Does How Many Cfus A Probiotic Have Really Matter
This is a very interesting question that has a fairly simple answer.
You see, most people think that more of something is ALWAYS better.
Thats a fact that marketers have taken advantage of for centuries.
If one is good, two must be better. If five is good, ten must be better. If 1 billion is good, 100 billion must be better!
The truth of the matter, with regards to probiotics is the amount of CFUs isnt as big a deal as most brands make it out to be .
Theres still a lot of research being conducted on this very issue, but the most recent data suggests 5-10 billion CFUs if youre taking a daily, general probiotic.
And 15-45 billion seems to be ok if youre taking them for a specific ailment.
Anything more than that seems to be overkill.
But again, if low dose products dont work for you, talk to your doctor and see what he or she has to say.
If youd like to read more about this, check out our more detailed post here.
The Best Probiotic Supplements For Pregnancy
The research on probiotics during pregnancy has been notoriously conflicting, and there isnt a formula that cant accurately be designed just for pregnancy. It depends on the individuals needs. After reviewing many studies up to 2019 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 here are my conclusions:
If you have a healthy digestive system, I see no reason to supplement with probiotics and you should simply concentrate on fermented foods and prebiotics. Probiotic supplementation may actually disturb an already balanced system.
If you are at risk for gestational diabetes, a formula containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may reduce the risk.
Those with an autoimmune disorder may benefit from probiotic supplementation and impact the childs immune system in a positive way.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 may prevent preterm birth (caused by preeclampsia, UTIs, other infections, intrauterine growth restriction or idiopathic spontaneous preterm labor. This one is likely the best preventative take since antibiotics do not have a good track record for these issues. This can be found in Fem-dophilus by Jarrow.
If dermatitis runs in the family, probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and infancy helps to prevent atopic dermatitis in children, and a formula with both lactobacillus and bifidobacterium intervention has a better effect. In this case, I would recommend Jarro-Dophilus + FOS.
You Have To Keep This In Mind
Its simply thiseveryone reacts differently to probiotics.
I know, big shocker.
But youd be surprised how many people try out one supplement, dont get the results they want, get angry and give up!
The fact of the matter is, every person on Earth has a unique digestive tract composition.
Even the organisms within each persons body can be vastly different.
All that means is a particular probiotic may work great for me, but not do anything for you.
And what works well for you, might give me uncomfortable side effects.
Its just the way things work.
So if you try a particular brand we recommend, and it doesnt work for you, dont freak out! It could be a crappy product, or it may just not work for your unique situation and body.
Either way, just pick out another one from our list until you find one that works.
Keep in mind youll also want to confer with your doctor or medical provider about all this as well.
Ok so now that we got that out of the way, lets move on to what exactly makes a good probiotic supplement.
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Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics Original Formula 60 Capsules
Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics Original formula has a three-year-long shelf life and is fermented in nature made from prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. It contains live cultures and is fully vegetarian with no gluten, no dairy product, and completely non-GMO. The prebiotic food components used are seaweed, mushroom, fruits, and vegetables. Live probiotics are twelve selected strains that have been cultured together with no fermentation. Postbiotics from the fermentation process include short-chained fatty acids, organic fatty acids like acetic, citric, fulvic, humic and phenyl lactic acid, trace amounts of minerals, lactic and amino acids. The supplement does not contain products that have carcinogenic substances. The probiotic supports good digestion, immune health and promotes a healthy microbial environment.
The Health Spectrum Of The Microbiome: What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics
I wrote an article titled Mental Health Starts in the Gut, Not the Brain. As you will see, we are just beginning to see how significant our bacterial populations are with our health.
Grains
According to microbiome researcher Jeff Leach Whole grain consumption seems to be associated with high levels of a type of bacteria called prevotella. Prevotella has been associated with inflammation in HIV patients and its been associated with rheumatoid arthritis. We dont know why that is, so the jurys still out on whole grains.
