Youre Always Getting Sick:
Again, its related to a lack of healthy gut bacteria. Poor gut bacteria can weaken your immune system. That makes you more susceptible to viruses, infections, and illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and urinary infections. Probiotics may turn out to be your best friend if youre always getting sick.
Signs You Need Probiotics
Taking care of your health can be tricky, especially if you dont know what signs and symptoms to look out for.
Probiotics are live microorganisms proven to be beneficial to the human body. They live in a symbiotic relationship inside your gut, mouth, urinary tract, and on the skin, among other areas of the body.
Probiotics have been known to help with digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, cardiovascular health, diabetes, blood pressure, skin health, mood disorders, and inflammation.
Scientists believe that there are over 100 trillion microorganisms present in every individual. A healthy microbiome has more number of probiotics or friendly bacteria which help keep unhealthy bacteria in check.
These bacteria ensure the microbiome is a diverse and well-balanced place. However, as a result of probiotic deficiency, harmful microbes, such as yeast and fungus can take over, causing various health problems.
Your digestion and skin are the first place you will notice signs of having an unhealthy gut. However, these are not the only signs.
How Probiotics Might Be Bad For You
Because these good bacteria already exist in the body, theyâre considered safe for most people. But there are some things to consider.
They can trigger an allergic reaction. They might cause mild stomach problems, especially the first few days you start taking them. You might have stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually go away after your body gets used to them.
If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues. Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who’ve had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don’t take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Always talk to your pediatrician before giving probiotic supplements to your child. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should also talk to your doctor before you try one.
Most probiotics in the U.S. are sold as dietary supplements. That means the companies that make them don’t have to test their products and show that they work or that they are safe. More research is needed to confirm that probiotics are safe and effective.
Ask your doctor which probiotics are the right ones for you. Be sure to stop taking them if you have any problems.
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Importance Of Microorganisms For Your Gut
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
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You Suffer From Skin Conditions
Flushing out waste products from your body can help to maintain clear, healthy skin, which is why digestive issues are commonly linked to skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. If youre having some issues managing these skin conditions, it may be worth trying to clear your skin from the inside out.
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What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics
The relationship between our digestive health and overall well-being is incredibly important, and a balanced gut microbiome is one of the key factors in having good gut health. In fact, research shows that imbalances in our gut flora may contribute to many health symptoms, including:
- Constipation, diarrhea, or other stool changes [1
- Trusted SourcePubMedGo to source]
Probiotics can influence the production of neurotransmitters in our guts, like serotonin, which can improve our mood . This may be, in part, why research shows probiotics to be effective in lessening mood disturbances, such as anxiety and depression .
To get back to our original question what are the signs you need probiotics? the answer is simple. There are many non-specific health symptoms and chronic conditions that show benefit from probiotic use. However, as previously mentioned, one of the best signs that you need these healthy bacteria are chronic symptoms that do not disappear with lifestyle changes alone.
Additionally, probiotics likely work best when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, after implementing healthy lifestyle habits. The following will address a few ways in which you can begin to make these changes and start to experience relief from your chronic health concerns.
Sign #: Youre Bloated
Bloating is a clear indication that your gut bacteria in your intestine are out of balance, with the bad bacteria outnumbering the good, says Pardo. Even one course of antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in your gut and cause unfriendly micro-organisms to proliferate.
Of all the gut health issues we discovered through the recent Healthista survey bloating was by far the most common problem with a tight bellied 42.7 per cent suffering from uncomfortable bloated stomach.
Plenty of us are putting up with distended bellies on an almost daily basis, according to the survey, with 15 per cent of respondents experiencing bloating after every meal and often this goes hand-in-hand with other symptoms. Often the bloating is accompanied by pain and flatulence and noisy digestion, confirms Pardo.
The good news is that the right probiotic can help and you could see results pretty immediately.
A probiotic starts working straight away, confirms Pardo. The bloating is caused by excessive gas from fermentation when the bad bacteria feed on carbohydrates in your gut.
Bacteria in the gut are fermenting and producing gases all the time, but when the beneficial and pathogenic bacteria are out of balance say more than 85 per cent good/15 per cent bad then excessive, often foul-smelling, gas may be produced.
