You’ll Enjoy Fresher Breath
Our mouths are no stranger to bacteria, but adding more of the good kind seems to have some payoff. Research suggests that probiotics may help kick bad breath to the curb.
Oral probiotics, including streptococcus salivarius strains K12 and M18, are linked to combating the growth of bacteria that’s associated with halitosis, per the University of Connecticut. After one week of using probiotic lozenges, 85 percent of study participants showed a reduction in volatile sulfur compounds associated with bad breath.
Stinky smells aren’t the only mouth-related condition that probiotics may be able to tackle. An October 2009 pilot study in Clinical Periodontology tested the effect of drinking probiotic milk daily for eight weeks and found that those who drank probiotics saw a decrease in gum inflammation.
A 2006 Swedish Dental Journal study, in which participants were given a certain dose of probiotics or placebo, found that those given the highest probiotics dosage showed the greatest reduction in gingivitis symptoms over a two-week period.
The Takeaway
If theres anything conclusive about how probiotics affect parts of the body, its that just about every variable about probiotics affects people differently.
Mechanisms, strains and clinical direction are poorly understood at this point, Moreno says, but one day we should have a way to tailor probiotic strains/doses for individuals based on their health needs.
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
The small and large intestines usually contain different types of bacteria. SIBO occurs when bacteria from the large intestine start growing in the small intestine.
The large intestine predominantly contains anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen and live by fermenting indigestible carbohydrates from plant-based foods as they pass through the gut.
Symptoms of SIBO are similar to those of IBS, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea. SIBO can also cause brain fogginess and short-term memory problems.
Not everyone with IBS has SIBO, but the overgrowth is more common in people with IBS. SIBO also frequently develops in older females.
Experts do not fully understand what causes the overgrowth, but it may result from reduced gut motility, which slows the passage of food through the gut. This can cause fermentable carbohydrates to remain in the small intestine for longer.
Results of a indicate a possible link between SIBO and probiotic supplementation in people with brain fogginess. The researchers found that symptoms improved when participants stopped taking probiotics and started taking antibiotics.
Anyone with SIBO symptoms should consult a doctor.
Is It Ok To Take Probiotics Every Day
A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it’s safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily.
It’s important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine. They are best used as part of a daily health regime, rather than as a ‘quick fix’ option, though there are some situations where certain strains can be taken for a short time, such as alongside antibiotics. Fermented foods containing live cultures have been part of traditional diets in many different ethnic groups for centuries. Learn more by reading about our 5 favourite fermented foods. People have been consuming probiotics for generations in foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and kombucha , but it has only been more recently that we have been able to consume specific strains for specific purposes, in easy-to-take capsules, powders, or kids’ gummies.
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Allergic Reactions To Probiotics
Experts estimate that only one in a million dogs and people could have an allergic reaction to probiotics for reasons that have yet to be identified. Signs that a dog may be suffering an allergic reaction to one or more of the live bacteria composing probiotic supplements are intense all over itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and lips and unsteady gait. Dogs exhibiting these symptoms after being given probiotics should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible for supportive care.
How Many Probiotics Should I Take A Day
I figured the more good bacteria in my gut, the better, which is why I went from never taking probiotics to downing 30 billion CFUs a day. However, the National Institutes of Health notes that many doses range from one billion to 10 billion CFUs for adults.
“There is no exact amount of probiotics a person should take a day, as every person’s gut is different,” Dr. Sonpal said. “However, it is advised to avoid taking more than 10 to 20 billion colony forming units as that is usually the maximum amount a person can handle per day.”
He added that, if you eat a diet full of probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, fermented vegetables, or kombucha, it may be beneficial to lower the number of probiotics you take in supplement form. There’s one notable exception. “Antibiotics harm the good bacteria in our gut as well as the bad bacteria causing infection,” Dr. Sonpal said. “So upping the number of probiotics you take per day will likely help maintain a balanced gut when on antibiotics.”
For regular use, it can take about one to two weeks to get acclimated to a lower dose of probiotics, Dr. Sonpal explained at that point, you can decide whether or not to move up. “If you feel improvement in your stomach, then you can try to take a higher dosage,” he said. “However, if you feel bloated, nauseous, gassy, or are having diarrhea, then you likely need to decrease the number of colony forming units you take per day.”
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Are Probiotics Safe For Kids Heres What You Need To Know
You may have passed them in the health food aisle at your local grocery store or seen a reference to them in your favorite healthy living blog probiotics.
Many adults use these supplements to help regulate their digestive systems. Some claim that probiotics can help with conditions like eczema and even yeast infections.
But probiotics dont always work the same for children.
