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.
What Is The Best Way To Store Bio
The bacterial count in Bio-K+ capsules is guaranteed until the expiration date. BiomePRO capsules need to be kept refrigerated. Daily Care capsules can be kept at room temperature. It is important to keep the desiccant sachet in the bottle to avoid humidity and ensure a good environment for the bacteria.Our fermented drinkable products should be kept refrigerated. Once opened, the bottle can be refrigerated for up to 7 days if closed. That being said, Bio-K+ fermented drinkable products can be kept up to 24 hours out of the fridge. However we cannot guarantee the amount of bacteria until the expiry date and the taste will be more acid and the texture lumpier.
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.
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When Is The Best Time To Take A Probiotic
With countless different nutraceuticals availableprobiotics being one typethere is a world of confusion on what to take, why to take it, and when to take it.
Im often asked about the best time to take a probioticmorning or evening, with or without food.
There is no science to support taking probiotics either at night or in the morning. Taking them with or without food is the more important decision.
The only reason for taking bugs at night is possibly to avoid some of the side effects that can happen when changing your gut florasymptoms like gas and bloating, which are more easily tolerated when you are asleep.
When Not To Take Your Probiotics
Most experts and studies assert that if theres one time of day not to pop your probiotic supplement, its first thing in the morning.
Probiotics are living organisms, they need food, water, and warmth to survive and multiply, explains David Friedman, N.D., C.C.N., author of Food Sanity: How to Eat in a World of Fads and Fiction. In the morning, conditions are not optimal for probiotics simply because there is not enough food or water for the bacterial strains to flourish.
Another reason the early A.M. isnt ideal probiotic-taking time: Your stomach is super-acidic. In a fasted state, or when you have an empty stomach, your stomach is more acidic and has a pH around two, explains Robert Zembroski, D.C., D.A.C.N.B., M.S., functional medicine specialist, clinical nutritionist, and author of REBUILD. Its hard for probiotics to survive this harsh, acidic environment, so fewer make it through the stomach to the intestines, where they work their magic. The biggest danger for probiotics is the powerful acids in the digestive system, which are meant to break down and disintegrate materials that travel through it, says Friedman. If enough acid overcomes the coating of a probiotic capsule, it could kill the delicate strains.
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Choose The Right One For Your Health Condition
If you have a particular health condition, you may want to consider a specific strain of probiotic or consult a medical professional to find one thats best for you.
Experts agree that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains benefit most people .
In particular, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may reduce your risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea, while E. coli Nissle 1917 may help treat ulcerative colitis (
Summary
For a probiotic to work, its live microorganisms must reach your large intestine and colonize it. Look for a supplement that guarantees at least 1 billion live cultures on the label and ask your healthcare provider whether a particular strain is best for you.
Should You Take Probiotics On An Empty Stomach
Can you take probiotics on an empty stomach? Evidence tends to suggest you shouldnt. But there are thousands of probiotics products out there.
Whether you take a probiotic in capsule or powder form, the different usage directions can be confusing.
Lets take a closer look at how the beneficial bacteria in probiotics work and what may happen when they are taken on an empty stomach.
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What Is The Recommended Adult Dosage For Bio
For our Original Line probiotics, we suggest you start with smaller doses of probiotic bacteria, especially if you tend to suffer from constipation. One Bio-K+ Daily Care 12.5B capsule or ¼ bottle of fermented drinkable Bio-K+ provides 12.5 billion probiotic bacteria. If well tolerated, increase your daily probiotic intake to a stronger concentration or by drinking 1 bottle, depending on your health profile. For our Extra Line drinkables, we suggest taking 1 bottle daily to get the maximum benefits.
Should I Take A Probiotic Every Day
The short answer: Yes, you should aim to take a probiotic every single day if possible. “It’s best to take probiotics at least once daily with water or milk,” Dr. Asike says. There are many different forms of probiotics you can purchase in the wellness aisle from powders to capsules, tablets to liquid suspensions, but a regular dose on an even basis should be a goal regardless of which strain of probiotic you take.