Food Allergies
The peanut allergy rise has currently been blamed on the hygiene theory. Basically, we are too clean and too quick to use antibiotics. Our immune system is not given a chance to be exercised and made stronger and therefore overreacts.
More specifically, evidence points towards poor gut flora as being the cause. One study in the Journal of Immunology found that an extract taken from E. Coli which is a bacteria in our gut and becomes a problem when not kept in check broke down the peanut proteins where the enzymes failed, and practically eliminated the allergenic response. I imagine it is the collective work of many different strains of bacteria that eliminate this response altogether.
About 35% of children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have skin symptoms provoked by food hypersensitivity.
Oral Health and Migraines
Cardiovascular Health
Nerve Health
Type 2 Diabetes
Mental Health
Weight Loss
Sleep
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Do Probiotics Have Any Side Effects
The short answer is yes and no.
I know, thats not very helpful.
But the fact of the matter is, different probiotics affect different people in different ways.
So as we discussed earlier, a particular brand may work great for me and give me no side effects. You may take that exact same supplement and get stomach pain and indigestion.
Once again, its really a matter of finding a particular brand that works well for your particular situation, body and needs.
In general, reported side effects with probiotic use are very low.
Some people get some gas and bloating when they start using probiotics. Luckily, this is usually temporary and goes away with time.
As always, its best to speak to your doctor before using probiotics just to go over these kinds of things. This applied doubly to children, the elderly or anyone who is very ill and/or has a compromised immune system.
The vast majority of people get no side effects from probiotics, but it never hurts to get a professionals opinion!
Choosing A Good Probiotic Supplement
Before choosing a good probiotic supplement, you must learn about a few important things such as capsule or powder form, the number of colony-forming units per dose, strains used in the product, sugar content, capsule shell material.
Some important things before buying a supplement are discussed below:
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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.
Dr Ohhiras Probiotics Original Formula 60 Capsules
Dr. Ohhiras Probiotics Original Formula 60 capsules come in pill form and contains 12 billion acid-resistant lactobacillus sporogenes per capsule. Each capsule should be taken once daily on an empty stomach or as recommended by your doctor.
This product does not require refrigeration for storage, but it should be stored away from heat and moisture.
Image courtesy Smarty Pants
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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.
Best Probiotic Supplements For Gut Health In 2021
This article was produced in partnership with Blue Ribbon Group
Due to the pandemic, people have mostly stayed indoors. As a result, keeping a well-nourished and healthy body has become challenging even for those who actively go to the gym or exercise regularly.
However, along with the efficient & best probiotics, one can still attain an immunized body and good health to push through the boundaries these rough times have given us.
With a combination of safe and beneficial bacteria, probiotics help optimize your immune system. They aid in fighting damaging bacteria and assist tissues and cells through their vital repair process. Probiotics can also help good bacteria with their natural selection and get rid of unwanted microbes that toxify our blood.
Now more than ever is the time to take care of ourselves and be healthy through proper diet and exercise. So, make sure to consume the right probiotics that will ensure sustainable immunity and everyday health.
In this article, we have provided the best and most trustworthy probiotics available and have described how each can help you achieve good health.
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Conditions Related To Allergy
Allergic Rhinitis
- A review of 23 studies in which probiotics were tested for treating allergic rhinitis found some evidence that they may be helpful for improving symptoms and quality of life. However, because the studies tested different probiotics and measured different effects, no recommendations about the use of probiotics could be made. Few side effects of probiotics were reported in these studies.
Asthma
- A review of 11 studies of probiotics for asthma in children had inconclusive results.
Atopic Dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis is an itchy chronic skin disorder thatâs associated with allergies but not caused by them. Itâs most common in infants and may start as early as age 2 to 6 months. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is one of several types of eczema.