When the bacteria are back in balance normal levels of fermentation return, says Pardo. How quickly youll feel the benefits will depend on the severity of the imbalance.
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Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
The small and large intestines usually contain different types of bacteria. SIBO occurs when bacteria from the large intestine start growing in the small intestine.
The large intestine predominantly contains anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen and live by fermenting indigestible carbohydrates from plant-based foods as they pass through the gut.
Symptoms of SIBO are similar to those of IBS, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea. SIBO can also cause brain fogginess and short-term memory problems.
Not everyone with IBS has SIBO, but the overgrowth is more common in people with IBS. SIBO also frequently develops in older females.
Experts do not fully understand what causes the overgrowth, but it may result from reduced gut motility, which slows the passage of food through the gut. This can cause fermentable carbohydrates to remain in the small intestine for longer.
Results of a indicate a possible link between SIBO and probiotic supplementation in people with brain fogginess. The researchers found that symptoms improved when participants stopped taking probiotics and started taking antibiotics.
Anyone with SIBO symptoms should consult a doctor.
Where Do Probiotics Enter The Picture
Probiotics can play an invaluable role in your recovery from chronic illness especially when theyre introduced at the right point during your healing journey. However, if the proper foundations for health arent in place, probiotics may not give you the complete relief youre looking for.
Thats not to say that probiotics will be completely ineffective when used on their own, as research supports that theyre highly beneficial in reducing a myriad of health symptoms. And, theres technically no wrong time to begin taking probiotics, especially if you suspect that an unhealthy gut may be at the root of your symptoms.
Rather, its important that you address the underlying problems that originally led to your symptoms. Its necessary to take the appropriate steps toward restoring the health of your whole body, including your gut, in order to maximize the benefits of probiotics.
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Understanding The Digestive System
The digestive system has several organs, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Within the network, the average person has about 300-500 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The bacteria totals in the billions, with hundreds more species recently discovered by researchers. This is known as the gut microbiome. Some are helpful probiotics, and some are harmful to a personís overall health. Creating a balance between the two types of bacteria is vital for digestive health.
Surprising Signs You Probably Need Probiotics
1. Brain Fog and Decline in Memory
Youre experiencing non-specific health symptoms, such as: Brain fog, decline in memory, or cognitive dysfunction.
2. Bloated and Gassy
Bloating is a clear indication that your gut bacteria in your intestine are out of balance. Even one course of antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in your gut and cause unfriendly micro-organisms to proliferate. The average person has about 0.5 to 1.5 litres of gas hanging out in their digestive track per day and as a result most of us pop several times a day up to 20 times is in the normal range but excess flatulence is definitely a sign that your gut bacteria are out of balance and that the bad guys are winning in the battle.
3. Reoccurring Infections Down There!
But its not just thrush that signals an imbalance. Recurrent urinary tract infections are also a sign that you could benefit from a probiotic. UTIs are common in women with decreases in vaginal Lactobacilli, which are the predominant vaginal flora which suppress the bad bacteria. While several studies have shown that L. acidophilus NCFM probiotic strain can help with the prevention of UTIs in women.
A 2010 study published in FEMS Microbiology Letters found that S boulardii also helps to reduce candida and inflammation.
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How Do Probiotics Work
Here’s what happens when probiotics enter your body:SurvivalSurviving the acidic stomach environment is the most challenging part of a probiotic supplement’s journey. The probiotics need to reach the gut alive – otherwise, they aren’t helpful. While the stomach acid is responsible for preventing foodborne diseases by killing pathogens, your stomach acid can kill both harmful bacteria and good probiotic bacteria.
Therefore, you must consider choosing robust strains of bacteria that can naturally fight off acidic conditions. Furthermore, it would help if you took probiotics with breakfast because acid levels tend to be lower in the morning. Choosing a Habitat for Rapid GrowthAfter passing this test, the probiotics start entering the gut, where some strains take up residence in small intestines for a short period while others move towards the large intestine. The strains choose their residence depending on the environment that’s most suitable for them. Once their location is established, the probiotics start growing in numbers and increasing your gut bacteria levels.Fighting off Pathogens Now the real fight begins! Probiotics need to fight off harmful bacteria to compete for food and enough space to live. Probiotics also discourage the growth of pathogens by producing certain acids.
