Should You Take Probiotics Daily

When Taken In Excess Probiotics Can Be Dangerous

People at higher risk for adverse effects, like infection, of taking too many probiotics are those with serious illnesses or weakened immune systems, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

If you fall into either of those categories, its important to consult your doctor before taking probiotics.

Balance Is The Secret To Natures Success

When you think about the jungle, it may be tempting to remove everything you consider unpleasant so you can enjoy an exotic hike when youre on vacation.

So lets say we had a way of removing all the mosquitos, spiders, and other pesky insects, as well as lions, and snakes, and gila monsters. That does make it sound like strolling through the jungle would be so much safer for us

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Here Are My Top Tips To Increase Probiotics In Order To Heal Your Gut

• Consume at least 100 g/mL per day of fermented foods. It is even better if you consume two different types of probiotic food a day.
• If you buy a probiotic supplement, look for one that contains at least 109 CFU per capsule and take it in the morning with an empty stomach.
• Incorporate raw fermented foods too. Heating may kill bacteria found in these foods.20
• Eat prebiotics. These are very important to keep your good gut bacteria alive. A post with more detail information will come soon!

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Your Holistic Treatment Plan For Better Health

It likely doesnt matter how many supplements or specialized diets you try if your lifestyle isnt congruent with improving your overall wellness. Our step-by-step plan, outlined in my book, Healthy Gut, Healthy You, will help guide you on your journey to better health.

This plan highlights the fundamental components that are necessary for healthy living. It can also help guide you on when it may be best to introduce probiotics and where to turn when nothing seems to be alleviating your symptoms.

Is It Safe To Take A Probiotic Every Day

If youre asking, Can you take a probiotic everyday?, the answer is yes. Probiotics are a natural supplement, not a medicine.

So, is there a chance for to have an overdose of probiotics? It is not possible to overdose to the point of death on probiotic food or supplements. Common side effects of probiotics are gas, bloating, and nausea. Gas is the most common, and one that many may get when first starting on daily probiotic supplements.

Your gut is experiencing changes in bacteria levels, and the gas is a sign of those changes. In most cases, gas from probiotics wears off quickly as your body gets used to the changes, but if indigestion and other problems persist, it is recommended you decrease the dosage and consult with your health care professional.

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What Are Things To Consider When Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are safe for most people, but those with a weakened immune system or those starting chemotherapy should consult their doctor before beginning a probiotic supplement. Although there are few dangers for most people, it is vital to choose a probiotic that stays alive and will reach your digestive system intact so it can have the best effects. Bio-K+® is FDA regulated, and our daily supplements have a special coating to make sure they survive the passage through the stomach.

What To Do With This Information

Before taking a probiotic, talk to your doctor about which specific products would be best for you. Your ideal probiotic will depend on your digestive health, which diseases you do or dont have, your diet and lifestyle, and many other factors. For example, the bacterial strains that work well for someone with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome are likely different than the ones that help someone with Crohns disease. For most people, eating fermented foods and prebiotics can help improve digestive health. Just make sure to take it slowly when adding in these foods by starting small and adding more as you can tolerate, and follow our tips for being a good microbe host.

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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.

Reasons To Take Probiotics Daily

Theres a vast amount of scientific research behind the benefits of probiotic supplementation.

Some people take them to treat specific ailments, such as IBS or other digestive disorders. Some people might only take probiotics after a course of antibiotics. However, the main aim is to improve the quantity and quality of bacteria in your gut so that they can help your body function more efficiently.

No matter how healthy you think you might be, your gut flora can be affected by many different things on a daily basis. Stress, diet, medications, hormones, and environmental factors have an enormous influence on how well things are in your intestines.

Its because of these external factors that many of us need to nurture our gut microbiome every day.

Here are some of the reasons to take probiotics daily.

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Phase : Introduce Probiotics

If youve followed the above steps to change your lifestyle, and are still experiencing stubborn health symptoms, it may be time to start probiotics.

As previously discussed, probiotics are well-known for their widespread healing effects. We recommend using Triple Probiotic Therapy, which involves taking the three primary categories of probiotics at once, in order to restore a healthy balance to the gut microbiota. Use each of the following for best results

• A blend of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotic strains
• Saccharomyces boulardii
• Soil-based probiotics, especially those containing Bacillus strains

Using all three types of probiotics at once allows for them to work synergistically for the best health effects . Furthermore, probiotics are safe, have minimal to no side effects, and are easy to implement into your health protocol .

