How To Know If You Need A Probiotic

Surprising Signs You Probably Need A Probiotic

We all suffer from #1 too often…

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We all suffer from #1 too often…

Probiotics are the buzzword in the wellness world right now. Theyre the friendly bacteria beavering away in our intestines, and they impact everything from our mood to our weight.

In fact, scientists believe that every adult has over 100 trillion microbes, weighing a total of two kilos, and that the gut micobiome is as important as our genes when it comes to our health.

So its no surprise that probiotic supplements designed to restore the gut eco system are big business. Every year, in the UK, we spend about three quarters of a billion pounds on probiotic products. But last month new research published by the New Scientist suggested that probiotics were mostly useless and could actually hurt you.

The study by the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel found that the probiotic tested failed to colonise the gut of a number of the studys participants.

In a second study the probiotic delayed the time it took the gut microbiota to return to normal, by up to six months, in people who had first taken antibiotics. The exact opposite of what you would expect or hope for.

The studys lead scientist Eran Elinav, concluded that probiotic formulas should be tailored to the individual. Other experts, however, consider the result a red herring, especially in the context of the number of studies showing that probiotics do work.

Sign #: Recurrent Oral Thrush Or Vaginal Infections

A clear sign that you will benefit from probiotics is if you are prone to yeast infections on a recurrent basis. Without a good balance of healthy bacteria, yeast such as candida albicans flourish and grow uncontrollably.

Candida, in particular, is a very opportunistic microbe, which is known to cause infections in vagina, gut, and the mouth.

Besides thrush, recurrent urinary tract infections are also a sign that you have a severe probiotic deficiency and could benefit from a probiotic supplement. People with decreased Lactobacilli bacteria are more likely to suffer from UTIs.

These probiotics release lactic acid which acts a lot like antibiotics in making the area inhospitable for other microbes.

A 2010 study published in FEMS Microbiology Letters found that certain probiotic species, like S. boulardii are more effective than others in helping reduce candida and inflammation.

Should You Take A Daily Probiotic Supplement

Probiotics are good for your gut, but the source matters.

Theres a lot of buzz around probiotics. Theyre endorsed by celebrities and fill grocery stores aisles.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut. Scientists believe they could unlock a deeper understanding of our health. Probiotics are found in some foods and drinks, like yogurt or fermented tea.

Just like vitamins, probiotics are available as supplements. Manufacturers make steep claims about their benefits. They include digestive health, strengthened immune system, weight loss and reduced cancer risk. But can a supplement really do all that?

To learn more about probiotic supplements, we spoke with Carrie Daniel- MacDougall, Ph.D., M.P.H., a nutritional epidemiologist at MD Anderson who studies diet and the microbiome.

Heres what you should know about probiotic supplements.

Its always better to get nutrients from food. That includes probiotics.

More research needs to be done on probiotics in general and probiotic supplements, but its always better to get your nutrients from food rather than supplements, Daniel-MacDougall says. They just dont deliver the same benefits as food.

One reason is because supplements arent regulated as closely as medications. So the quality and ingredients can vary greatly from product to product.

Unless your doctor is prescribing probiotics for a specific purpose, stick to getting them from foods like yogurt that may have other nutrients, like calcium.

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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.

Phase : Evaluate Your Lifestyle

In order to address any long-standing health conditions, its time to take a deeper look at your daily habits that may not be aiding your recovery. Lets dive into some essential lifestyle changes that can help improve your digestive health and overall quality of life.

Catch Up On Your Sleep

High-quality sleep is vital for recovering from illness or persistent health symptoms. Experts recommend that you get at least eight to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, though the exact number may vary slightly for everyone.

To improve your sleep, eliminate the use of blue light prior to bedtime, as it suppresses the production of melatonin the hormone that helps us fall asleep. If you cant step away from your TV, phone, or tablet, try using a blue-light filter that helps block the stimulating effects of blue light.

Sleeping with a white-noise machine or fan can help prevent sleep interruptions by masking any background noise. Lastly, set your thermostat between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent you from overheating and disrupting your deep sleep.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Improving your diet is one of the best changes that you can make to improve your overall health. Eliminating foods that may be causing inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels, and finding the right balance of carbohydrates and prebiotics can help lessen a wide variety of chronic health symptoms.

