Benefits For The Mind And Brain
Gut health is about more than just digestion. Scientific evidence shows that the gut and the brain stand in constant communication with each other. You may have noticed this connection when your stomach drops or you have a gut feeling. This gut-brain axis influences many mental health conditions.
More research shows the important role that gastrointestinal health plays in improving mood and supporting focus and memory.
Probiotics For Overall Health
When purchasing any probiotic for overall health, a person should be aware that there is little research into the health benefits of probiotics and may find it difficult to determine how effective they are.
The health benefits of probiotics are strain-specific, and probiotics for overall health often contain a lot of live microorganisms rather than single strains. This makes it difficult for a person to work out whether research supports the health benefits that the manufacturers claim.
Three probiotic options for overall health include:
Probiotic Skin Care: What Is It And Why You Should Use It
When it comes to health and wellness, probiotics pop up in all sorts of unexpected places. Perhaps most unexpected? As a skin care ingredient. While we know that probiotics are beneficial for gut health, is it true that they are good for the skin too? How do they help your skin anyway? Read on to learn everything you need to know about probiotic skin care, sources of best probiotics for the skin, and why you need it in your routine.
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Why Are Probiotics Good For You
Youve probably heard of probiotics and that they are good for your health, specifically for digestive health, but what exactly are they?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms found naturally throughout your body and especially in your digestive system. They are sometimes called live cultures or good bacteria because they help keep your intestinal bacteria balanced. One way is by protecting against other types of bacteria that cause disease or illness. When too many bad bacteria are in the gut, probiotics can help fight them off to rebalance the gut.
There are thousands of species of bacteria that act as probiotics.
One of the most common is Lactobacillus, which can help support the immune system, healthy blood sugar levels, digestion and may help prevent yeast infections.
Another species, Bifidobacterium, is often used to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome , while also being beneficial for mental health and addressing eczema in infants.
The Use Of Probiotics To Prevent Hirschsprung
Review question
What are the benefits and risks of using probiotics to prevent Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis ?
Key messages
We compared randomised controlled trials of probiotics versus placebo, or any other non-probiotic intervention, to prevent Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis . There is currently not enough evidence to assess the efficacy or safety of probiotics for the prevention of HAEC.
What is HAEC?
HAEC is a rare condition. It can cause inflammation of the bowels and lead to symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea, which can disturb the balance of electrolytes in the body.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria that may restore the natural balance of bacteria, and possibly reduce inflammation of the gut. However, it is not yet clear whether taking probiotics is helpful in preventing HAEC, and if they are safe. We analysed the scientific evidence to answer this question.
What did we want to find out
We wanted to find out if probiotics could prevent HAEC, and if probiotics were associated with any unwanted effects.
What did we do?
We searched for studies that examined probiotics compared with placebo or any other intervention in children with Hirschsprung’s disease . We compared and summarised the results of the studies, and rated our confidence in the evidence.
What did we find?
Main results
What were the limitations of the evidence?
How up to date is this evidence?
The evidence is up to date to 27 February 2022.
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How To Use Them Safely
The FDA regulates probiotics like foods, not like medications. Unlike drug companies, makers of probiotic supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or that they work.
Ask your doctor if taking probiotics is a good idea for you. In general, probiotic foods and supplements are thought to be safe for most people, though some people with immune system problems or other serious health conditions shouldn’t take them.
In some cases, mild side effects might include an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, and bloating for the first couple of days after you start taking them. They may also trigger allergic reactions. Stop taking them and talk to your doctor if you have problems.
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How Do You Know If A Probiotic Is Spore
Spore-based probiotics begin with the word “Bacillus” namely Bacillus subtilis HU58, Bacillus coagulans SC208 and Bacillus clausii SC109. However further studies and research in 2009 By Dr. Hong show that the concentration of Bacillus endospores in the human gut are found in higher concentrations than natively found in the soil.
This suggests that although bacillus endospores use the soil as a means of transport from host to host, their actual home is located within the gut itself. Any strains listed without “Bacillus” at the start of them, are non-spore and the more “fragile” bacteria, likely to perish in our stomach acid. This is because the probiotic strain itself is not encased in an outer shell making them very delicate and easily destroyed.
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Are There Any Situations When I Should Avoid Using Florastor
Do not use Florastor probiotics in the acute-care setting, especially in those individuals with open arterial and venous access required . Do not use for any individual with a central line or port or in the surroundings of any patient with a central line or port. Central lines include short- and long-term central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters . Do not use Florastor for pre- or post- organ or bone marrow transplant patients and other patients considered severely immunocompromised or critically ill. Do not use Florastor probiotics if allergic to any components .
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.
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Suggestions To Help Understand The Marketplace
The probiotic marketplace can be confusing for consumers. Box answers some frequently asked questions consumers commonly pose. The overriding need is for consumers to be able to recognise products of high quality that address their specific needs. Probiotic quality encompasses safety, potency and correctness of product labelling, including the accuracy of any health benefit claims, to the extent claims are allowed.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Probiotic Bacteria
Though there are many types of bacteria that can be considered probiotics, there are two specific types of bacteria that are common probiotics found in stores. These include:
- Lactobacillus.
- Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics are also made up of good yeast. The most common type of yeast found in probiotics is:
- Saccharomyces boulardii.
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Align Probiotic Extra Strength
Price: $$$
Align is a physician-trusted brand that contains Bifidobacteriumlongum 35624, formerly known as Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, a probiotic strain that has been researched for its role in digestive health, including IBS symptoms .