If you’re wondering what may be the best option for a daily probiotic, Dr. Asike recommends looking for multi-species or multi-strain products before single-strain supplements, as they may provide more benefits overall. Saccharomyces boulardii, as well as Lactobaccilus rhamnosus,are popular options that may provide more relief to those experiencing irritable bowel syndrome, he adds. “There isn’t one over-the-counter brand that’s better than another when it comes to strains I advise looking for multi-species or multi-strain , and to grab a store brand if that’s what’s available.”
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Can Probiotics Cause More Harm Than Good
According to a new study published in Cell Host & Microbiome, probiotics can be harmful if they are able to evolve once in the gut under certain conditions. The benefits of probiotics may outweigh their risks for some people. Live microorganisms play a key role in the intestinal system and are called probiotics.
Meal Composition May Help
The microorganisms used in probiotics are tested to ensure that they can survive various conditions in your stomach and intestines .
Nevertheless, taking probiotics with specific foods may optimize their effects.
In one study, survival rates of the microorganisms in probiotics improved when the supplement was taken alongside oatmeal or low-fat milk, compared with when it was taken with only water or apple juice .
This research suggests that a small amount of fat may improve bacterial survival in your digestive tract .
Lactobacillus probiotics might also survive better alongside sugar or carbs, as they rely upon glucose when in an acidic environment .
Summary
Though research indicates that more bacteria survive if you take probiotics before a meal, consistency is probably more important than specific timing when it comes to reaping the greatest benefits for your gut.
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While they may also support a healthy immune system and oral, skin, and mental health, research on these benefits is currently limited .
Some of the live microorganisms in probiotic supplements also occur in foods that are naturally cultured or fermented, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These foods are linked to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight .
If you dont regularly eat fermented foods, you may want to consider taking a probiotic supplement .
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Dont I Have Enough Good Bacteria In My Gut
Really, its all about balanceand everyday factors such as stress, travel, an unhealthy diet and even using certain medications can upset the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. When this happens, it can lead to occasional tummy issues and may impact your overall health. Taking a daily probiotic supplement may be useful in helping to maintain good intestinal balance to support digestive and immune health.*
Why Is This Topic A Concern In The First Place
The concern is that bacteria are delicate by nature, and that they may not survive stomach acid. Taking probiotics at a certain time of day could help you to ensure the highest survival rates of your probiotic. Confusingly though, different healthcare professionals and probiotic manufacturers, have different guidelines about when is best to take these supplements! So let’s try to clarify a few things.
First of all, let’s look at the logic behind having probiotics on an empty stomach, advocated by some. Seeing as acid is stimulated by consumption of food, it is thought that taking probiotics on an empty stomach is better because there is less residual acid in the stomach. However, its also important to note that there is a lag time between when food is eaten and when acid is released into the stomach. As a nutritionist, I like to recommend that clients take their supplements with a meal, as the food helps to buffer the effects of stomach acid it may also help to facilitate the passage of the probiotics through the stomach, and ensures that they are well mixed with the stomach contents as they pass into the small intestines.
Healthcare professionals can read more about Saccharomyces boulardii on the Probiotics Database. Saccharomyces boulardii can be found in Optibac Saccharomyces Boulardii.
Saccharomyces Boulardii
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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.
Are There Side Effects Of Taking Probiotics
This is a question we hear often, and the answer is pretty simple. Side effects is a medical term used in the labeling of some pharmaceutical products. Probiotics are not pharmaceutical drugs they are dietary supplements that support good digestion and immune health.*
However, similar to when you consume a new food or make changes to your diet, taking a daily probiotic may produce occasional gas or bloating at first. We recommend gradually increasing the amount each day until your body adjusts and you are satisfied with the results.
If youre concerned about how your daily probiotic supplement may interact with other medications or supplements youre currently taking, we recommend talking to your doctor about any possible effects that may occur.