Easy To Follow Recommendations For The Correct Probiotic Dosing

One of the most common questions I get from patients is, Can I overdose on probiotics? A simple internet search will give you a myriad of different answers to this question.

You see how confusing it can be trying to weed-out thetruth. Luckily, the truth is a lot lesscomplicated than we make it.

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Should Children Eat Probiotic Foods

Some studies suggest that probiotics may be good for children. One study found that children who were given probiotics every day for 3 months were less likely to have respiratory problems and diarrhea than children who were given a placebo.

And while more research is needed, probiotics may reduce childrens risk of developing certain conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma.

On the other hand, some researchers note that probiotics may not have much effect on children. Because their microbiome isnt fully developed, probiotics may simply be passed as normal waste.

Probiotics are considered safe for kids with some exceptions, notes Dr. Drass. You should avoid giving your child probiotics if they have a compromised immune system or cancer, or if they are a premature infant. In these cases, probiotics can put them at risk for infections.

In general, its better for kids to get probiotics through foods instead of supplements unless their pediatrician recommends otherwise. Talk to your childs doctor if youre thinking about using probiotics to help your childs digestion because keeping your child safe and healthy is their prime concern.

Taking Excess Probiotics Can Cause Mild Discomfort

Taking more than a usual dose 1 to 10 billion colony forming units of probiotics doesnt 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 thats 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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The Health Benefits Of Daily Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microbes that help with digestion, keep your gut microbiota balanced, and can help fight off harmful bacteria. These bacteria can be found in some foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt, and can also be obtained through supplements.

Choosing your probiotic is important because the quality differs and there are many strains of probiotics that provide different effects within your gut. Certain probiotic strains also work in teams. The quality of the probiotic also matters. Thats why its best to find a probiotic that has been studied for the specific health benefit you are looking for, is rooted in extensive research and testing, and made up of clean ingredients

The three most studied probiotic strains are the bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and a yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii.

• Nutrient absorption, including some vitamins and minerals
• Support for your immune system

Is It Bad To Take A Probiotic Daily

Not only is it safe to take probiotics on a daily basis, but its recommended you do so. Creating a consistent routine increases probiotic benefits, which well dive into. Because probiotics are natural , they are safe to consume every day. No research indicates that the body can become dependent on probiotics.

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Next Steps To Take If You’re Considering Probiotic Treatments

If you’re looking for where probiotic research stands on specific conditions, like acne or UTIs nothing conclusive on either of those topics as well as the limits of certain studies the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website provides an informative breakdown.

The bottom line is that you should discuss your best course of action with a doctor or registered dietitian especially “if you are considering starting a probiotic to treat a specific illness, have a chronic disease or if you are immunosuppressed,” Gilmore says.

What Does Probiotics Do For A Woman

Probiotics can ward off vaginal yeast infections, urogenital infections, and bacterial vaginosis by keeping the vaginal microbiome in balance, Fasig says. Research has also shown that daily consumption of Lactobacillus fermentationum and Lactobacillus griseum strains can positively impact vaginal flora.

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How Much Should You Take Daily

The gut microbiome is unique to every person, so the amount of probiotics needed daily likely varies widely between individuals. Many factors influence the environment of your gut, such as your genes, health conditions, medications, including antibiotics, stress and diet. In addition, many different strains of probiotics are linked to different health benefits, and the amount of probiotics necessary to achieve a health benefit varies.

The dosage of probiotic supplements is listed in colony-forming units . Were still learning about the optimal amount of CFUs needed, but research shows that probiotics with between 1 million and 1 billion CFUs are adequate to produce health benefits. However, some probiotics have been shown to provide benefits at much lower amounts, and others need much higher doses.

The delivery mechanism is also important as it can offer probiotics protection against deterioration during manufacturing, storage and digestion. Techniques like freeze drying the good bacteria and rehydrating them in water prior to intake are used to help CFUs arrive as viable, live cultures to your large intestine, where they will be most impactful.

How Many Probiotics Should You Take

The first thing to know about probiotics is that they come in far larger doses than most other supplements or nutrients.

While dosage can vary, American Family Physician recommends children take 5 to 10 billion colony-forming units of probiotics per day, and suggests adults consume 10 to 20 billion.

Additionally, some research shows theres potential value in consuming multiple strands of probiotics daily rather than just one.

