Benefits Of Prebiotic Supplementation
Gut health is a hot topic as more discoveries are made about how important the gut microbiome is to the overall functioning of the body. Prebiotics play a co-starring role to probiotics.
Digestion, digestion, digestion
Immune boost
In recent years, the gut has been said to be the seat of the immune system, and studies suggest that taking prebiotic-containing foods changes gut composition to improve immunity. Your body needs healthy bacteria to protect itself from viruses and pathogens.
Bowel regularity
Because prebiotics are essentially fiber, they help keep bowel movements regular. They provide a natural colon cleanse and detox in the process.
Weight loss
Fiber is proven to aid in weight loss, partly because its slow to digest and helps you feel fuller. Prebiotics also may suppress the appetite hormoneghrelin.
Nutrient absorption
Probiotics increase our absorption of nutrients and minerals and remember, prebiotics are needed for probiotics to survive. Efficient nutrient absorption may lead to healthier bones, better immunity, and improved mood and energy levels. Other reported benefits are clearer skin, fewer yeast infections, a reduction in allergies and eczema, and improved sleep.
What Are Probiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements contain large amounts of one or more probiotic strains, which you can take as a pill, powder, food, or liquid. The most common strains found in store-bought probiotic supplements are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, the two primary types of bacteria found in the gut.
Probiotics are not all the same. Each one contains either one specific probiotic strain or multiple strains. The different strains have different benefits, such as improving digestive health, helping with weight loss, or strengthening cardiovascular health.
Are Probiotic Supplements Beneficial
Much of the information you will find on probiotics is biased, as it is put out by probiotic supplement manufacturers who want you to buy their products. To provide healthcare providers with objective information for their patients, the American Gastroenterological Association published a set of guidelines to help clarify the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. These guidelines form the basis of our recommendations in this article.
“Probiotics” is a general term for many different microorganism species, including different types of bacteria and yeasts. Different strains have different effects in the body, so we can’t make blanket statements about probiotics being helpful or not. It depends on the strain or strains and the health status of the person taking them. It should be noted that there is still a great deal of research to be done on the microbiome and the role of probiotic supplementation. This information may change as new strains are discovered, and new combinations of strains are found to impact our health.
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Which Probiotics Benefit Your Health The Most
Similar to what we just talked about, this is obviously the most important characteristic that all good probiotics share.
Good probiotics just tend to work, and work well in most people.
The list of health issues probiotics seem to help with is enormous.
Everything from gas, indigestion and constipation all the way to energy and the immune system.
If you talk to people, many credit probiotics with aiding in quite a few health concerns.
So when youre trying to find the best probiotics, this is the most important consideration.
You want maximum health benefit in the area youre looking to improve. Its as simple as that.
Who Should Not Take Probiotic Supplements
People with compromised immune systems should not take probiotics as they are at higher risk of infection. These people include children and adults with severe illnesses and those who have recently undergone surgery.
If you have allergies, always check the ingredients of a product before consuming it. Even if the product does not contain allergens, the manufacturer may have used a facility that processes things like dairy, wheat, or eggs.
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Which Probiotic Strain Is The Best For Gut Health
The most common types of probiotics are Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. Each subtype of these genera has different effects on the body, and choosing which one is most effective for you depends on your health concerns. For example, Bifidobacteria animalis aids digestion and combats bad bacteria from foods.
Researching a products strain and its effects before buying it ensures that you choose a probiotic that works for you.
What Do They Do
Among other things, probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Infectious diarrhea
- Diarrhea caused by antibiotics
There is also some research that shows they’re useful for problems in other parts of your body. For example, some people say they have helped with:
- Skin conditions, like eczema
- Oral health
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Probiotics And Multivitamins Basic Facts
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits especially for digestive system.
Probiotics may be able to prevent and treat some illnesses by promoting a healthy digestive tract, healthy immune system and protecting the body from harmful bacteria.
Probiotics can be taken through the food or beverages , and dietary supplements. These products may help in: treating diarrhea, especially after antibiotic treatment, preventing and treating urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections, speeding the treatment of intestinal infections, treating irritable bowel syndrome and preventing or reducing the severity of common colds and flu symptoms.
