The Problems Associated With Taking Antibiotics
Researchers have learned that antibiotics cant distinguish between good and bad bacteria.
Unfortunately, this means antibiotics tend to wipe out both types to ensure that harmful pathogens are destroyed as needed . While clearing out toxins is helpful, when antibiotics kill good bacteria, they become an issue.
In a meta-analysis of studies, scientists discovered that taking antibiotics can decrease your guts microbial diversity by 25% in as little as seven days .
When this happens, you may become more vulnerable to overgrowths of bad pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium which can lead to more severe health problems and symptoms .
Another systematic review of research found that many broad-spectrum antibiotics negatively impact gut balance by leaving it susceptible to colonization from bad pathogens.
This may cause an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a type of harmful bacteria . The C. diff strain can lead to diarrhea, bloating, gastritis , and intestinal pain .
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Why Does The Align Probiotic Supplement Come In The 84 Count
While many over the counter products use a rounded 30-day supply, the Align probiotic is sold in this 84 count to give three sets of 28 capsules, as 28 days is an exact four week supply. Taking a single supplement each day means buyers enjoy exactly 12 full weeks of Align digestive care in each package. This also makes it likely that shoppers get the best price for Align probiotic through the bulk purchase.
Stomach Acid Vs Probiotics
The time it takes for your probiotic to kick into action depends on all these factors, as well as the individual probiotic youâre taking. Thatâs why itâs important to always read the label of your supplements, and check in with your doctor, to make sure youâre getting the maximum performance for your needs. However, as a general rule, Dr. Goodman said, âMany probiotics should be taken on an empty stomach, at least an hour before breakfast or right before bed at night, but at least two to three hours after the last meal. In this way, they can pass through the stomach faster and avoid being killed by the stomach acid.â
The health benefits of probiotics are at their most powerful when they arenât being subjected to the harsh acidic environment of your stomach acids, which can destroy the delicate microorganisms. Your stomach produces stomach acid to break down the food you eat, which is a natural part of your bodyâs digestive function. However, itâs certainly not an ideal situation for taking probiotics.
âThe thing is, when you have food in the stomach, it becomes more acidic thus, there is a chance the good bacteria will be diminished/killed before they reach their destination,â said Dr. Goodman. âAnd this is not what we want, right?â
- Bacillus subtilis
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Mistake #: You Think All Probiotics Are Equal
Its not good to assume that all probiotics will provide the same benefits, says Millette. There are a variety of probiotic strains and not all strains have the same health benefits. The human body houses more than 500 different strains of bacteria. Some are for immune support. Some are for digestive issues. Some are for weight maintenance. And there are even strains for heart health.
Examples include: Lactobacillus Acidophilus has been shown to help blood pressure, cholesterol, allergies and digestion, while Lactobacillus Rhamnosus can help with blood glucose, immune function and cholesterol, and Lactobacillus helveticus reduces blood pressure, improves sleep quality and bone health.
Check the packaging, talk to your health care provider or even double-check with a pharmacist to make sure what youre buying is what you need. Thankfully in Canada, foods with probiotic claims must be truthful and not misleading , and supplements must meet requirements for its claims as well as science to support its efficacy, safety and quality.
Best Way To Take Probiotics
Youve learned about the potential health benefits of probiotics, and are now ready to incorporate them into your daily routine. Were thrilled that youre taking this step, and are here to support and educate you through this journey.
One question that we get often from those just starting out with probiotics is what is the best way to take probiotics? Some people worry that taking probiotics on an empty stomach is harmful, and others are not sure if their supplements can be taken after a meal, or worry about the detrimental effects of stomach acid on probiotics. Parents often ask us if they can mix probiotics with juice or food, to make it easier to give some to their children.
Here well discuss the questions we get about the best way to take probiotics.
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Choose Reliable Probiotic Brands
Some companies have been around for years, and you may know their names. Those that have made probiotics for a while may be more likely to have tested and studied them over and over. It’s smarter to choose a product from a reputable maker. Check a third-party certifier to see if they have tested the product and found that itâs safe and reliable. If you’re in doubt, ask your doctor.
Can You Take Too Many Probiotics
Taking too many probiotics is not a common issue. For those who have taken too many probiotics , they will likely experience gut disruptions and gastrointestinal side effects.
Probiotics are generally safe regardless of the amount taken, and any side effects are generally mild. It is impossible to take a toxic level of probiotics. The most common side effects of taking more probiotics than you can tolerate are gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These side effects can be treated individually and are generally corrected after 24 to 48 hours and stopping the probiotics until they are resolved.
It can be tempting to discontinue probiotic use altogether after a negative experience out of fear of another bad reaction, but simply reducing your dose and taking your probiotic as directed should prevent further issues. It is important for those with a weakened immune system or serious illness to discuss probiotic use with their healthcare provider before starting a probiotic regimen.
