How Do You Know If You Need Probiotics

Your Mood And Energy Levels Are Down

The Benefits of Probiotics You Need to Know

A microbiota overpopulated with unhealthy bacteria can have serious negative consequences for your brain. This can lead to a chronic decline in energy levels and poor mood.

If you find yourself feeling down regularly, or seem to have no energyall the time, then you might want to give some of the best probiotic supplements a shot!

Signs Your Digestive System Needs A Probiotic Supplement

Well get the simple question out of the way first: what is a probiotic? Probiotics refers to the good bacteria in your stomach. Everyone knows that bad bacteria can cause illness and infection, but researchers are learning more and more about the full benefits of the good, beneficial bacteria that your body and your gastrointestinal system in particular needs to function at 100%.

Here are just a few of the jobs probiotics accomplish:

Aid in the production of Vitamin K, folate, and certain B vitamins and short chain fatty acids
Play a large role in your overall immune system
Aid in the digestion of foods, ensuring breakdown and absorption of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids
Improved mental clarity, focus, and memory
Contribute to serotonin production
Keep harmful microorganisms and bad bacteria in check

This last benefit is one of the most important.

When your GI tract has sufficient levels of probiotics, they essentially crowd out the bad bacteria . When harmful bacteria are kept to a minimum, your immune system can do its job in preventing infections and disease.

Your mental health also benefits, as more recent studies are proving: serotonin levels and neurotransmitter function both rely heavily on your intestinal health.

So, how can you tell if you need a probiotic? Having any of the below symptoms could be and likely is a direct result of an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut.:

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Prebiotics Vs Probiotics Supplements

One of the best things about using a probiotic or a prebiotic is that you can use them together for an even better effect. Probiotics and prebiotics can be taken as supplements, or you can get them from the foods you eat.

If youre taking a probiotic supplement, make sure to also take a prebiotic supplement to ensure that youre getting the most benefit from both.

What Is A Probiotic

How do you know the best probiotic for women

A probiotic is a supplement containing beneficial microorganisms believed to improve digestive or immune system functions.

The most common microbes featured in probiotics are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which are also found in some yogurts and sauerkraut.

The microbes can be transferred to your gut during a course of antibiotics or when you take certain medications like Nexium and Prilosec. Some dietary supplements may also contain probiotics.

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What Are Prebiotics And Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics are two types of bacteria that live in your gut. They both help you digest food, but they do so in different ways.

Prebiotics act as nutrients for the good bacteria already living in your gut, while probiotics change the environment around them to make it more hospitable for themselves.

You Have Been Taking Antibiotics

While it may seem a little counterintuitive, you may actually need a bout of probiotics after antibiotic treatment.

You see, while antibiotics kill off harmful bacteria, they cant actually tell the difference between good and bad bacteria. As a result, they end up doing a huge amount of damage to your healthy microbiota, as well.

So, if you have recently taken antibiotics, its definitely in your best interest to get on some probiotics as quickly as possible. This is a great way to repopulate your body with the healthy gut bacteria it needs.

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How To Reduce Probiotic Side Effects

If you are taking probiotics and experience any of the above side effects, you dont need to stop taking them completely. Lowering the dosage is often the best way to keep any gastrointestinal discomfort or other side effects at bay.

Most often, your body may just need to adjust to the sudden dose of beneficial bacteria. This initial adjustment period should usually only last the first few days as your guts microflora begin to rebalance. Try to reduce your dosage by half until the symptoms have disappeared then proceed to the suggested dose.

Along with reducing your dosage, you should also:

Take your probiotics on an empty stomach Probiotics can produce gas when combined with certain foods. Taking your probiotics on an empty stomach ensures that that wont happen and ensures the maximum survivability of the beneficial bacteria. Take your probiotics at least 30 minutes before you eat. If you are still experiencing problems, try taking your probiotics on an empty stomach before bed.
Drink plenty of water Many of the side effects are a result of your digestive system undergoing the process of detoxification. Staying hydrated will speed up the process and keep you from getting dehydrated if you have diarrhea.
Stay patient It can take up to two weeks for your body to adjust to the probiotics before the benefits kick in.

When Should You Take Probiotics

What You Need to Know About Probiotics

Now, your microbiota impacts your health in a very big way.

