How Do Probiotic Strains Work Together
Probiotics require fructooligosaccharides , a type of soluble fiber that is found in a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables, to thrive. This type of fiber is commonly known as prebiotics. In simplest terms, prebiotics are food for probiotics, helping nourish them to keep them alive and active in the gut.
The combination of probiotics and prebiotic strains creates a synergistic effect that allows the body to thrive. By encouraging the growth of the good bacterial strains and crowding out the bad ones, you enjoy the benefits of good digestion, including more energy, better weight control, and making feeling good the new normal.
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.
The Best Probiotic For Inflammation
At BlueBiology, were well aware of how many health issues are caused by chronic inflammation. From chronic fatigue to insomnia, weight issues, body aches, indigestion, anxiety, frequent infections, and even psychological issues like anxiety and depression, chronic inflammation can have a serious negative impact on your quality of life.This is why we formulated BlueBiotics Ultimate Care with chronic inflammation in mind. There are just so many health issues cause by and related to chronic inflammation. BlueBiotics contains 12 of the most efficient probiotic strains that have the widest range of health benefits. And the best part is that each and every one of these probiotic strains has been shown to reduce inflammation in scientific testing. The probiotic strains that reduce inflammation in BlueBiotics Ultimate Care include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus complex
- Bifidobacterium lactis complex
- Bifidobacterium breve complex
If youre serious about living a healthier life free of chronic inflammation and all its unfortunate side effects, be sure to check out what we sincerely believe is the best probiotic for inflammation, BlueBiotics Ultimate Care.
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A Few Things To Consider Before Taking Probiotics
Probiotics are generally considered safe, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says however, there havent been extensive studies on the frequency and severity of side effects. Additionally, people with severe illness or compromised immune systems are at greater risk for harmful side effects.
The NCCIH says that, while unlikely, probiotics can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms, including infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract. Additionally, most probiotics are considered dietary supplements, which means the FDA does not regulate them.
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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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What Are Probiotic Strains
A probiotic strain refers to the specific type of bacteria present in a supplement. You may have seen names likelactobacillus orbifidobacterium, which are broad categories of probiotic bacteria. There are many many different species and strains within each of those probiotic genera, and each serves a different purpose.
The probiotic strain is what determines the bacteria’s role and effect in the body. For example, some work more on the immune system, while others have a greater impact on the digestive tract. This is why paying attention to the strain type can make a big difference when treating or trying to prevent any sort of health ailment.
Greatest Probiotic For Constipation
Amongst younger college-aged girls with constipation, a combo of Bifidobacterium lactis BL 04, Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-06, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactococcus lactis improved signs and high quality of life. One other research discovered that B. lactis decreased signs in constipated adults.
Aside from that, the remainder of the constipation/probiotic literature is fairly inconclusive and meager. What does appear to assist is combining probiotics with prebioticsie, meals for the intestine bugs. Probiotic-enhanced artichokes are most likely my favourite incarnation of this idea.
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Just The Right Amount
- Probiotic products contain millions to billions of live bacteria, each of which can form colonies thus, the level is given as Colony Forming Units .1
- A higher CFU number does not mean it is the most effective probiotic.3
- 500 million to 50 billion CFU have been associated with various health benefits.
- Colonization is not a common characteristic of probiotics and is not necessary for health benefits.4
Ranking The Best Probiotics Of 2021
Some of the best probiotic supplements are listed below with indications, uses and their reviews.