Probiotics are useful for keeping your digestive tract healthy, says Dr. Joy Drass, pediatrician at Geisinger Port Matilda. But its important to know which probiotics you can give to your child, since they may not work the same way they do in adults.
Signs You Are Taking Too Many Probiotics: 3 Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery bowel movements that may happen more frequently. Diarrhea may also be accompanied with general abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea.
Acute diarrhea lasts only about a day or two and goes away on its own. It is usually caused by food or water that has been contaminated by a harmful bacteria, virus, or parasite. Diarrhea that lasts longer can point to a more serious underlying problem.
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii have actually been found to reduce the duration of diarrhea. However, overdosing on probiotics can irritate your gut and result in loose stools.
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Your Microbiome Army And Its Probiotic Reinforcements
Probiotics are more like reserve soldiers for an army. They come in, strengthen the army to fight the battle, and then leave. The power is that as you strengthen the army, you support the army to get stronger and wage a better fight. This is why strain matters because you have to fight different enemies. Not all bacteria are interested in eating uremic toxins. So if you just consume any old probiotic or dont really get enough bacterial strains for long enough, your microbiome army isnt really helped.
Strain-specific therapy for kidney disease is such an important part of therapy that researchers focus on just sorting through which bacteria are helpful for what. For example, Probiotic Advisor, run by Dr. Jason Hawrelak, is a database/website that completely focuses on guiding clinicians on strain specific probiotic therapy. It is not just kidney disease where strain matters. There are a lot conditions where it matters .
Allergy Symptoms / Allergic Reactions
One cause of having allergic symptoms is when youre sensitive to histamines. If you experience symptoms of allergy, though, it doesnt necessarily mean that youre allergic to the supplement itself.
Some allergy symptoms include:
To some people, their histamine levels increase in their GI tract as certain bacteria population grows. When this happens, youll be experiencing things almost identical to symptoms of being exposed to a particular allergen.
However, you might still experience these symptoms due to the most natural reason that we know: exposure to an allergen.
Some people have a specific food, ingredient, or substance that their bodies are intolerant to. For some, it may even be more than one. So, if you are exposed to an allergen, your body would react to it and you might end up experiencing the symptoms stated above.
Probiotic supplements can contain allergens that might cause varying reactions to some people. To avoid accidental intake of an allergen, make sure to read the labels carefully.
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Should I Try Probiotics
If you are interested in adding probiotics to your diet, its worth a conversation with your healthcare provider. Many providers may suggest giving them a try to see if they help with your general health. It is important to remember that not all probiotics behave the same way and have the same effects. Each has their own individual benefits. They generally dont cause harm. One easy way to start can be by simply introducing probiotic-rich foods into your diet, like yogurt.
Before you start any supplements, make sure you talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider may be able to point you in the right direction, helping you figure out the best probiotic to take, how much to take and when to take it. A conversation is always worth the time when it concerns your health.
When Should I Talk To A Doctor
If you have consistent stomach pain, talk to your doctor about it. “Probiotics can definitely help ease symptoms of stomach issues like diarrhea and cramping,” Dr. Sonpal told POPSUGAR. “However, probiotic supplements should not replace going to a medical professional for intense abdominal pain or daily stomach problems. If you feel your daily life is being negatively affected by your stomach, it is advised to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.”
I’m now taking five billion CFUs of probiotics a day, which helped my stomach feel much better after only a week. This change drastically improved my quality of life, as I was able to enjoy meals and daily activities again. If you think you’re taking too high of a dose of probiotics, stop and talk to your doctor. You don’t have to live with dreadful stomach pain!
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The Consequences Of A Probiotic Overdose
So, what happens if you consume too many probiotics at once? By too many, we mean a deliberate effort by consuming 10x the recommended dosage of a probiotic supplement. Will you drop dead in your tracks?
No, you wont instantly croak. In the worst-case scenario, you may experience some minor adverse reactions. In a previous post, we discussed the possible side effects of probiotics. These include migraines, gas, skin rashes and nausea. These side effects dont occur in the majority of users only among a minor number of first-time users. However, if you take probiotics in mega-doses, then you elevate the risk of one or more of the side effects manifesting. Furthermore, the unwanted reactions may be more pronounced.
Love Your Best Friend With Probiotics
Side effects of probiotics in dogs is minimal to none and should never deter a dog owner from giving their dog the great health benefits of safe, high-quality probiotics.
Probiotics helps ensure your dog stays healthy, happy and most of all, energetic!
Disclaimer: The advice and information on this website is not intended to be used as a replacement for professional medical advice from a veterinarian.
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How Popular Are Probiotics
The 2012 National Health Interview Survey showed that about 4 million U.S. adults had used probiotics or prebiotics in the past 30 days. Among adults, probiotics or prebiotics were the third most commonly used dietary supplement other than vitamins and minerals. The use of probiotics by adults quadrupled between 2007 and 2012. The 2012 NHIS also showed that 300,000 children age 4 to 17 had used probiotics or prebiotics in the 30 days before the survey.