Work on Reducing Stress

Get Some Exercise

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You Have Digestive Issue

Bloating and excess flatulence is thought to be caused, in most cases, by overgrowth of hydrogen or methane-producing pathogens in the small intestine. Its thought that if you dont have a healthy amount of good bacteria in your gut, you have a higher chance of building up bad bacteria or other organisms.

Supplementation with probiotics has been shown to reduce a host of symptoms digestive issues such as gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and pain 8. Although the exact mechanisms for the effectiveness of probiotics are unknown, the good bacteria could be fighting inflammation and improving bowel movements9.

Conditions Related To Allergy

Allergic Rhinitis

• A review of 23 studies in which probiotics were tested for treating allergic rhinitis found some evidence that they may be helpful for improving symptoms and quality of life. However, because the studies tested different probiotics and measured different effects, no recommendations about the use of probiotics could be made. Few side effects of probiotics were reported in these studies.

Asthma

• A review of 11 studies of probiotics for asthma in children had inconclusive results.

Atopic Dermatitis

• Atopic dermatitis is an itchy chronic skin disorder thatâs associated with allergies but not caused by them. Itâs most common in infants and may start as early as age 2 to 6 months. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is one of several types of eczema.
• A 2017 review of 13 studies of probiotics for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants and children did not find consistent evidence of a beneficial effect. A review of 9 studies in adults provided preliminary evidence that some strains of probiotics might be beneficial for symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Prevention of Allergies

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They Cant Keep Weight On

Assuming youve ruled out any underlying condition with your vet, a pet who cant keep weight on isnt getting what they need out of the food theyre eating. And, again, this goes back to an imbalanced microbiome.

A healthy microbiome will produce digestive enzymes like protease, lipase, and a minimal amount of amylase. All these proteins are tasked with breaking down large molecules into smaller, more usable pieces. Basically, they help your pet digest and USE their food.

Thats why a quality probiotic will pair with multiple types of digestive enzymes picked specifically for carnivores.

Not only is the combination working to balance the microbiome, but elevated levels of digestive enzymes like amylase, cellulase, and other enzymes will help dogs and cats better digest the food they eat regardless of the diet youre feeding.

Sign #: You Are Bloated And Gassy

Bloating and flatulence is a clear indication that the gut bacteria in your intestine are out of balance, with the bad bacteria outnumbering the good causing inefficient digestion.

A single course of antibiotics or a sugar-rich meal can wipe out whole colonies of probiotic species in your body.

Bloating is the most common gut health issue afflicting more than 42% adults in the country. According to a recent survey, almost 15% people with distended bellies experience bloating on a regular basis, right after their meals.

Gas is the by-product of leftover food being fermented by harmful microbes in the small intestine and colon. While it is normal to pass gas 13 20 times a day, excess flatulence means that there are more harmful microbes in your gut, than good ones.

Probiotics can help with bloating and gas related issues by ensuring food gets digested optimally and keeps moving along the digestive tract.

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How Is Biotics 8 Different From Other Probiotic Supplements

Here are the reasons why men should prefer Biotics 8 against other probiotic products:

• It is especially for mens gut microbiome
• Contains 10 strains of bacteria
• The formula contains 20 billion colony-forming units
• Includes prebiotics
• Helps break down carbs, proteins, fat, and sugar
• Contains vitamin D3 to improve overall mood
• Assists in preventing illnesses.
• Contains key enzymes that help with better absorption of nutrients.
• Eliminates gas and bloating

Biotics 8 results are widely proven and experienced by a number of users.

Make Sure They’re Safe For You

For most people in good health, experts say probiotics won’t cause any issues. If you do get side effects, they’re usually very mild, like a little more gas than usual.

But use caution if you have a serious health condition or your immune system — your body’s defense against germs — is weak. In those cases, it’s best to check with your doctor first to see if they’re safe.

Also talk to your doctor before giving probiotics to your infant, especially if they’re sick.

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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.