Elm & Rye overall best for quality, value and immunity
Provitalize Best weight natural weight management probiotic
Culturelle Daily Probiotic, Digestive Health Capsules
Probiotics 60 billion CFU
Renew Life #1 Womens Probiotic
Dr Mercola Complete Probiotics
Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics Original Formula 60 capsules
Mason Natural, Probiotic Acidophilus with Pectin
Flora Childrens Probiotic, 60 capsules
Probiotic Protein
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Whats The Best Source Of Probiotics
There are three main sources of probiotics: supplements, yogurts, and fermented foods. Of these three types of probiotics, there are advantages and disadvantages to each.First it is important to understand not all yogurts and fermented foods are probiotics. Only yogurts and fermented foods that have been proven in scientific research to provide a health benefit are probiotics. Many yogurts and fermented foods contain bacterial strains that have not demonstrated a benefit. Additionally, refrigeration to protect the microbial populations may be required.Supplement type probiotics most often come in chewables, powders, or capsules. With these products personal preferences regarding tastes, swallowing pills, convenience, and packaging to protect the CFUs are important. Choosing the product that provides the desired strain is most important in determining the health benefits you can expect.
What Should I Look For In A Probiotic
Try not to be swayed by packaging or commercials. Before you decide what is the best probiotic for you, we recommend considering three factors:
- Strain: The individual bacteria strain determines the health benefits you should expect from the probiotic.
- Proof: Any claims about health benefits should be backed up by scientific studies on that product and the probiotic strain in it.
- Transparency: The packaging should provide you with clear information about the number of live microorganisms in each serving, the strains or specific strain in the product, the suggested daily serving size, the expiration date, any storage instructions, and corporate contact information in case you have any issues or questions.If you donât see this information readily available, try to look for a product which does provide it.
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What Are The Best Probiotic Strains
Ive heard that probiotics are good for you.
Oh, probiotics are so, so important.
Yeah yeah. These are all true statements. But they are ample. What probiotics? What varieties for what purpose? Simply saying probiotics tells us very little about what we are supposed to take. Its like saying You have to eat food. Technically accurate but operationally useless.
Today I will rectify it. I will describe the best probiotic strains for each desired purpose, because there is not a single strain that controls them all. The probiotic strain that is best for anxiety may not be the best probiotic strain for allergies, and so on.
Of course, these are not the last words. What follows is the best available evidence as it exists today. That may change tomorrow. And it will definitely change depending on your individual makeup.
With all this in mind, lets go straight to it.
Download yours Intestinal Health Guide
How We Chose The Best Probiotics
Here are the factors we considered to create our list of the best probiotic supplements.
Probiotic Strains
We looked to see how many different probiotic strains were included in each product and the types of strains used.
Number of Colony Forming Units
The number of Colony Forming Units, or CFUs, is the number of active microorganisms present in each serving of the probiotic.
Other Ingredients
We noted if the supplement contained additional digestive enzymes, fiber, or prebiotics to help boost digestive health.
Dietary Concerns
The best probiotics are also vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.
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How To Use A Probiotic
Most probiotics are nutritional supplements that you take daily, either as a capsule or a powder. Some brands recommend taking them with a meal while others advise taking your probiotic before eating. Almost all are best taken with a full glass of water. Many people take probiotics year round to support ongoing gut health, while others take them for a certain period of time to help rebalance their microbiome. Probiotics can also be good for travel if you suffer from digestive issues while on the road or flying.
Negative Effects Of Inflammation
- Swelling
- Loss of movement or function of body parts
- Weight gain
- Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
- Diarrhea
- Ulcers
- Anemia
There are many other symptoms that inflammatory conditions can cause. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, your joints are attacked by your own immune system, which can lead to symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tingling, numbness, and loss of motion in the joints.
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Probiotics Support Weight Loss
Many studies have proven that the bacterial balance present in our guts can be the reason for weight loss or weight gain.
It can profoundly affect the weight of our bodies. Many studies claim that a healthier body and weight loss can be achieved by taking proper probiotic supplements.
In recent human studies, it was found that even single strains of bacteria can decrease calories and fat in our guts. These friendly bacteria reduce belly fat, weight and even promote bacterial balance in our guts.
According to 2014 research, it was found that the different species of probiotics that were most effective for fat loss in our body were Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacterium lactis.