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Is It Normal That The Texture Of Bio
Yes, it is normal that the texture of Bio-K+ fermented drinkable products changes over time. Bio-K+ fermented drinkable products are not only fermented foods, but also continue fermenting right in the bottle you buy. This process enables both bacteria and metabolites to multiply. Since the fermentation process evolves over time, the product is in a state of flux. Therefore, the texture may vary from one batch to the next, or even one bottle to the next in the same batch. In most cases, when the product is adequately shaken, as advised on the bottle and inner seal , its texture becomes creamier. Bear in mind that your product will contain the same unique, patented formula of at least 50 billion bacteria until its best before date.
You can also mix the product with food, but should avoid doing so with any warm or hot food, as heat is a known enemy of probiotic bacteria.
Can I Take Or Eat Something To Increase The Good Probiotics In My Body
You can increase the amount of good microbes in your body through foods, drinks and supplements. You may already have certain foods in your daily diet that contain probiotics. Fermented foods in particular are home to a host of good bacteria that benefit your body. There are also fermented drinks like kombucha or kefir that introduce extra probiotics into your diet.
Apart from food, you can add probiotics to your diet through dietary supplements. These arent drugs, so they do not need to be approved by the Federal Drug Administration . Its important that you always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any kind of supplement or major change to your diet.
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The Role Stomach Acid Plays
The acidic environment of your stomach plays an important role in the bodys digestion process. Stomach acid helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins and kills germs that enter your body via your mouth.
The pH value of the stomach is between 1.7 to 2.0. The pH value increases throughout the small intestine up to a pH of 7.0 in some parts of the large intestine. Most of the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system live in the small and large intestines due to the higher pH value.
Prolonged exposure to the acidic environment in the stomach can kill the beneficial bacteria, which is why timing probiotic use is so important.
Put Miso Soup On Your Menu
Miso soup is easy to make with hot water and miso paste, and it adds a probiotic punch to any meal. In Japan, it can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Miso is fermented soy that contains healthy bacteria, says Gabriella Vetere, RDN, CSOWM, a California-based medical health coach in the corporate setting in Silicon Valley.
Just remember that high temperatures can kill probiotics, which eliminates their health boost. Add the miso paste just before serving and avoid too-hot temperatures to preserve as many beneficial microorganisms as possible.
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Do You Need To Take Probiotics
It may seem hard to believe, but the human digestive system contains about 100 trillion microorganisms, commonly known as bacteria. While we often think of bacteria as harmful, many gut bacteria are actually beneficial. In fact, researchers have found that some of the bacteria in our digestive system help us digest food, make vitamins, and even help protect against disease causing pathogens.
Whats less well understood is whether probiotics live helpful bacteria contained in yogurt, some fermented foods, supplements, and now even in some specialty drinks, can improve our health.
The good news is that theres early evidence that some strains of probiotics may help certain conditions including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and even obesity. However, more studies are needed to understand how probiotics work, which strains are most effective, and in what dosage.
So, before you run off to your local drugstore or supermarket in search of probiotic supplements or food, here are a few important factors to keep in mind:
2. In general, probiotics have few side effects in healthy people. However, the data on safety, particularly long-term safety, are limited, and the risk of serious side effects may be greater in people who have serious health conditions or are immune-compromised.
When Is The Best Time To Take Probiotics In A Supplement
Probiotic supplements are the easiest and most effective way of boosting your beneficial bacteria and optimizing your gut health.
And just like with probiotic-boosting foods, the timing of when you take probiotic supplements is crucial in maximizing their efficacy and positive benefits.
High-quality probiotic supplements give optimal results with your biggest meal.
If you follow a more American dietary structure, that means youll probably be taking a probiotic capsule with dinner. But if you eat your biggest meal at midday, like many Mediterranean or Caribbean countries, then you should take your probiotics at lunchtime.
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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 Safe Are Probiotics
Because microbes used as probiotics already exist naturally in your body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered safe. They may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them.
There are certain people who need to use caution when using probiotic supplements. There is a risk of infection in some people. These people include those who have:
- A weakened immune system .
- A critical illness.
Caution should also be used when giving probiotics to very sick infants.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a probiotic supplement.
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