What Should You Look For In A Probiotic Supplement
Your doctor will recommend a probiotic shown to help with your specific complaints, says Dr. Poppers. For example, one bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, is better for those with diarrhea, compared with other strains, Gilbert says.
Some doctors also encourage the use of probiotics if their patient is on antibiotics. Taking probiotics before, during, and after taking antibiotics could help prevent common side effects like diarrhea, Poppers says. He recommends taking probiotics containing the saccharomyces bacteria strain prior to starting antibiotics, and to continue for at least a few days after your course of treatment is done.
If you have ulcerative colitis,a chronic disease causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestines and rectum, a doctor may also prescribe probiotics.
While people with ulcerative colitis can take anti-inflammatory medication to manage discomfort, Poppers says there is some research to suggest that the supplement VSL#3, a combination of eight different Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus bacteria strains, could help in addition to traditional treatment.
“IBS is very complex. What may work for your neighbor may not work for you,” he explains. “A lot of trial and error is necessary, and thats OK.”
At the end of the day, it’s best to talk with your doctor to determine if taking a probiotic is right for you.
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.
Can You Take Probiotic Supplements On An Empty Stomach
Research and recommendations vary on this question. Try taking your supplement both on an empty stomach and with food to determine which works best for you. If your stomach is upset with your probiotic supplement, consider whats in it and if you need another product with no allergens. Many supplements are dairy- and gluten-free.
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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.
Are There Any Risks To Taking Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Taking a quality probiotic with Lactobacillus Acidophilus is considered safe. Of course, its important to check with a doctor if you are immunocompromised or have other health conditions that you are concerned about. Its also essential to take a trusted probiotic because there are absolutely risks to taking Lactobacillus Acidophilus if your supplement is not high quality. Some probiotic supplements contain hidden soy, gluten, GMOs, and other fillers. They are NOT microbiologically pure, and the companies that make them cannot guarantee their potency. When youre looking for the benefits of good bacteria, you want to pick the best probiotic with Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
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Which Probiotic Strains Are Best For Weight Loss
If youre considering trying a probiotic strain for weight loss, you have to remember that not any probiotic will do.
The two major groups of bacteria that are studied for their weight loss benefits are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. 8
Here are our top picks for the best probiotic strains for weight loss:
How Much Weight Can I Lose By Taking Probiotics
The benefits of probiotics are better known for digestive health, and for things like reducing bloating.
But as outlined above, having the right probiotics in your gut can impact your weight, and lead to healthy weight loss.
How much, you ask?
More research may be needed before accurate estimates can be made, as the amount of studies that indicate weight loss via probiotics are still limited.
That being said, a 2019 meta-analysis and review on the effects of probiotics for weight loss found that probiotic supplementation helped people lose on average between 0.25 to 0.73 kg .6
Another study found that probiotics may help individuals lose up to 1 kg of fat mass when taken regularly.7
These arent exactly dramatic figures, but when you consider that these results were from simple gut bacteria alone they become slightly more promising!
Combining several of the best probiotic strains for weight loss with a comprehensive diet and exercise program could very well help drive rapid weight loss.
A natural weight loss supplement is another way to complement a healthy diet and exercise program.
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The Best Probiotic Foods And Drinks
Making sure youre consuming healthy probiotics through your diet is quite easy when you know what the best sources are.
The majority of probiotic-rich foods are pretty healthy too, so you get more than one benefit from your munching!
Here are 9 of the best naturally probiotic-rich foods and drinks.
Culturelle Womens Healthy Balance At A Glance
Strains:Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii
CFU count: 15 billion
- Price: $$
- Type: capsules
Packing 20 strains of probiotics into a single dose, along with prebiotics and cranberry concentrate, this supplement from Viva Naturals is intended to promote the health of your gut microbiome.
In particular, it provides Lactobacillus casei, which may help reduce the severity of diarrhea and decrease markers of intestinal inflammation in children .
It also contains several other probiotic strains that could be beneficial for the treatment of IBS, including Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus .
Plus, this product is shelf-stable and has been tested by an independent lab to ensure accuracy. Its also gluten-free, vegetarian, and non-GMO.
