L Acidophilus May Reduce Acute Diarrhea In Children
A clinical evaluation aimed to determine if L. acidophilus could effectively reduce symptoms of acute diarrhea in children. Subjects comprised of 73 infants aged 3 to 24 months who had been diagnosed with acute diarrhea and had mild to moderate dehydration. For the first four hours, the infants received oral rehydration therapy, followed by breast milk or undiluted milk formula with oral rehydration solution. They were then fed rice gruel and received either a placebo or a sachet containing 10 billion CFUs of lyophilized, heat-killed L. acidophilus at 12-hour intervals for five total doses.
Results showed that the L. acidophilus group had a significantly lower number of children with rotavirus after 24 hours of treatment. The L. acidophilus group also had a lower mean duration of acute diarrhea.9
L Acidophilus May Support Vaginal And Urinary Tract Health In Women
Probiotics most prominently live in the gut and intestines, but the vagina is also home to a significant probiotic population. In a crossover trial, researchers examined patients for candida yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis while these patients also received either a pasteurized yogurt or yogurt containing live L. acidophilus cultures. The patients comprised two groups of 23 women randomly assigned to each of the study groups. Each patient ingested 150 mL of yogurt daily.
By the end of the study, results found that the yogurt enriched with live L. acidophilus was linked to increased colonization of the beneficial bacteria in the vagina and rectum, which resulted in fewer episodes of bacterial vaginosis.12
Garden Of Life Raw Probiotics
Garden of life Raw Probiotics are relatively new to the probiotics game. But they are creating some fairly potent probiotics. They have also found a way to create blends that have more than 30 different probiotic strains, which is impressive.
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The Top 10 Probiotic Brands In 2020
The number of probiotic brands on grocery store shelves is getting out of hand. As you can see in the above image there are too many products. Thankfully you have probiotics.org to help you cut through the clutter and only get the highest quality probiotic products!
Below, I list and discuss the 10 most popular probiotic brands. But, if you want to watch a video on the top 3 probiotic brands in 2020, you can watch it here:
3 best probiotic brands in 2020:
Best Probiotics For Women’s Vaginal Health
We are often asked: are probiotics good for vaginal health? What is the best womens probiotic for BV and/or thrush? Lets explore these questions by looking at some of the evidence which explains how probiotics might help the following vaginal issues:
Clinical trials show that Lactobacillus strains are particularly effective in supporting female intimate health. Certain strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® have been shown to reach the vagina alive, and this is where they exert their beneficial effects.
We’re often asked “Can you put probiotics into your vagina?” The simple answer to this is “Yes”, it’s not unsafe to do so however, with an oral supplement containing strains proven to reach the vagina alive, you don’t need to. According to the scientists who conducted one study, “L. rhamnosus GR-1® and L. reuteri RC-14® can translocate to the vaginal environment even if they are taken orally” and “Their administration results in significant changes in the vaginal flora in terms of increased Lactobacilli presence”4.
This means that there is no need to put these probiotics directly into the vagina.
L. rhamnosus GR-1® and L. reuteri RC-14® can be found in Optibac For Women.
Healthcare professionals can learn more about the research behind Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® on the Probiotics Database.
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Best Yogurt For Probiotics
There are many different kinds of yogurts on the market, however, theres a common problem and a key drawback with many The amount of added sugar.
Many research studies have concluded that the beneficial probiotics found in yogurt are not as healthy as wed expect them to be, mainly because all these yogurts are filled with sugar.
And sugar, as we all know, feeds the bad bacteria in your gut, which in turn eliminates all the good bacteria in your gut, that were all trying to boost up.
We truly advise against consuming massive amounts of yogurt to reach your daily probiotic requirements, but to answer your question
The best yogurt for probiotics is the Greek-style yogurt Chiobani, as it contains more Lactobacillus acidophilus than any other yogurt on the market.
How Can Probiotics Help Women
Probiotics are bacteria which exert benefits on the host. You may already know that some probiotics are helpful for gut-related issues, but they can be beneficial for other areas of health too, including vaginal health and skin health .
We all have a microbiome in our gut, mouth, skin and lungs, but the beneficial bacteria and microbes which inhabit the urinary tract and vagina are of particular importance to those who have them1. In the vagina and urinary tract, these helpful microbes are thought to exert many of the same beneficial effects as they would in the gut, helping to maintain a healthy balance. Their presence limits the likelihood of bad bacteria and yeasts being able to overgrow, causing conditions such as thrush, urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis .
Typically, healthy vaginal and urinary microbiomes are populated largely by Lactobacilli bacteria which discourage the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts1,2. However, due to the proximity of the vagina to the anus, it is much easier for bad bacteria and yeasts to translocate from the gut in those with vaginas than in those with penises3. It is believed that most infections like thrush, cystitis or UTIs stem from bad microbes in the gut, which can travel through the digestive tract to the anus, across the perineum and over to the urogenital tract.
