60CFU are improved intestinal health, gas, and bloating relief after eating, reduced constipation without needing fiber foods, repairs a leaky intestinal tract, improved digestion, enhanced immune function against infections and promotes weight loss.
The once-daily Probiotic for women has 50 CFUs per serving that help with digestion, improve the immune system and general feminine health. It is made of prebiotics and six organic strains with D-Mannose and a cranberry extract called Procan, rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress. Women’s prebiotic and probiotics with patented cranberry extract help fight Urinary Tract Infections and Vaginosis.
Is A Higher Cfu Count Better In Probiotic Supplements
Numbers like 900 million, 5 billion, and 50 billion CFUs are staggering, to say the least.
While looking for the right probiotic, working with millions and billions can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming.
How are we supposed to choose a CFU count when we cant even fathom numbers that high?
To put it in perspective for you, our body naturally has about 100 trillion bacteria floating around at any given time.
This equates to about 5 pounds total of bacteria alone. Yikes! Now we have an excuse as to why we cant fit into last winters slim fit jeans. 🙂
Also Check: Do Probiotics Help With Menopause
Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Adult Probiotics Once Daily Ultra
In this case, it is a very potent probiotic supplement from Garden of Life as it contains 90 billion of 15 probiotics beneficial to intestinal health.
In this way, the health of the microbiota or intestinal flora and especially the large intestine, specifically the colon, is enhanced. The presence of the Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM ® strain stands out, a bacterium which, in combination with Bifidobacterium infantis, has shown an improvement in the symptoms in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, according to a study carried out with 26 patients with this pathology
Like other probiotics from Garden of Life Dr. Formulated, it contains Potato Resistant Starch and Acacia Fiber, two prebiotics that promote the development of indigenous microbiota in the gut.