As a result, taking probiotics can improve a number of nasty health-related symptoms. Some sure signs that you might be in need of some probiotics include:

you are experiencing digestive issues
youre currently taking a bout of antibiotics
you find yourself getting sick often
your mood and energy levels are down all the time

Lets look at each of these in more detail!

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How Long Does It Take To See Results From Probiotics

Probiotics are typically thought to take around 2-3 weeks to start working.

This really comes down to the fact that they need time to actually colonize your gut. There isnt really a clear answer as to how long you should keep taking them after this 2-3 week period, though.

Evidence suggests that you can use probiotics for 9 months without increasing your risk for any long-term side effects. This means its likely safe for you to take your probiotic daily for as long as you feel you need too at least up to 9 months!

So, in short, after three weeks of taking probiotics, you should be noticing some of the signs that your probiotic supplements are working. And, if you see signs your probiotics arent working, you should switch up your probiotic routine!

Lower Anxiety And Better Response To Stress

The gut and the brain stand in constant communication with one another. Oftentimes, an imbalance in gut bacteria goes along with increased anxiety. In fact, several psychological disorders including Alzheimers disease and depression have been linked to an altered gut microbiome.

In addition, leaky gut is often associated with inflammation in the brain, which can also impact mood and how you respond to stressful situations. OMNi-BiOTiC STRESS Release has demonstrated in clinical studies to improve positive mood and focus by strengthening the gut barrier function and by acting on the gut-brain axis.

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How Many Billion Probiotics Should I Take

Probiotics are measured by Colony Forming Units , which essentially indicate the number of viable cells. A probiotic supplement should have around 10 billion CFUs as this is the dose required to reduce the duration of diarrhea in children.

Not only is dose important but delivery as well. Many probiotic products do not protect the probiotics inside from stomach acid which kills many of the probiotics inside before they make it to the gut.

Look for probiotics with an enteric coating or some kind of delayed-release mechanisms to maximize the effective probiotic dose you are getting.

In addition to the dose, you need to consider the diversity of your probiotics. Many probiotics have one, two or just a couple strains or types of probiotics.

Studies have shown that more diverse formulations of probiotics with multiple strains of probiotics is more helpful than single strain probiotics.

Do I Need Digestive Enzymes Or Probiotics

May 13, 2020
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Digestive enzymes and probiotics often get lumped together into the same category. After all, they both promote health by targeting the “gut,” and signs you need one or the other can sometimes be interchangable. Probiotics and digestive enzymes are two very different substances in our body and it helps to understand the difference between the two if you are going to achieve vibrant overall health.

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The Best Probiotic Foods

“The gut microbiome is literally and figuratively the core of overall health, so eating foods that are good for the microbiome is good for your health,” Del Coro says.

Probiotics naturally occur in some fermented foods, but, they can also be added to foods. “Different groups of probiotic bacteria and yeasts you may see on food labels include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces boulardii,” Del Coro says.

These foods have naturally occurring probiotics:

Sauerkraut

Some easy ways to incorporate these foods in your diet are to use yogurt instead of mayo for homemade tuna or chicken salads, throw sauerkraut or kimchi on top of grain bowls and salads and add miso to salad dressings and sauces, Del Coro says.

“Just remember to consume probiotics raw,” Del Coro says. “The cooking process kills the live beneficial bacteria in these foods.”

One more thing: If probiotics are new to you, start slow. “If you aren’t used to eating a lot of fiber and then load up on foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, you may experience increased gas or bloating,” Del Coro notes. Those with digestive issues like Crohn’s or IBS may also have trouble tolerating probiotic-rich foods.

Sign #: You Have Skin Disorders

Your skin is home to its own colonies of bacteria and has its own microbiome, as science is discovering. Acne, rosacea and eczema are common symptoms of a probiotic deficiency. The good bacteria on your skin prevent harmful bacteria from setting up shop in your skin pores.

They also prevent the immune system from noticing these harmful pathogens and launching an immune response. Eczema and acne are mostly auto-immune disorders wherein your immunity begins targeting skin cells to fight off harmful pathogens.

Traditionally, acne was treated with anti-bacterials because a particular group of bacteria was found to be at its source.

However, anti-bacterials end up killing probiotics as well, leaving the skin open to yeast and fungal infections. New studies show that certain probiotic strains may help in treating acne directly in the form of topical treatments.