Side Effects Resulting From Weakened Immune Systems In Dogs
Research into lactobacillus included in probiotic supplements has found that L. bacillus may thrive too much in a dogs immune system weakened by disease, malnutrition or even old age. Although a rare occurrence, overgrowth of lactobacillus may allow bacteria to spill over into the dogs bloodstream and produce a systemic infection or inflammation.
The immune system of a dog is weakened with old age.
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Is There Such A Thing As Too Many Probiotics Experts Explain
Probiotics are often recommended for people dealing with uncomfortable gas, bloating, and/or digestive issues. Since the word probiotics actually refers to a healthy bacteria, that recommendation can be a bit confusing. Is it best to consume probiotics through food or through supplements? And is it ever OK to double up?
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Instead, they provide standards to help their customers and clients end up being important consumers of dietary supplements – prebiotics definition. Stephanie Biggs, RD, LDN, CLC, consultant RD for Household Food in Philadelphia, suggests probiotic supplements for individuals during durations of tension or illness, if they’re taking antibiotics, or have a history of antibiotic usage.
Biggs does not recommend clients take probiotics indefinitely but that they ought to include probiotic-rich foods as part of their regular diet. Niki Strealy, RDN, LD, owner of Strategic Nutrition and author of The Diarrhea Dietitian: Professional Suggestions, Practical Solutions, and Strategic Nutrition, uses recommendations from “The P’s and Q’s of Probiotics: A Customer Guide for Making Smart Choices,” developed by The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, which recommends taking a look at the following 4 criteria prior to picking a probiotic: 1.
Match the specific pressure with published scientific research study. 2. Evidence of efficacy. Probiotics need to be tested in people to identify health benefits. 3. Quality and amount. Probiotics can be efficient at varying strengths. Scientific research studies have determined health gain from 50 million to more than 1 trillion CFUs daily.
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Overdoing It With Your Kombucha Habit May Lead To Headaches
Headaches are another possible adverse side effect of drinking too much kombucha. The exact cause of a headache is unknown, but kombucha does contain caffeine and alcohol, which alone or together might induce headaches in those who are sensitive.
Caffeine is sometimes used as a headache reliever. But while an effective treatment, repeated exposure to caffeine can have the opposite effect, triggering chronic daily headaches, past research has noted.
Probiotics For Kidneys Can Be A Powerful Allies
Kidney health and the gut microbiome are intertwined. Whether dealing with any stage of chronic kidney disease or any other health condition, the gut is of paramount importance. The compounding research shows uremic toxins impact the gut and kidney disease. This is not a lost battle. You can take steps to start modulating this cycle in your kidney care plan. Decreasing uremic toxins through increased fruit and vegetable intake, decreased protein intake, and use of probiotics such as Renadyl can be helpful. Information in this post should not replace a discussion with your doctor and care team. Before starting any new supplement and to discuss further treatment information for gut health, please contact your doctor.
Has your doctor talked with you about how your gut health impacts your kidney health? Comment below to let us know what you have learned that has helped you!
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When Should Someone Not Take Probiotics
Probiotics are some of the safest natural supplements available, and have very few contraindications. There are a few groups of people who it is recommend exercise a degree of caution when they are considering supplementation with live cultures, an example of which is people who are immunosuppressed , and people with dark blood in their stools. Under these circumstances, it would be wise to seek the advice of a GP before considering probiotic supplementation. In fact if ever in doubt, always speak to your doctor about any health supplements. For more information see our contraindications FAQ.
With regards to medications and natural remedies, there are no known contraindications. The only point to take in to account here is if a supplement has antibacterial or anti-fungal properties. If it does, like garlic for example, then it is recommended that you take the probiotic at least a couple of hours either side of the other supplement, so as not to damage the bacteria. But with regards to safety, probiotics can be taken alongside all natural remedies without any problem.
Taking Excess Probiotics Can Cause Mild Discomfort
Taking more than a usual dose 1 to 10 billion colony forming units of probiotics doesn’t necessarily mean better results and, instead, might provoke some mildly uncomfortable side effects.
“Some research has shown that using more bacteria may, in fact, counteract . If the bacteria get to the food before us, they can turn it into gas,” says Farhadi. On top of excess gas, you might experience bloating or a generally upset stomach. Diarrhea can also occur, but that’s about as bad as it gets.
Side effects, most commonly gas, may also occur when someone first starts taking probiotics, as their gut may experience some changes in bacteria levels. Usually, though, if someone is taking an average dose, these side effects should wear off soon, once the body adjusts.
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