Benefits Of Probiotics For Women
Probiotics may also offer benefits specific to womens health. Research shows that 40-60% of women experience urinary tract infections with some regularity. Probiotics help to strengthen the immune system and fight off bad bacteria, and may help reduce the frequency in which women experience UTIs. Probiotics may also protect women from vaginal yeast infections.
Probiotics Help Balance Your Gut Microbiome
A healthy microbiome the world of live microorganisms in your body requires a delicate balance of different types of bacteria. When you get an overgrowth of bad bacteria, things can go a little sideways. Probiotics to the rescue!
Balancing your gut microbiome is probiotics main claim to fame. And thats a big deal because research shows that your gut health may influence the health of other areas from your brain and heart to your skin and teeth.
Renew Life Probiotic Supplements
Superior in quality and performance alike, Renew Life probiotics were voted #1 in customer satisfaction in 2018 . The brands Ultimate Flora range is formulated with quality ingredients.
By incorporating multiple probiotic strains, these supplements provide diversity to your gut. Take daily to help relieve yourself of occasional discomfort as you help restore balance, promote gut health, and support immune and respiratory health.**
Renew Life is diversified in terms of strains and products alike. Peruse their wide-reaching inventory to discover a host of effective probiotic capsules . The brand also offers enzymes, fish oil, fiber, and cleanses. It doesnt get any easier or any better than this.
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Proven Health Benefits Of Probiotics According To Science
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Food & Nutrition
Probiotics are living microorganisms that are good for your overall health. Probiotics are sometimes called good bacteria. Taking probiotics regularly is a great way to improve your digestive health and strengthen your immune system. The potential benefits of probiotic supplements also include helping to lose weight, treating depression, and reducing inflammation.
You can also boost your health by eating foods containing probiotics. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kombucha , and kimchi also have good bacteria . Consuming these foods or taking probiotic supplements can improve your gastrointestinal tract and help you fight infections.
In this article, you will learn about the many reasons to take probiotics. I will also examine scientific research that backs up many of the claimed health benefits of probiotics.
Properties Essential For Effective And Successful Probiotics
It is of utmost importance that the probiotic strain survives the site where it is presumed to be active. For maximum activity, the strain should be able to proliferate and colonize at this specific location. Besides, it should also be tolerated by the immune system. It should not be pathogenic, allergic, or mutagenic/carcinogenic . Probiotics for human should have generally regarded as safe status, with a proven low risk of inducing or being associated with the etiology of disease. The probiotic organisms should preferably be of human origin , must be able to survive and grow in the in vivo conditions of the desired site of administration, and thus must be able to tolerate low pH and high concentration of both conjugated and deconjugated bile acids. For successful application in foods, the probiotic used should also be technologically compatible with the food-manufacturing process. In addition to that, the foods containing the probiotic bacteria must maintain the characteristic sensory attributes of the traditional food.
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Combining Prebiotics With Probiotics
Probiotics can work together with prebioticsdietary fibers that act as food for probioticsto create greater health benefits, known as a synbiotic effect. Synbiotics can improve the activity of the beneficial bacteria in the gut and their chance of survival.
In the Omni-Biotic probiotic powder, there are prebiotics included which fuel the good bacteria before you ingest them.
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The Amines That Are Found In Probiotic Foods May Cause Headaches
Some foods that are rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, miso, and kim-chi, contain amines that form when the food ages. The most commonly found amines are histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, and phenylethylamine. These substances can aggravate the nervous system, alter blood flow, and trigger headaches for people who are sensitive.
Studies have shown that low-histamine diets reduce headaches in 75% of participants. But studies have also shown that dietary amines do not lead to headaches. More research is needed in this area to be sure.
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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:
Probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis, IBS and necrotizing enterocolitis.
How Much Is Needed
The amount needed for health effects varies widely, depending on the species and strain of probiotic and the desired health benefit. Different probiotics are effective at different levels some products are effective at a level of 50 million live cells per day and others at over one trillion. Yogurt commonly contains between 100 million and 10 billion live probiotics per serving. Follow manufacturers recommendations for the levels needed from specific products. Because probiotics do not permanently stay in the intestinal tract, daily consumption of probiotics is generally recommended.
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How Might Probiotics Work
Probiotics may have a variety of effects in the body, and different probiotics may act in different ways.
Probiotics might:
- Help your body maintain a healthy community of microorganisms or help your bodyâs community of microorganisms return to a healthy condition after being disturbed
- Produce substances that have desirable effects
- Influence your bodyâs immune response.