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Do Prebiotics Help Return The Gut Microbiome To Normal
Prebiotics are foods for probiotics and include fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals.
Mixing prebiotics with probiotics, such as yogurt with fruit and cereal or sauerkraut with a vegetable stir fry could be helpful for your gut, although there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Good prebiotic foods include vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, garlic, onions, and any green vegetable fruits such as bananas, berries, and tomatoes herbs such as chicory or garlic grains like barley, oat, and wheat and other fibers such as inulin that may be available on its own or added to foods such as granola bars, cereal, and yogurt.
Antibiotics are a common way to fight infections, but many dont realize there are certain foods to eat while taking antibiotics.
Antibiotic therapy is the first line of treatment for the majority of bacterial infections. Unfortunately, these drugs arent without side effects.
Rarely, they can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms like
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Although these side effects are usually mild, transient, and harmless, they can become severe and signal the need for a change in medication.
Sometimes, patients find they can control these side effects, or even eliminate them completely, with just a few basic diet changes.
In other cases, its the food causing the problem and removing it from their diet is enough.
Are There Side Effects Of Taking Probiotics
This is a question we hear often, and the answer is pretty simple. Side effects is a medical term used in the labeling of some pharmaceutical products. Probiotics are not pharmaceutical drugs they are dietary supplements that support good digestion and immune health.*
However, similar to when you consume a new food or make changes to your diet, taking a daily probiotic may produce occasional gas or bloating at first. We recommend gradually increasing the amount each day until your body adjusts and you are satisfied with the results.
If youre concerned about how your daily probiotic supplement may interact with other medications or supplements youre currently taking, we recommend talking to your doctor about any possible effects that may occur.
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Why Take Probiotic Supplements
There are many great reasons to add a probiotic supplement to a healthy diet. Depending on the person and the type of bacteria involved, taking a probiotic supplementor eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kombuchamay help:
- Create a healthy balance of gut microorganisms after an illness
- Boost mood
- Improve digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea
Research shows probiotics may also help treat digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome , and even aid with fat loss. But knowing when to take your probiotics is key to getting the most out of them.
Risks And Side Effects Of Prebiotics And Probiotics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out that the use of commercial prebiotics and probiotics is generally safe for healthy people. But there are rare instances where a healthy person becomes sick after ingesting certain types of bacteria contained in probiotics. Probiotics arent regulated according to drug standards by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . This means that some of the live bacteria being used in probiotics hasnt been evaluated according to strict safety measures. Thats something important to keep in mind when considering prebiotics and probiotics.
When you start a synbiotic regimen, there are some common side effects. Gas, constipation, loose stool, and loss of appetite sometimes happen, especially at the beginning of the regimen. Bloating and acid reflux have also been reported .
There is one side effect of probiotics that is known to be dangerous: having an allergic reaction to the bacteria that are being added to your body. If you break out in hives or experience extreme stomach pain after ingesting a prebiotic or probiotic, stop taking the supplement. Contact a doctor to determine if youre having a reaction.
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Should I Take My Probiotics With Other Medications
Even if you toss back vitamins or other medication in the morning , you should still take your probiotics at nighttime. With more time in your gut, the good bacteria can get to work healing your digestive issues. And that’s exactly what you want if you’re investing in a supplement.
The bottom line: The best time to take a probiotic is generally at nighttime before bed. But speak with your doctor before taking any sort of supplement to make sure it makes sense for you and your body/condition.
Why You Shouldnt Take Probiotics With A Heavy Meal
Your stomach is a very smart organ. The more food you eat, the more digestive enzymes and stomach acid it secretes.
Also, the more you eat, the longer it takes for the food to move through the stomach. Food takes about 4 to 5 hours to move through the stomach.
Taking a probiotic immediately before or after a large, heavy meal means that the probiotic has to endure the acidity of the stomach for much longer before it can move to the small intestine.
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Why The Timing And Quality Of Your Probiotic Matters
Timing does matter, but it’s only one piece in the overall puzzle of making sure probiotics are able to do their job well.
“With probiotics, it’s all about survival,” Vincent Pedre, M.D., gut health specialist and medical director of Pedre Integrative Health, told mbg. “These delicate microorganisms must survive several obstacles: the manufacturing process, shelf life, and the acid in your stomach environment to reach your intestines, where they do their job.”
To help ensure probiotic bacteria survival, Pedre recommends taking a high-quality, high-potency probiotic supplement with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
Although not a necessary feature of probiotic products, the stomach acid piece of the equation can be semi-troubleshooted with enteric-coated or bioshield capsules that are more likely to withstand harsh stomach acid and release their contents within the small intestine.
But as mbg’s director of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., R.D.N. points out, these types of capsules come with another consideration: “These enteric-coated delivery formats include more additives in the formula in order to achieve this release profile. It’s unavoidable, and thus a less clean formula overall.”