There are many probiotics bacteria with different benefits, however most come from two bacteria genus: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.Lactobacillus is the most common probiotic, it can be found in yoghurt and other fermented foods.
This probiotic can help patients with diarrhea and may be helpful in patients who are lactose intolerant. Bifidobacterium can be also found in some dairy products and may be helpful for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel disease.
Multivitamins are preparations containing multiple micronutrients, such as vitamins and dietary minerals. These preparations contain 3 or more vitamins and minerals at doses which are below the tolerable upper level, as determined by the Food and Drug Board, and they have no risk and adverse health effects.
The Best Probiotic And Prebiotic Supplements For 2022 Are:
- Best supplement overall Garden of Life raw microbiome ultimate care, 30 capsules: £47.99, Gardenoflife.co.uk
- Best synbiotic supplement The Nue Co prebiotic + probiotic supplement, 60 capsules : £45, Thenueco.com
- Best value for money supplement Bio-Kult everyday gut, 30 capsules: £10.48, Bio-kult.co.uk
- Best supplement for during pregnancy Simone Thomas Wellness everyday wellness, 60 capsules: £70, Simonethomaswellness.com
- Best supplement for children Wild Nutrition childs multi-strain biotic, 90g: £27.50, Wildnutrition.com
- Best supplement for skin health Dr Vegan skin saviour, 60 capsules: £24.99, Drvegan.com
- Best supplement for immunity Rejuvenated immune complex, 30 capsules: £20, Rejuvenated.com
- Best supplement for people with digestive issues Inessa advanced biotic complex, 30 capsules: £38.99, Inessawellness.com
- Best powder supplement Biomel complete gut, 30 servings: £28.50, Biomel.life
- Best supplement for winter Solgar ultibio immune vegetable capsules, 30 capsules: £29.50, Solgar.co.uk
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Md Complete Probiotics Platinum: Good Supplement For Digestive Health
1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum is a well-rounded supplement that supports digestive and immune function. It contains 51 billion CFUs and has eleven potent strains, encouraging the microbial balance of your digestive tract and reinforcing your immune system.
The Complete Probiotics Platinum supplement helps with:
- Overall digestive and immune health
- Gas, bloating, and indigestion
- Nutrient absorption
- Bowel movements
The delayed-release capsules ensure that the healthy probiotics make it to your intestines instead of melting away in stomach acid. The intestines are the home of the microorganisms that keep your body healthy and balanced, and the 1MD supplement works its way down to that microbiome to bring in more beneficial bacteria.
Dr. David Kahana, a gastroenterologist, endorses 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum for its potent strains and numerous colony-forming units. He also commends 1MD for including a rich dosage of Nutraflora prebiotic fiber that fuels the cultures so they can work hard to balance your digestive system.
The doctor recommends the supplement to his patients who come to him with intestinal health concerns, considering 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum to be the most well-rounded probiotic supplement available.
Besides the prebiotic and eleven probiotic strains, the ingredients include:
- Vegetable cellulose capsule.
- Rice flour.
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:
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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Best Probiotic For People With Ibs: Klaire Labs Ther
Klaire Labs
Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief is a medical food for managing IBS, including constipation, diarrhea and gas. Its medical food classification means that this product meets consumers’ needs that cannot be met by just changing how they eat. It also means that this product should be used under the supervision of your healthcare provider. The products are encapsulated using a technology that protects the probiotics from stomach acid so they can reach the intestines.
Strains: Prebiotic: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum Probiotic: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactisEach capsule also contains 10 mg sodium and 10 mg potassium. CFUs: 20 billion Directions: Take once daily during the first part of a meal. Quality: Klaire Labs is a cGMP manufacturing facility. Probiotic is hypoallergenic, non-GMO and vegetarianStorage: Shelf-stable in a cool, dry place and away from direct light. The probiotic doesnt need to be in the fridge, but storing it in the refrigerator extends its shelf life.Cost: $34.99/ 21 capsules
Reduced Risk For Type 2 Diabetes And Other Metabolic Diseases
There is evidence that probiotics can reduce a persons risk or help to manage metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. There is also research showing that probiotics can help with glycemic control and lipid metabolism in those with type 2 diabetes.