A recent study of men who were given Lactobacillus gasseri for 12 weeks had experienced a significant amount of weight and fat loss in their body compared to the other placebo group, who didnt experience any weight or fat loss.
So, taking different probiotic species supplements can help with fat and weight loss even when a persons calorie intake is high.
Best Probiotic For Anxiety
The existence of the intestinal-brain axis, this mysterious pathway from the intestine to the brain and back, and the presence and even production of neurotransmitters along the intestine suggest that feelings intestinal describes real phenomena. Mental health and gut are strongly linked, and this is likely to be a two-way relationship where each affects the other. You already know that, dont you?
We have all felt fear or discomfort in our bowels.
Weve all had instinctive responses to certain people who seemed to be manifesting in our stomachs .
These are real. They are not the result of our imagination.
For example, we know that some strains of intestinal bacteria can produce GABA, the chill-out neurotransmitter responsible for sleep and relaxation. We know that feeding prebiotics to people can lower their cortisol and induce them to focus on positive stimuli instead of negative stimuli. We know that the higher the intake fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi or sauerkraut, the lower the incidence of social anxiety.
The best candidate for anxiety is Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Although there are no human anxiety studies for this strain , there are many animal studies that support it. One notable article found that they dosed mice with L. rhamnosus increased cortical expression of GABA genes and reduced cortisol and anxiety-like behaviors.
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How We Select Supplements
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology.
We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science, as well as clinically tested and approved for use in humans. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. These attributes include non-GMO, Organic, and allergy-friendly products that are free of most artificial ingredients including colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners. When possible, we recommend products that are third-party tested and certified.
It’s important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.
Here, the best probiotics:
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Helps with diarrhea, gas, and bloating
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For adults and kids
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:
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Best Probiotic For Constipation
Among young college-age women with constipation, a combination of Bifidobacterium lactis BL 04, Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-06, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactococcus lactis improving symptoms and quality of life. Another study found that B. lactis reduced symptoms in adults with constipation.
Other than that, the rest of the literature on constipation / probiotics is quite inconclusive and scarce. What seems to help is combining probiotics with prebiotics, that is, food for intestinal insects. Probiotic-enhanced artichokes are probably my favorite incarnation of this concept.
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.
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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Once Daily 30 Billion Cfus
Price: $$$
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily 30 Billion CFUs provides 30 billion CFUs of 14 probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei.
Garden of Life guarantees the CFU count through the end of the products best use date when stored properly. This supplement keeps best in the refrigerator.
This product is dairy-free and makes a good choice for those with lactose intolerance.
While its also made without peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and soy products, the supplement is manufactured in a facility that handles major allergens, so it may not be a good option if you have a severe food allergy.
Scientific Evidence Of Probiotics
Probiotics have existed for centuries as naturally occurring in yogurt, cheese, and other fermented dairy products. With technology improving, scientists and medical experts started making these probiotics’ cultures using bacterial strains to develop supplements. These cultures are nurtured in a modern laboratory using friendly bacteria that are safe for human consumption.
Probiotic dosages are referred to as Colony Forming Units, mostly termed as CFUs. The higher the CFU, the longer the shelf life and the higher the quality of the probiotic. However, the mode of delivery affects a probiotic’s effectiveness regardless of the CFUs. A well-coated probiotic with fewer CFUs may do more work than a poorly coated probiotic with more CFUs.
According to the National Health Interview Survey in 2012, at least 4million adults in the US had used Probiotic within the past 30days during the survey. Over the years, the number has increased immensely as more people discover these probiotics and new companies are developed more rapidly as technology improves.
Most digestive tract issue such as diarrhea, indigestion, bloating gas, stomach discomfort may be due to poorly balanced bacteria in the stomach. Antibiotics destroy both useful and harmful bacteria when taken that’s why most doctors recommend taking a probiotic after a complete antibiotic dosage.
Benefits of probiotic supplements according to a National Health Interview Survey Review are as follows:
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