Read Also: Should I Take Probiotics When I Have Diarrhea
Final Thoughts On Probiotics
If you could benefit from improved gut health, give one of the five probiotics listed above a try. We analyzed many products to bring you the best probiotic supplements available to help you overcome your digestive issues.
Not sure if you need probiotic supplements? Probiotics aren’t necessary for everyone. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discover if consuming beneficial bacteria supplements might benefit you.
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.
Best Probiotic For: Gi Support Brain Function
Studies show some promising results with L. casei for digestive support and regulating diarrhea. One study on the effect of milk fermented by L. Casei strain DN-114 found that supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea .
L. casei also made headlines when a study found it beneficial in relieving anxiety. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study found supplementation with 24 billion units of the L. casei strain Shirota led to a rise in probiotics lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, as well as a significant decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression .
Now lets take a look at a separate class of probiotics, bifidobacterium.
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What Is The Best Probiotic Brand
If youre looking for a great, Probiotic Brand, our top rated pick is the It Works! Probiotic.
There are as many probiotic brands reviews as there probiotic brands probably more and were all aware of how overwhelming and at times, frustrating that can be. Having dealt with the same problem we, at SimplyBestOf, deemed it reasonable to write the ultimate one-stop probiotic brands review.
It can be hard to discern which probiotic brand is the best with so many probiotic brands out there these days.
If you are trying to improve the health of your gut, youve probably asked yourself: Which probiotic is best?
The answer is that the best probiotic brands are those that offer a source of healthier digestion and improved immune systems that work seamlessly with your bodys chemistry.
The best probiotic brand can positively transform your health!
Natural Sources Of Probiotics And Prebiotics
There are natural sources of probiotics and prebiotics. Fermented foods like some dairy products, including yogurt, cottage cheese, buttermilk, or kefir, and sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi are high in probiotics. However, Greenwood says, If youre going to take a probiotic, try to eat a diet high in prebiotics. You can naturally source prebiotics like inulin and pectin from asparagus, onions, whole wheat, oats and foods with skin on them, like oranges, beans and brown rice. Greenwood also adds that getting away from processed foods is one the best ways to improve our microbiome.
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Renewlife Health & Wellness Ultimate Flora Probiotic
Image Courtesy ofRite Aid
With over 25 billion live cultures and 10 probiotic strains, this probiotic health supplement is perfect for anyone looking to improve their digestive health without having to break the bank. Each bottle costs only $17.99 and contains a months worth of supplements. All you need to do is take a capsule in the morning and enjoy good digestive health throughout the day.
This particular probiotic has been designed for women. This means that many of the common digestive system issues women face, including bloating, constipation, and poor bathroom experiences can potentially be dealt with by taking only a single capsule alongside your other pills and supplements when you get up in the morning.
We strongly recommend this brand to anyone looking for a simple and affordable supplement that can potentially deal with many of the common digestive system woes women face.
How Do I Know Which Probiotic Is Best For Me
Experts recommend taking a general, diverse probiotic with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains for anyone new to probiotics. These two genera of probiotics are the most widely researched to date. Specific probiotic strains have specific benefits, so its worth looking into their impact and science backing before choosing a supplement. Targeted probiotics should include strains with benefits specific to those health areas.*
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How To Get Started With Probiotics
Think you want to give probiotics a shot? Here are Dr. Crescis take-aways to help you navigate them:
Probiotics are generally recognized as safe, but theyre typically not recommended if you have a compromised immune system. Ask your physician if probiotics are right for you.
It may take some trial and error to find the probiotic that works for you. If you notice no benefits from one product after a few weeks, try a different one with a different strain of bacteria.
Probiotics may cause bloating and gas, as well as changes in your stool patterns all indications that the product is working, Dr. Cresci says.
Prebiotic foods help your good bacteria flourish. Include beans, asparagus, onions, green bananas and other fermentable fiber sources in your diet.
This article originally appeared in Cleveland Clinic Mens Health Advisor.
Do Probiotic Supplements Have Any Side Effects
Scientific research on probiotics continues as their popularity increases. In general, healthy adults who take probiotic supplements don’t experience significant side effects.