Learn more about how to take care of your vaginal microbiome by reading our article: All About the Vaginal Flora.
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S Boulardii May Help Prevent Travelers Diarrhea
Travelers diarrhea comes from ingesting contaminated food or water when visiting a place with a different climate or sanitary practices than what youre used to at home.7 Studies suggest that S. boulardii may help to reduce the chances of contracting travelers diarrhea.
On one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers administered placebos or S. boulardii in 250 mg or 1,000 mg doses to 3,000 Austrians traveling to various distance regions. The results of the study found a significant reduction in the incidence of diarrhea among the travelers based directly on regular use of S. boulardii and the dosage. Interestingly, the study found varying effects based on region with the most pointed results in Turkey and areas in North Africa.8
Probiotics For Digestive Health
Healthy gut bacteria feed on fiber and some other prebiotic foods, so experts recommend that people eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables.
To improve digestion, choose probiotics known to support gut health, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species. The L. rhamnosus GG strain, in particular, has many protective factors that may benefit gut health, for example, inhibiting the growth of some salmonella bacteria.
Taking a probiotic supplement will not always benefit a persons digestive health and should not replace a healthy lifestyle. People should ensure they are:
- eating a healthy diet
support vaginal and digestive health. This product contains 1 billion CFU of L.acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum.
The company claims that Probiotic Pearls may protect against UTIs.
This probiotic contains softgel capsules. They are free from gluten and sugar, and do not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. However, this product is not suitable for vegetarians.
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Choosing The Right Strain Is Crucial
Recent research has ID’d a few different magical microorganisms that may help, depending on your health issue, so make sure you have the right strain:
If you’re healthy and want to stay that way… Shoot for 50 to 100 billion CFUs of a combo of lactobcillus and bifidobacterium. Starting with a large amount of CFUs will either keep you riding high or trigger small but yucky reactions, like gas or nausea. If you notice those, scale back to 50 billion, then 20 bill, until you feel like your usual self. If you have annoying tummy troubles… Allow your predominant symptoms to guide you. Bloated and constipated? Look for lactobacillus acidophilus or lactobacillus casei, which help restore gut flora. Can’t stop going number two? Types with saccharomyces boulardii can ease antibiotic-associated diarrhea and even prevent extreme cases caused by infections.
If you get recurring yeast infections… The itch-meets-ouch infection is caused by an overgrowth of bad bacteria. To “recolonize” your vagina, you want the good bacteria that’s found there: lactobacillus acidophilus.Go the direct route. Use 2 to 5 billion CFUs in an OTC probiotic suppository, or wet an oral capsule to soften, then insert it. Pros suggest doing this every other day at the end of your period (three times total for prevention.
Culturelle Womens Healthy Balance
Culturelle provides a concentrated supply of just five probiotic bacterial, all of them variants of lactobacillus. The supplement delivers 15 billion total CFUs, so you know that the dosage of each probiotic is quite high.
If youve done your research and just want to deliver a large amount of lactobacillus bacteria, Culturelle is a good choice.
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What Is The Gut Microbiome
There are over 40 trillion microorganisms in your body, out of which the probiotics or the friendly bacteria are the most important. Collectively, the microbes found in the gut are called the gut microbiome. They help your body perform a series of critical functions from digesting food to improving your mood.
There have been multiple studies conducted on the benefits of probiotics. These studies conclude that people who take probiotics through dietary sources or supplements, experience better digestive health and regular eliminations.
Probiotics have also been linked with better cardiovascular health and enhanced immune system.
Some studies have linked probiotics with the gut-brain axis. This refers to the constant communication between the gut microbiome and your brain through neurotransmitters. Two of the most powerful neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are produced in the gut. These neurotransmitters are also the bodys happy hormones.
Probiotics Promote A Gut Balance
Probiotics can help you maintain the correct balance of gut flora in your body. Everyones gut has a mix of good and bad bacteria. The most common examples of good bacteria are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. There are many types of bad bacteria but among the most common are Staphylococcus, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli.
The good bacteria in your microbiome help protect the cells in your intestinal wall from invading pathogens by crowding them out and breaking them down. Probiotics also promote the repair of damaged tissue by supporting your immune system and the cells that build a structure called the extracellular matrix, which keeps your intestinal lining in good condition.
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Why You Shouldnt Take 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.
Garden Of Life Womens Probiotic Benefits
As you might imagine, the number one benefit of this probiotic is the amazing effect itll have on your vaginal health.
Of course, your digestion will get better, as well, but as we all know all problems in the body originate in the gut and by improving your gut health you can expect a direct improvement in all the other areas of your health.
As my gut health was already quite good due to taking my regular probiotic, I didnt see a big difference in my digestion, however, my mom did say it helped her quite a big. She says this is one of the better probiotics for h pylori.