Definition Of Probiotics And Other Related Terms
Etymologically the term probiotic is derived from the Greek language meaning for life but the definition of probiotics has evolved over time simultaneously with the increasing interest in the use of viable bacterial supplements and in relation to the progress made in understanding their mechanisms of action. The term was originally used to describe substances produced by one microorganism that stimulated the growth of others and was later used to describe tissue extracts that stimulated microbial growth and animal feed supplements exerting a beneficial effect on animals by contributing to their intestinal flora balance . Until recently the most widely used definition which contributed to the development of the probiotic concept in several ways was that of Fuller: probiotics are live microbial feed supplements which beneficially affect the host animal by improving microbial balance . The definition used at present was given by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations World Health Organization, according to which probiotics are redefined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. In relation to food the definition can be adjusted by emphasizing that the beneficial effect is exerted by the microorganisms when consumed in adequate amounts as part of food .
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Probiotic Foods Or Probiotic Supplements: Which Is The Best Way To Get Probiotics
Probiotics can be consumed through fermented food, such as yogurt kefir aged cheeses, like Parmesan or aged cheddar kimchi sauerkraut miso tempeh, and non-dairy yogurts that indicate they are cultured.
While there is no recommended daily amount for probiotics, if these arent foods you typically eat, it may be a good idea to consider a dietary supplement. Omni-Biotic offers a range of probiotic supplements for different conditions, and you can take our Probiotic Fit Quiz to find the best product for you.
Probiotic supplements contain different strains of live organisms which are often used for different conditions, so its important to research what combination of strains may be best for your needs and maybe talk to your doctor or dietitian first.
Probiotics For Diarrhea Caused By Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics destroys good and bad bacteria in the gut and can cause severe diarrhea. Probiotics supplements can help to alleviate the symptoms of antibiotic-related diarrhea.
A systematic review of how to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea found that probiotics supplementation can prevent watery stools.
The results of 17 randomized controlled trials revealed that probiotics capsules that include Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii bacteria were the most beneficial for digestive health. The review concluded that probiotics are safe and beneficial to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Another review of 51 studies into using probiotics for preventing diarrhea when taking antibiotics found that L. rhamnosus GG is the most effective probiotic strain.
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Molecular Characterization Of Probiotics Marker Genes And Surface Layer Protein
In view of high stakes involved in the exploration of their commercial value, particularly in the booming functional/health food market, the correct identification of probiotic cultures has become extremely important to rule out the possibility of false claims and to resolve disputes concerning their identity in probiotic preparations . The phylogenetic information encoded by 16S rRNA gene has enabled the development of molecular biology techniques, which allow the characterization of the whole human gut microbiota . These techniques have been used in monitoring the specific strains as they have high discriminating power. Numerous molecular techniques have been exploited for the identification of various putative probiotic marker genes such as bile salt hydrolase , mucus-binding protein , fibronectin-binding protein for the screening of probiotic strains.
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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Helps Lower Blood Pressure
A large study that looked at various research reports was able to determine that probiotics help lower blood pressure by improving lipid profiles including cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing insulin resistance, and activating antioxidants. The side effects of taking probiotics are typically minimal, if any exist at all, making it a great option for lowering blood pressure.
The positive effects of probiotics are the most obvious in people who already have high blood pressure, and continue to improve when the person consumes a variety of probiotic strains for a minimum of eight weeks.
Take A Probiotic Supplement
Probiotic supplements contain different types of bacteria, but the bacteria concentration and types in the supplements can vary.
In acute situations, such as when using antibiotics, you may want to take supplements with higher CFUs.
It is often recommended not to take the antibiotics and probiotic supplements together, but to wait 1 to 2 hours after taking your antibiotics.
Probiotic supplements are usually divided according to the target audience: adults, women and children. The division between men and women is very significant since women suffer from vaginal infections that require unique probiotics.
The probiotics help to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections and vaginal candidiasis. In any case, you can take probiotic supplements on a regular basis as they are not harmful and there is no situation of excess probiotics in the body.
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Benefits Of Probiotics For Men
Just as probiotics have benefits specific to womens health, they also appear to have benefits specific to mens health. Research has identified a link between gut bacteria and prostate health. While more research is needed, early studies suggest that probiotics may help men keep their prostate healthy, which is increasingly important as men age. Another thing that men struggle with as they age is decreasing levels of the hormone testosterone. Research suggests that probiotics may boost testosterone in men, as well as boost sperm production and sperm count.