These findings suggest that probiotic-rich foods, like Cleveland Kitchen sauerkraut, pack multiple strands of beneficial bacteria that can be more valuable than probiotic supplements with far fewer strands.

So, instead of opting for a single supplement with one billion CFU, try a few tablespoons of sauerkraut, or other fermented veggies, for up to 100 million CFU in a more diverse and flavorful package.

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Can You Take Too Many Probiotics

Can you take too many probiotics?

This is an important question that everybody should think about before using any probiotics. All of the best probiotics today all seem to be vying with each other for most potent product, with each supplement providing more colony-forming units than the last.

There is also the problem posed by the sheer number of probiotic supplements, probiotic drinks, and fermented foods currently on sale. Every supermarket is full of probiotic-infused products these days health drinks, protein shakes, yogurts, fruit bars, and of course, probiotic supplements themselves.

All of this makes it a real possibility that youll start consuming too many probiotics.

But how much is too much when it comes to probiotics?

Is there such a thing as too much probiotics?

What are the side effects of consuming too many probiotics?

Lets discuss how probiotics work and try to answer this question in a little more detail.

Are There Any Risks Related To Probiotics

Probiotics are generally considered safe. However, there are some risks linked to the supplements. These risks are increased if you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system, have recently had surgery or have other serious medical conditions.

Unlikely, but possible, risks can include:

• Developing an infection.

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Evidence For Taking Probiotics

Numerous reviews recommend taking probiotics every day, both for health maintenance and for treating a variety of health issues.

Probiotics dont just help to improve gastrointestinal microbiota. They have also been shown to boost your immune system, reduce bad cholesterol levels, relieve symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, reduce high blood pressure, and even improve lactose metabolism.

In addition, probiotics may help to support gut-brain communication, which has been suggested as a therapeutic solution for anxiety and depression.

Daily supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains has been found to reduce symptoms in people with these disorders and improve overall digestive function.

Probiotics are generally recognized as safe to take every day and typically have no side-effects besides occasional digestive upset. They have been used successfully by millions of people around the world and will continue to be one of the most researched and evidence-based supplements available.

A List Of Probiotic Foods

There are a number of ways you can get probiotics besides the consumption of yogurt. Other fermented or cultured probiotic foods, according to Harvard Health Publishing, include:

NIH adds kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles and raw unfiltered apple cider to the list. Probiotics may also come in the form of a dietary supplement. If youre wondering whether to use probiotic supplements vs. yogurt for your probiotics intake, there are a few things to consider.

While yogurt mainly contains two strains of bacteria: Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, supplements usually contain a mixture of bacteria. Whether you take a supplement, may depend on what type of bacteria you need and why youre taking it. A word of caution against supplements: not all probiotics supplements have been backed by research, so it may take some researching and investigating on your own when choosing the right supplement.

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Is Probiotic Overdose Possible

Were used to health supplements coming with a recommended daily allowance. However, because probiotics are live bacteria rather than vitamin or mineral nutrients, its a bit more difficult to quantify. Its estimated that we contain ten times more bacterial cells than our own bodys cells. Its hard to imagine that an extra capsule of probiotics can make too much of an difference.

However, as Ive already mentioned, taking too much probiotics will most likely increase incidence of digestive side effects.

The number of bacteria found in probiotic supplements is unlikely to cause problems, particularly when taken as directed. If you accidentally take too much probiotics, you may want to stay near a toilet but unless you have a weakened immune system youre unlikely to experience major health impacts.

That said, you should always use supplements as per the instructions on the packaging or your doctors instructions. Theres no reason to adjust the dose yourself unless you want to lower it to avoid side effects.

When To Take Your Probiotics

After you eat, your stomachs pH rises to about a four, which is much less acidic and easier for probiotics to survive, so its best to take your probiotics alongside a meal, says Friedman. By consuming your probiotic with food, you provide a buffering system for the supplement and ensure its safe passage through the digestive tract, he says. Plus, aside from protection, food also provides your probiotic with the proper nourishment it needs to survive, grow, and multiply once in your gut.

A study published in the journal Beneficial Microbes found that probiotics taken with a mealor even within 30 minutes of eating somethingsurvived in much higher numbers than those taken 30 minutes after a meal. You see, about a half hour after you eat, the pH of your stomach once again becomes more acidic .

The study also noted that probiotics taken with food containing healthy fats had the greatest survival rates, so the authors recommend the meal you take your probiotics with contain some fat.

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