However I did see an improvement in how I felt down there, even though the benefits were not crazy, they were good enough to notice, but even though I didnt see massive improvements many say that this is simply the best probiotic for traveling, as its just potent enough.
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Renewlife Womens Care Ultimate Flora
With 10 probiotic bacteria strains and 25 billion CFUs, RenewLife has a solid womens probiotic. The bacteria content is heavy on the lactobacillus varieties, which make up 22.5 of the 25 billion CFUs.
The balance is made up of bifidobacterium strains. Since the lactobacillus strains are the most-studied, this makes sense, and this probiotic is a strong choice if you want to stick with the best-researched types of bacteria.
Supplementing With Probiotics: Why It Matters
When it comes to improving GI tract health, there are a number of different approaches to take. Diet certainly matters , but if a significant amount of damage has been done to the balance of good/bad bacteria within the gut microbiome, dietary improvements may not be enough to restore stability. In this case, the solution can often be found in probiotic supplements.Not sure if supplementing with probiotics is right for you? Here are just a few reasons to think otherwise, whether youre male or female.
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The Three Main Groups Of Probiotics
Most probiotics come from one of these three groups13:
- Lactobacillus
- Bifidobacterium
- Saccharomyces boulardii
For a healthy vagina: Look out for lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactobacillus fermentum strains. They help to keep vaginal microbes in balance.
To help with fertility: Add supplements and foods containing lactobacillus species to your shopping list. This strain protects the vaginal microbiome against pathogenic infections associated with infertility, pre-term labour and pregnancy risk factors.14
For gut health: For bloating and constipation, lactobacillus acidophilus or lactobacillus casei can help restore gut flora. For diarrhoea from gastroenteritis and food poisoning, lactobacillus strains may be more effective. However, if IBS is the cause of your upset tummy, try probiotics from saccharomyces boulardii and a combination of the lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains.15
Is It A Vegan Probiotic
The Garden of Life probiotics box that the bottle come in list it as being vegetarian. The capsule ingredients are listed as: vegetable capsule , magnesium stearate , rice maltodextrin.
Okay that is definitely vegan. But how about whats inside of them?
| Primal Defense Supplement Facts | |
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This is where it gets a bit complicated. If you go by the strictest definition, Garden of Life probiotics are not vegan and not dairy free.
Lactobacillus is grown in dairy. Whether thats milk, whey, curds, or some other derivative isnt always clear, but you can count on it being fermented in some sort of dairy.
That being said, even though it is initially grown in dairy, the excess is removed during processing.
Furthermore, the probiotics themselves should be eating the remainder and on the Garden of Life box you will see it say that
Probiotics are cultured in dairy, which is generally consumed during the fermentation process.
Many companies will say they have vegan probiotics and theyre not lying per se, its just that they may be using a different definition than yours. Dietary vegans are fine with it. Ethically vegan may not be, due to the original source it comes from. It appears Garden of Life is respecting both definitions, by only claiming it to be vegetarian.
Being mostly dietary vegans, personally we dont have qualms about using lactobacillus. But we certainly respect if you do.
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How We Chose The Probiotics On This List
There are so many probiotics on the market today, that it can be hard to figure out which one will work best for you. When choosing the top probiotics for women, the following factors were considered:
- Number of colony-forming units : A probiotic with at least 1 billion CFUs containing some of the most common probiotic strains as listed above.
- The active cultures used: A diverse mix of common strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Evidence-based products: Strains that have been studied for effectiveness and safety.
- Clear information on label: Clear labelling of the number of CFUs, types of strains, and expiration and use by dates.
- Other ingredients: Products that are free of common allergens such as gluten and are free from harmful compounds like certain additives.
Read below to learn about the top 9 best probiotics for women that you can buy today.
S Boulardii For Acute Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea is characterized by loose stools with higher water content, volume, and frequency that lasts less than 14 days. The most common cause of acute diarrhea is viral gastroenteritis, which often comes from spoiled food and water.2 Studies have found that S. boulardii may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of acute diarrhea, particularly in infants and children. A meta-study of 22 different trials found that S. boulardii was capable of significantly reducing the duration of diarrhea and stool frequency within two to three days. Intervention on day three or four also reduced the risk of diarrhea.3
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Probiotics Help Bowel Transit Time
Probiotics not only support healthy bowel function, they also impact how long waste remains in your body. Bifidobacterium lactis in particular may support your body in moving waste along at the optimal speed. While this varies from person to person and even day by day, a 12-48 hour window is considered the normal range. Generally, a too-short transit time means your digestive system has not had the opportunity to absorb as much water and nutrients as it should. This can result in diarrhea or loose stools, as well as dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Too-long of transit time means your digestive system is having trouble eliminating waste. This could be a result of constipation.