Plus, as mentioned, it’s just as easy to be mindful to take your probiotic supplement at a time of day when your stomach acid levels are naturally lower .
Can I Take Probiotics With My Antibiotics Herbal Supplements Or Prescription Drugs
Well, you can, but its probably not the best time to take probiotics. You see, many herbs and various drugs, especially antibiotics, may damage the probiotics before they make the journey to your intestine. Its better to wait at least two hours after taking herbal supplements or prescription drugs before you supplement with or consume probiotics.
While you may not want to take your probiotics with antibiotics, taking a probiotic while youre using antibiotics has been shown to prevent and relieve antibiotic-induced diarrhea by up to 50%. And higher dosages of probiotics have been shown to be up to two times more effective than lower dosages.
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What Are The Benefits Of Taking Probiotics
Probiotic supplements have been shown to benefit health in a number of ways.
However, some of the purported benefits of probiotics arent supported by research, so its important to always consult a healthcare professional before taking a probiotic supplement, especially if youre hoping to improve symptoms related to a health condition.
Why You Should Eat Probiotic Food On An Empty Stomach
For the beneficial bacteria in probiotic foods to make it to your large intestinethe gut of your gut microbiomeit must first pass through your harsh stomach acids. Your stomach is designed to break down food, drink, and any other particles. Unfortunately, that includes probiotics.
When you eat, the production of gastric acid in your stomach is increased to aid the digestion process. But while this acid is crucial for digestion, it can be greatly detrimental to probiotic foods. In fact, when eaten at the wrong time, a whopping 60% of the beneficial bacteria could be killed by gastric acids!
You want to give the beneficial bacteria in your food the chance to make it through that hostile acidic environment relatively unscathed. That means consuming probiotic-friendly food when your stomach isnt in digestion mode, to minimize the amount of gastric acid that might attack the probiotics.
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The Power Of Natren Probiotics
Natren probiotic users gain additional freedom in timing when they take their Healthy Trinity. Third party testing by an internationally acclaimed European institute validates Natrens Health Trinity survivability at pH 1.8 for 60-90 minutes. Natrens Health Trinity uses a protective oil-matrix delivery system that results in virtually 100% survivability of the three beneficial probiotic bacteria contained in the probiotic even after more than an hour in corrosive stomach acid. Learn more about Natrens unique and powerful Oil Matrix Delivery System here:
Natrens single-strain probiotics such as Megadophilus, Bifido Factor and Digesta-Lac utilize the power of the Supernatant to provide them with additional protection through harsh digestive juices. You can learn more about the intrinsic Supernatant here:
All users should avoid taking probiotics within two hours of consuming herbs, garlic, or prescription drugs or any other supplements known to have anti-bacterial properties as certain foods and medications can destroy probiotics. If youre taking any of these items, simply wait at least two hours and then take your probiotics.
Makes Up To 30 Quarts
Natren YOGURT STARTER is an easy and delicious way to add probiotics to your diet. This yogurt is a tasty, Bulgarian recipe full of protein, calcium, and super strain probiotics. The creamy thick deliciousness is a nutritional treat your whole family can enjoy!
YOGURT STARTER:
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Uses a traditional recipe for smooth, yummy yogurt
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Is naturally sweet with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
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Provides the beneficial bacteria that makes it a healthy treat
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A delicious source of protein and bioavailable calcium
Natren YOGURT STARTER dairy powder is a recipe passed down over generations. It has graced the table of royalty the world-over. The Bulgarian recipe is filled with creamy healthy goodness. Eat it plain, straight from the fridge, use it as a sour cream substitute on your tacos and potatoes, or dress it up with your favorite fruit and honey to satisfy that sweet tooth!
100% potency guaranteed through the printed expiration date.
YOGURT STARTER PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
- Megadophilus® is step one in Natren’s three-step custom probiotic system. This Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic product provides support to the small intestine. Lactobacillus acidophilus prefer to reside along the walls of the small intestine, where most of the digestive process takes place.
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Certain Probiotic Strains Can Help Keep Your Heart Healthy
Probiotics may help keep your heart healthy by lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.
Certain lactic acid-producing bacteria may reduce cholesterol by breaking down bile in the gut .
Bile, a naturally occurring fluid mostly made of cholesterol, helps digestion.
A review of 5 studies found that eating a probiotic yogurt for 28 weeks reduced total cholesterol by 4% and LDL cholesterol by 5% .
Another study conducted over 6 months found no changes in total or LDL cholesterol. However, the researchers did find a small increase in HDL cholesterol .
Consuming probiotics may also lower blood pressure. A review of 9 studies found that probiotic supplements reduce blood pressure, but only modestly .
In order to experience any benefits related to blood pressure, supplementation had to exceed 8 weeks and 10 million colony-forming units daily .
Bottom Line:
Probiotics may help protect the heart by reducing bad LDL cholesterol levels and modestly lowering blood pressure.