Some people who begin taking a probiotic supplement may experience the following side effects within the first few days:
- Gas and bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
These symptoms tend to subside after the first few days as the body adapts to the supplement. Side effects like gas and bloating are also less likely in products with good capsule technology that resists digestive juices.
Healthy adults who maintain good exercise habits and get plenty of good bacteria through their diets may develop a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth if ingesting too many probiotics. To avoid developing a bacterial overgrowth, talk to your doctor before taking daily probiotic supplements.
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Previnex Probiotic: Best Probiotics For Digestion
As a premier dietary supplement, Previnex Probiotic may help take care of bacterial pathogens from the lining of ones gut.
The supplement may improve the digestive systems overall health through its sturdy secretion of bacteria 30 billion of the good ones.
This Previnex U.S.-manufactured probiotic captures in each capsule the nourishment of ingredients that are nutraceutical and non-chemical. Its blend has compounds of nutraflora and lactobacillus, which are safe and may help revitalize ones immunity.
Moreover, all good bacteria in each strain of this probiotic gear towards improving six important digestive health areas. Therefore, with Previnex Probiotic, one can reap the benefits of a lifestyle of proactiveness, not thinking of disruptions that affect ones bodily functions.
Phillips Colon Health Daily Probiotic
Image Courtesy ofWalmart
Finding the perfect probiotic shouldnt have to be a monumental challenge. Hundreds of companies offer probiotic supplements in stores and online throughout the country. The only problem is finding the right probiotic for you and your health needs. Bayer, one of the oldest medication producers in the world, has a proven track record of producing quality health supplements and medicines.
One of the larger brands, Phillips, has been trusted with providing quality health supplements for decades. As such, we were pleased to have the opportunity to test out this particular health supplement for a two-week period.
During that time several members of our team took home some bottles and integrated them into our daily routines. The small capsules were easy to take as-is, though one of our reviewers made a point of sprinkling it on her morning cup of yogurt.
We were all quite pleased with the end result. The probiotic helped us decrease instances of bloating and gas while making our trips to the restroom more regular.
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Ways Probiotics Can Skyrocket Your Health
A recent study has shown a direct relationship between bad bacterial growth in the gut and the ability to fall and remain asleep. This can lead to sleep disorders that zap our energy during the day and create erratic sleep patterns. In short, the more good bacteria in our gut, the better our sleep!
When the bad bacteria in our gut start outnumbering the good, not only does it make it more difficult to digest food, but it can sometimes lead to embarrassing gut issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. A high-quality probiotic can help correct this imbalance, leading to a marked improvement of these symptoms.
If you ever wondered how people slide past the age of 100 so effortlessly, chances are its because of their healthy, youthful gut. In fact, recent studies show that participants over the age of 100 who are less physically frail and enjoy greater mental acuity had one thing in common: an abundance of healthy bacterial strains in their gut. So, the fountain of youth may just be located in our gut after all!
With over 70% of our immunity residing in our gut, it becomes important to support it in any way we can. Probiotic supplements replenish the gut with helpful bacteria to boost our immune system so it can respond to unanticipated attacks.
Probiotics For Medical Conditions
Many inflammatory digestive tract issues can lead to gas and bloating. Probiotics can help by treating or preventing some of these conditions, thus helping soothe the uncomfortable symptoms.
As an example, probiotics may provide relief for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Probiotics may also be helpful in treating other GI conditions, the clinic says, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux and spastic colon.
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So What Exactly Makes A Good Probiotic Supplement
Over the last few years, me and my team have personally tested out over 200 probiotic brands. And by tested, I mean we actually bought and took the probiotics! Most review sites out there dont ever actually buy and take what theyre reviewing.
Anyway, after trying that many brands, I think we have a pretty good sense of what makes a good product, and what doesnt.
You see, most of the really good probiotic supplements out there tend to have some things in common. Of course they have their differences too, but we started to see some commonality in the good products the more and more brands we tested.
Ill go into more detail in a minute about what you should look for, but before I do, theres one thing I want you to keep in mind.
Its something that a lot of consumers make a mistake about and end up very frustrated