Mushroom Probiotics For Women And Men
Teelixir created Mushroom Probioticsa carefully formulated blend of medicinal mushroom prebiotics and organic superfoods that nourish the gut and support healthy digestion.
The prebiotic components originate from organic lectin-free grainsmillet, hemp, amaranth and quinoa.
Medicinal mushrooms Turkey Tail, Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms are also rich in probiotic fibres and provide anti-microbial, antifungal properties making them bacteriostaticpreventing the overgrowth of dysbiotic bacteria and yeasts.
Mushroom prebiotics feeds the beneficial microbes in our gut, which in turn create nutrients such as Vitamin K and SCFA that repair enterocytes and fuel cellular energy production.
Our unique bio-fermentation process, using fourteen strains of organic bacteria , creates a powerful prebiotic + probiotic whole-food blend.
Mushroom Probiotics benefit men and women by nourishing the existing microbiome and growth of beneficial strains, whilst modulating dysbiotic and unfriendly bacterial strains – helping to support a diverse microbiome alongside a diverse healthy diet.
This potent formula works to balance your gut microbiome, support digestive function, reduce gas and bloating, increase energy levels, boost immunity, lower stress and anxiety, elevate mood and nourish skin healthall in an easy-to-consume daily probiotic powder.
You may also be interested in the gut-supportive benefits of Lion’s Mane mushroom.
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Optimize Gut Function By Balancing The Bacteria In Your Digestive System
Keeping the gut microbiome balanced allows for normal gut function, while some changes to the gut bacteria can lead to problems. Probiotics can help maintain the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and help repopulate with healthy bacteria after conditions that disturbed the microbiome.
For example, taking antibiotics kills off many of your good gut bacteria. This leaves room for bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi to overgrow. Taking a probiotic during and after antibiotics is a must for sustained health.
Probiotics And Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics have been shown to have a positive impact on a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. They are used routinely in the health care setting to reduce diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics in both adults and children. Certain probiotics may help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and may also inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that colonize the stomach and can cause ulcers and stomach cancer.
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Mechanisms Of Probiotic Activity
Probiotics have various mechanisms of action although the exact manner in which they exert their effects is still not fully elucidated. These range from bacteriocin and short chain fatty acid production, lowering of gut pH, and nutrient competition to stimulation of mucosal barrier function and immunomodulation. The latter in particular has been the subject of numerous studies and there is considerable evidence that probiotics influence several aspects of the acquired and innate immune response by inducing phagocytosis and IgA secretion, modifying T-cell responses, enhancing Th1 responses, and attenuating Th2 responses .
Improve Mental Health And Reduce Stress
One of the most important revelations about the benefits of probiotics is the role they play in the gut-brain connection. This is the direct line of communication between the brain and enteric nervous system. Its been found that this communication is what links the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain to your peripheral intestinal function.
Researchers have shown that many mental disorders or behavioral problems can be linked to poor gut bacteria. Digestive discomfort caused by an imbalance of gut bacteria or poor digestion can contribute to poor mental health.
In the same way, sensitivity to gastrointestinal irritation can cause signals to the central nervous system that influence mood. Its been found that people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome tend to have higher rates of sympathetic nervous system function and lower rates of parasympathetic function. This could explain the reason that IBS sufferers are more prone to stress.
The good news is that probiotics appear to alleviate symptoms of mental distress and anxiety by reducing the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This, in turn, helps to downregulate the hormones that activate sympathetic nervous system function .
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What To Look For In Probiotic Supplements
When looking for a good probiotic supplement, look for a multi-strain probiotic that can help to colonize the gut with multiple strains of good bacteria. Additionally, time release probiotics, or a probiotic supplement with a time release capsule is recommended as it will ensure it reaches the lower gut instead of being destroyed by stomach acid. This is why capsules in general are better than powder probiotic supplements.
Microbial Species With Applications As Probiotics
Taking into consideration their definition the number of microbial species which may exert probiotic properties is impressive. Some of the most important representatives are listed in . As far as nutrition is concerned only the strains classified as lactic acid bacteria are of significance and among them the ones with the most important properties in an applied context are those belonging to the genera Lactococcus and Bifidobacterium . Lactic acid bacteria are Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacterial species able to produce lactic acid as main end-product of carbohydrate fermentation. The genus Bifidobacterium is therefore rather traditionally than phylogenetically listed among them as they use a separate metabolic pathway. Two other species playing an important role in the food industry, particularly dairy products, although not strictly considered as probiotics are Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactococcus lactis, two of the most commercially important lactic acid bacteria .
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