In similar fashion, rosacea flare-ups and eczema can also be controlled effectively with the help of probiotics. Studies on infants at risk for eczema have shown that the babies are less likely to develop eczema when the mother takes probiotics before and after birth.

You should begin taking probiotics if you notice rashes, bumps, or pimples on your face and other areas.

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How Can You Tell If Probiotics Are Alive And Active

Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian

Our gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of microbes. A balanced microbiome helps keep us healthy, energetic, and in a good mood.

Probiotics contain a combination of live beneficial microorganisms that provide physiological benefits to our health. Primarily, these are good bacteria that are naturally occurring in fermented foods.

While probiotics are present in a variety of foods, they are also commonly consumed as a dietary supplement. If youve purchased a probioitic supplement, you might be wondering, How do I know if my probiotics are still alive and active?

How Are Probiotics Regulated In The United States

Do you need probiotics? Ep219

Government regulation of probiotics in the United States is complex. Depending on a probiotic productâs intended use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration might regulate it as a dietary supplement, a food ingredient, or a drug.

Many probiotics are sold as dietary supplements, which donât require FDA approval before they are marketed. Dietary supplement labels may make claims about how the product affects the structure or function of the body without FDA approval, but they arenât allowed to make health claims, such as saying the supplement lowers your risk of getting a disease, without the FDAâs consent.

If a probiotic is going to be marketed as a drug for treatment of a disease or disorder, it has to meet stricter requirements. It must be proven safe and effective for its intended use through clinical trials and be approved by the FDA before it can be sold.

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How To Ensure The Probiotic Will Work

To ensure your probiotic is working, make sure to follow the recommended use instructions on the packaging. Depending on the delivery mechanism, the method of taking your probiotic may differ. For example, some probiotics may need to be dissolved in a liquid, whereas others may need to be taken on an empty stomach.

Certain medications such as antibiotics can have a negative impact on the good bacteria in your gut and in your probiotic supplement, so probiotics are best taken away from other medications.

Check the product label for storage instructions to make sure your probiotic is stored properly. Improper storage can make your probiotic less likely to work.

Lastly, check the expiration date to make sure that the probiotic supplement has not expired.

Are There Side Effects Of Taking Probiotics

Side effects from probiotics are extremely uncommon but they can happen.

The most common side effect associated with probiotic supplements that are bacteria-based is gas and bloating. Yeast-based probiotics, on the other hand, can cause constipation and increased thirst.

Though its unlikely if you do happen to be experiencing any of these side effects, your probiotic is not a great fit for you individually, and you should switch to another strain or brand.

Signs You Are Taking Too Many Probiotics

Generally, probiotics are safe, but you can have too much of a good thing.

Bryan Tran

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that have been found to help promote better digestive health and support your immune system. These microorganisms exist in your intestines and help to break down food, absorb nutrients, and minimize harmful bacteria that may otherwise cause disease. You can get more probiotics by incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet. Foods containing probiotics include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir.

Many people take probiotic supplements for additional health benefits as they offer higher doses of probiotics than probiotic-rich foods. Generally, probiotics are safe, but you can have too much of a good thing. Lets take a look at the four common signs that you may be taking too many probiotics.

Sign #: You Are Gaining Weight

It is clear that microbiome plays a role in fat metabolism and body mass, even though researchers are just in the beginning phases of understanding weight loss and microbiome balance. Probiotics signal the body to break down fat into forms that cells can use for energy, instead of just storing the fat intact, as per a recent study.

You may want to try a probiotic supplement if you are looking to reduce the body weight, body fat percentage, body fat mass and subcutaneous fat area.

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Can You Take Prebiotics And Probiotics Together

The answer is, it depends on the type of probiotic and prebiotics that you are taking. For example, some types of probiotics need a certain kind of prebiotic to work properly in your body.

If you are taking a probiotic and prebiotic supplement daily, it is best to take them at different times of the day.

This will help your body to absorb the nutrients from each supplement.

Not All Probiotics Are Equal

Theres no doubt we need probiotics. The only question is, what is the best way to take probiotics?

The fastest and easiest way to get HIGH quality probiotics daily, is taking a probiotic supplement. But what probiotic supplement should you buy?

Needless to say, before you run out and buy the first probiotic you see, you must know what to look for and what to avoid!

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