Things You Should Know Before Taking Pre And Probiotics

Thirty years ago, you could take a quick multivitamin or daily gummy vitamin and call it good. The health industry has come a long way since then. From herbal extracts to enzymes to vitamins and supplements, there is nearly an unlimited amount to choose from.One of the fastest-growing markets is prebiotics and probiotics. Between 2007 and 2012, the use of probiotics by adults quadrupled, and has only grown more since. Studies have shown that some of the major health benefits attributed to probiotics include improvement of gastrointestinal microflora, enhancement of immune system, reduction of serum cholesterol, cancer prevention, treatment of irritable bowel-associated diarrhea and much more. Healing the gut and balancing microbe diversity in search of health benefits have become a huge trend in the health and wellness industry.Whether its a prescription from your doctor or an over the counter probiotic, there are countless options. Before you rush out to buy pre and probiotics, you should probably learn a little more so you can make an informed decision and pick the probiotics that are right for your body.

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What is the Difference?

Do I Need Probiotics?

What are the Actual Benefits of Taking Probiotics?

How Long Does it Take for Probiotics to Work?

Should I Take Prebiotics and Probiotics Together?

How do I Know which Prebiotics and Probiotics to Take?

Are there Risks and Side Effects to Taking Probiotics?

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Probiotics May Benefit Certain Health Conditions

While research doesnt seem to support probiotics for general health, a growing body of evidence shows that some strains could make a difference for people with certain health conditions. These include Clostridium difficile infection and inflammatory bowel disease.

Clostridium Dificile Infection

If youve ever come down with a clostridium difficile infection, you know the suffering this bacterial invasion can cause. C. difficile infection is characterized by mild to severe diarrhea that can be resistant to treatment. Fortunately, probiotic supplementation may help!

A large meta-analysis that assessed 31 studies on over 8,600 patients found moderate certainty evidence that probiotics were effective for preventing C. difficile-associated diarrhea. However, research has yet to determine which probiotics are most useful for treating this condition .

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term that encompasses two intestinal autoimmune conditions: Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. Numerous studies have looked at how probiotics might reduce IBD symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.

When To See A Doctor

You may be considering a probiotic supplement if youre experiencing gut issues. But its a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional first, because your symptoms could be related to a condition that requires a specific treatment or medication.

Additionally, taking a probiotic can do more harm than good in some individuals, so its important to discuss options with a trusted expert before trying anything new (

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Can I Use Probiotics To Help With Medical Conditions

There is currently a large amount of research happening around the idea of what probiotics can do for your body. Even though there are a lot of possibly positive outcomes, researchers are still working to find definitive answers about how probiotics can help with various conditions.

However, there are some medical conditions where probiotics may help. This can vary between people meaning that what works for one person may not work for another. These can also vary based on the certain probiotic that is taken.

Some of the conditions that might be helped by increasing the amount of probiotics in your body include:

• Upper respiratory infections .
• .

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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Is Prebiotics The Same As Probiotics

They arent the same.

Prebiotics are nondigestible food constituents that selectively promote the development or activity of desirable microorganisms.

On the contrary, a probiotic is a combination of live friendly microbes.

Interestingly, the probiotic supplement suggested above, Biotics 8, contains both probiotics and prebiotics along with digestive enzymes and Vitamin D.

Issues To Be Aware Of

If you’re considering trying probiotics, there are a few issues you need to be aware of.

Probiotics are generally classed as food rather than medicine, which means they don’t go through the rigorous testing medicines do.

Because of the way probiotics are regulated, we can’t always be sure that:

• the product actually contains the bacteria stated on the food label
• the product contains enough bacteria to have an effect
• the bacteria are able to survive long enough to reach your gut

There are many different types of probiotics that may have different effects on the body, and little is known about which types are best.

You may find a particular type of probiotic helps with one problem. But this doesn’t mean it’ll help other problems, or that other types of probiotic will work just as well.

And there’s likely to be a huge difference between the pharmaceutical-grade probiotics that show promise in clinical trials and the yoghurts and supplements sold in shops.

Page last reviewed: 27 November 2018 Next review due: 27 November 2021

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Question: How To Know If You Need A Probiotic

• Do probiotics help with smelly gas?

Youve had food poisoning Think back to when you last had food poisoning, and ask yourself if youve been having digestive problems ever since. If youve been suffering constipation, diarrhea, and other bowel-related issues, try taking probiotics to kill off any leftover damaging gut flora.

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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