Finally, we start to experience a significant change in our overall health. But the question is, how do we determine whether the change is associated with probiotics or some other process?
How Probiotics Are Good For You
They might lower the number of “bad” bacteria in your gut that can cause illness or inflammation. They can also replace those problem germs with good or helpful bacteria.
Researchers are studying when and how probiotics might best help. There’s more research for some illnesses than others. They might help people with:
- Diarrhea, especially when it’s linked to specific antibiotics. Probiotics also might help with infectious diarrhea, especially in children.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Some probiotics might keep ulcerative colitis in remission and prevent Crohn’s disease from relapsing and getting worse.
- Irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics can sometimes help ease symptoms, including stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
Probiotics also are being studied for many other conditions. There isnât as much research yet, but some people say that probiotics have helped them with:
- Decreasing inflammation, such as from rheumatoid arthritis
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Why Your Probiotics May Not Bet Working And What To Do
It’s frustrating when your probiotics don’t show any signs of improvement even after four weeks of use. But before you consider looking for an alternative, you need to understand why your probiotics aren’t working.
The Strains Don’t Survive in Your Digestive TractOne of the major reasons why probiotics don’t show any fruitful results is that they can’t make it through the digestive tract alive. Probiotics will die within your stomach if they aren’t strong enough to survive the acidic environment.If you’re considering choosing a different product, you need to look for strong strains that can easily make it through the digestive tract or different forms of probiotic intake.
Improper StorageThe bacteria won’t survive if the probiotics aren’t stored in a suitable environment. Storage instructions are always clearly marked on the label. Always ensure you store your probiotics as per the instructions.
Lack of routineYou need to take probiotics regularly if you want them to work effectively. Even if you change the product you use, there won’t be any significant changes in your health if you forget to take them.
Set a reminder on your phone to ensure you don’t miss a dose. Taking your probiotics every day with your breakfast or afternoon snack is also a good way to remember.
This immunity booster is packed with many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can revive your immune system efficiently.
How Can I Check My Gut Health
Besides evaluating your stool, monitoring your health, and keeping track of how many bowel movements you have per week, there are multiple ways to test your gut microbiome diversity at home. At-home microbiome tests should only be used for informational purposes and not for self-diagnosis. These tests have not been approved by the FDA and can also be pricey.
If you are interested in evaluating your gut health with a test, you can bring the results to your doctor who can help you interpret and improve your gut health. If you visit your doctor directly, they might ask you for a fecal sample and will counsel you on your results. If the test is ordered by your doctorâs office, it may be more likely to be covered by insurance.
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Types Of Food For Gut Health
Diet and gut health appear to be very closely linked. Avoiding processed foods, high fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars is likely important for maintaining a healthy microbiome, as these foods may promote the growth of damaging bacteria.
There are also foods you can eat that actively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to your overall health. These foods include:
Youre Always Getting Sick
Lack of healthy gut bacteria can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to viruses, infections, and illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and urinary infections. If it seems like youre always coming down with something or running out of sick days at work, its possible you may need probiotics to restore your immune system.
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Low Energy & Chronic Fatigue
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
Do you suffer from that low energy, groggy feeling no matter how much sleep you get or what you do?
Do you have mid-morning or mid-day energy crashes?
Believe it or not, probiotics can help!
These are all telltale signs your digestive system is stealing your energy! Digestion is one of the largest energy consumers in the body. When your gut is unbalanced, it is harder for you to digest foods causing your body to use more energy in the process.
This is one of the top causes of low energy, fatigue and weight gain. When you re-balance and repair your gut by eliminating hard to digest foods and taking a high quality probiotic, you will almost instantly see a huge increase in your energy and your health!
Signs Your Probiotics Are Working
Probiotics include a variety of good bacteria responsible for keeping your gut in healthy balance. A disruptive gut may lead to serious health issues, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and skin problems. It’s probably one of the primary reasons why you started using probiotic supplements in addition to any other tricks you’ve tried .
But is there a way to determine whether these supplements are working or not? Well, multiple signs can provide you with peace of mind. But before we start talking about these signs, let’s look at how probiotics work.
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