Research has also shown that probiotics can ease the negative side effects of taking antibiotics. About a third of people taking antibiotic medication experience digestive distress, including diarrhoea. Doctors often recommend taking probiotics while on an antibiotic regiment to prevent a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea .
Probiotic-rich foods can be a delicious addition to your diet. The most popular food source for probiotics is yogurt, but this is not an option for vegans. Luckily, there are vegan probiotic food sources, as well as vegan supplements, that allow you to enjoy the health benefits of probiotics without sacrificing your commitment to living a vegan lifestyle.
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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.*
Should I Give Probiotics To My Kids
Probiotics can be beneficial for both adults and kids. If your child has an illness that requires an antibiotic medication for treatment, taking a probiotic can help shorten symptoms. Probiotics can also be used to help relieve constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea, gas and eczema in children.
Introducing probiotics into your childs diet through food is typically a safe way to give them probiotics. Foods like yogurt and cottage cheese are often part of a balanced diet and can add in good bacteria without much risk.
There are commercially available probiotic supplements specifically designed for infants and children. However, it is important to talk to your childs pediatrician before giving them any probiotic supplement or changing the childs diet to include probiotic-rich foods.
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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.
What Do The Personal Reviews Say
Read online personal reviews, but be cautious. How people respond to probiotics varies. People have different reactions to different probiotics, says Williamson. So what works or didnt work for one person may or may not work for you. You need to test out a couple of different ones. Pay attention to strain and count it may take a few to find one that works for you, Williamson adds.
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Side Effects Of Probiotics
While probiotics may cause gas, they have a strong track record of safetyhowever, the NCCIH notes that studies are limited on the frequency and severity of side effects. The organization does caution, however, that the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater for those with severe illness or compromised immune systems.
May Improve Symptoms Of Certain Gastrointestinal Diseases
Some of the most well-studied uses of probiotic supplements relate to the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases like IBS and IBD.
In one review of 11 studies, 7 of the studies reported significant improvements in symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain in people with IBS who took probiotic supplements, compared with a placebo. The remaining four studies didnt find significant improvements.
The review also found that multi-strain probiotics used for at least 8 weeks were the most effective for improving IBS symptoms (
38 ).
While some people, including those with IBS and certain types of IBD, may benefit from specific strains of probiotics, in general, most healthy people who follow a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle do not need to take probiotic supplements.
Whats more, some researchers are concerned that the widespread use of probiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance and warn that many studies investigating the safety and efficacy of probiotics are of poor quality .
For these reasons, its not a good idea to take probiotics before consulting a healthcare professional. They can help you decide whether a probiotic supplement is appropriate and give brand and dosage recommendations.
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Best Probiotic For Ages 50+: Renew Life Adult 50+ Probiotic
RenewLife
RenewLife 50+ probiotic is specially designed to counteract the changes to your gut bacteria that happen with age. As you age, bifidobacteria decreases, so you need more of that, says Greenwood, a key strain in this probiotic. The delayed-release capsule promotes regularity and supports digestive balance and immune and respiratory health.
Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37, Bifidobacterium infantis Bi-26, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04, Lactobacillus brevis LBr-35, Lactobacillus casei Lc-11, Lactobacillus lactis Li-23 andLactobacillus plantarum Lp-115CFUs: 30 billionDirections: Take once daily with or without food. Quality: Probiotics are third-party tested and have DNA verification for most strains. Probiotic is non-GMO probiotic that is free of gluten, dairy and soy. Storage: Store at 77F or below. Best if refrigerated.Cost: $22.49/ 30 capsules
How To Choose The Best Probiotic Pills
Research on good probiotics can sometimes be indeterminate, and the benefits are hard to pin down for the general population. This is because everyone has a wholly unique micro-ecosystem in their body, determined at birth by their DNA, containing different combinations of bacteria from one person to the next.
While certain probiotics may turn one persons life around, another person might experience no effect. Its essential to find the probiotic that works with your body and addresses your specific needs.
To help you determine the best probiotic supplement for you, well discuss several factors to consider when evaluating each product.
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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.
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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