- A 2017 review of 13 studies of probiotics for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants and children did not find consistent evidence of a beneficial effect. A review of 9 studies in adults provided preliminary evidence that some strains of probiotics might be beneficial for symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Prevention of Allergies
What Is The Best Time To Take Probiotics
It’s best to take your probiotic every day and to take it as directed. In order for the probiotics to be effective, they need to get through your stomach acid as quickly as possible. When possible, take your probiotics on an empty stomach. This means you should take it around two to three hours after your last meal, and about 30 minutes before your next meal. When you take it on an empty stomach, it allows the probiotics to move through your stomach fast so they can get to work.
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Adding Probiotics To Your Diet
How do you decide whether to add probiotics to your diet? A first step is to talk with your doctor to make sure theyre right for you. Probiotics are generally considered safe to consume, unless you have a compromised immune system or youre seriously ill. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist about dosage.
You may want to begin taking probiotics simply by adding some items with natural probiotics to your diet. You may want to keep a diary of what probiotics you introduce, and record over time whether you see any changes in your digestion or overall health. Some easily available food choices are:
- yogurt
If you want to take a probiotic dietary supplement, there are plenty of commercial products to choose from. Look for supplements that have:
- Live cultures: Check the expiration date on the label. To be effective, the probiotic should be live when you take it.
- Multiple bacteria strains: A combination of probiotics is usually more effective than a single one.
- Large enough quantities of bacteria to form colonies: This is measured in colony-forming units called CFUs.
Its important to remember that probiotics are considered to be dietary supplements, which are not regulated by the
Can I Get Probiotics From Food
You can absolutely increase beneficial microbes in your body from the foods you eat. Certain foods have probiotics in them and can benefit the health of your microbiome.
These foods can be introduced into your diet at any point of the day. You may even be regularly eating them now and not realize that they contain probiotics. You will want to check the food label for live and active cultures. A few suggestions for just some of the probiotic-rich foods you can add to your diet and some times to try them include:
For breakfast, try:
- Powders.
- Liquids.
Probiotic supplements may be combined with a prebiotic. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates that feed the microorganisms in your gut. Basically, prebiotics are the food source for the good bacteria. They help feed the good bacteria and keep it healthy. Prebiotics include inulin, pectin and resistant starches.
When you have a supplement that combines a probiotic and prebiotic, its called a synbiotic.
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How Often Should You Take Probiotics
In order to ensure maximum effectiveness, probiotics should be taken every day. Choose a brand and formula that you like and stick with the same brand for at least four weeks in order to feel the effects. It’s best not to switch brands until you’ve tried the same one for at least four weeks. If you’re unhappy with the brand at that time, you can always switch to another one. The type and the number of strains that your probiotic contains will vary, so be sure to read labels carefully for dose information. Ideally, you should continue to take a probiotic every day in order to keep your immune system strong and your body healthy.
Don’t forget to check out our Weekly Deals for stellar savings on all your favorites!
Potential Side Effects Of Probiotics
You’ll be happy to know that generally, probiotic supplements cause no significant side effects, other than the intended improvement in your gut health.* However, probiotics can be tricky. Not every probiotic is right for each person. Sometimes it’s about finding the right fit. For example, signs that a probiotic might not be right for you include:
- Bloating after taking it
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Renew Life Womens Care Probiotic
Renew Life Womens Care Probiotic comes in tablet form and contains 15 billion lactobacillus sporogenes per serving. Each serving also helps promote a healthy immune system, improve lactose intolerance, reduce occasional constipation, increase energy levels, relieve occasional diarrhea due to antibiotic use or mild cases of irritable bowel syndrome, alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance, support cardiovascular health, maintain general well-being, and vitality.
Image courtesy Culturelle
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.
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Why Do Humans Need Probiotics
Humans need probiotics because these are good bacteria that have several benefits for our health. These helpful bacteria or yeasts are essential to maintain your digestive system. Their main function is to break down nutrients in the food, fight harmful organisms, improve immune functions, and reduce inflammation.
However, there are some factors that reduce their number such as excessive antibiotic usage, having a poor diet, exposure to toxins, and stress. These factors make the gut unhealthy. So it is essential to maintain a healthy body by increasing probiotics in your food or by taking supplements.