Aligns Extra Strength probiotic label states that each capsule contains 5 billion live bacteria at the time of manufacturing and 50,000,000 CFUs up until the best by date.
As it doesnt require refrigeration, its a good option if you frequently travel or prefer not to worry about storing your probiotic supplement in the fridge.
Note that Align contains trace amounts of lactose, so it may not be appropriate for those with severe lactose intolerance.
Price: $
Bio-Kult contains 14 probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum.
Each Bio-Kult capsule contains a minimum of 2 billion microorganisms, and Bio-Kult guarantees that the total bacteria count of their products is viable until the end of the products shelf life.
Each probiotic strain in Bio-Kult is microencapsulated and individually freeze-dried, which protects the probiotics from stomach acid and allows the product to be stored at room temperature.
Bio-Kult products are third-party tested by United Kingdom Accreditation Service accredited labs.
Bio-Kult is not appropriate for those with a severe allergy to milk proteins, but it is safe for those with lactose intolerance.
May Help Prevent Travelers Diarrhea
Research suggests probioticsparticularly L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus GG and S. boulardiican help prevent travelers diarrhea, 80% of which is caused by bacteria in the food or water supplyBae J-M. Prophylactic efficacy of probiotics on travelers diarrhea: an adaptive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Epidemiol Health. 2018 40:e2018043. . The key is to consume the probiotics before, during and for a few days after your trip, says Cresci.
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Probiotics Can Help Prevent And Treat Diarrhea
Probiotics are widely known for their ability to prevent diarrhea or reduce its severity.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking antibiotics. It occurs because antibiotics can negatively affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut (
15 ).
A review of 15 human studies found supplementing with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains for 12 months can improve anxiety, depression, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder and memory .
One study followed 70 chemical workers for 6 weeks. Those who consumed 100 grams of probiotic yogurt per day or took a daily probiotic capsule experienced benefits for general health, depression, anxiety and stress .
Benefits were also seen in a study of 40 patients with depression.
Taking probiotic supplements for 8 weeks decreased depression levels and reduced levels of C-reactive protein and hormones such as insulin, compared to people who did not take a probiotic .
Bottom Line:
Research shows taking probiotics may help improve symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress and memory, among others.
Whats The Difference Between Ibs And Ibd
Dont confuse IBS with a more serious digestive-tract disease called inflammatory bowel disease . IBD is an autoimmune disease categorized by chronic inflammation.
Crohns disease , ulcerative colitis , and indeterminate colitis are three types of IBD. Clinical trials suggest probiotics may be a promising therapy for UC. Unfortunately, CD and IC do not show the same therapeutic effect.
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Reduce The Severity Of Certain Allergies And Eczema
The gut houses the majority of the immune system, which is directly related to allergies. Keeping the digestive tract healthy has been of interest in helping relieve allergies and skin conditions like eczema.
In many studies that used the probiotic strains of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium among adults, positive effects have been shown, including reductions in symptoms and in the prevalence of eczema.
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Improve Mood And Reduce Stress
The bacteria in the gut produce neurotransmitters that are your bodys messengers. Neurotransmitters help with sleep, mood, as well as controlling your bladder and heart function. Stress is known to disturb the gut bacteria, which may affect the quantity and function of neurotransmitters.
Probiotic supplements can help repopulate the gut bacteria during and after periods of stress and have been shown to improve mood, sleep, and cognitive function.
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The Most Common Probiotic Strains
With well over 500 strains of probiotics, it would be impossible for a supplement to contain them all. However, there are several that are important in promoting overall health. These are the top 11 strains you want your probiotic to include:
Bifidobacterium animalis: Known for its ability to withstand extremely low pH conditions, studies show that B. animalis promotes digestive and optimal nutrient absorption, supports a healthy immune system, and fights off environmental threats. A 2015 study found that B. animalis promotes regular bowel movements and can help reduce occasional constipation.
B. breve:B. breve supports the intestinal tracts pH to stop the growth of bad bacteria in the digestive tract and vagina. By fermenting sugars, it assists your body in absorbing nutrients and breaking down plant fiber until it is easily digestible.
B. lactis: This potent strain has been shown to promote healthy cell growth while also supporting immune system and respiratory functions, and promoting digestive health. One study found evidence of the natural healing support B. lactis has on gut lining health, strengthening its integrity to keep the nutrients you should be absorbing in the gut, where they need to be.
L. salivarius:L. salivarius produces its own antibodies targeting environmental threats and also produces lactic acid that helps fend off occasional toxins and bad bacteria to support a balanced environment other probiotics can thrive in.
Should I Take A Probiotic Everyday
Yes, if youre taking a high-quality supplement every day. Probiotics are bacteria that have health benefits in the body when they are present in large numbers.
They are most often used to treat digestive disorders or conditions, yet research suggests they may also be useful for helping with weight loss and reducing blood pressure.
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For Ingredients We Have Only One Strain But It Is A Patented One
Well, I wouldnt actually bet on that. It doesnt offer any more strains than supplements like the GoodBelly Probiotics or the Align Probiotic . And I would say that its typically a bad sign. Whereas to add to that, I wasnt really fond of these other two supplements. And the Florastor Probiotic superficially isnt looking any better.
So, per serving , the supplement of this review offers 500 milligrams of patented and unique only to Florastor Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745. And thats the only thing in there.
The question is what this really means?
Well, first, this means that the supplement doesnt care for any added Prebiotics to help the digestive health even more. In fact, not only that. It doesnt care for any added substance for an improved gain. So, it is not optimal .
Second, this means that the Florastor Probiotics steps away from this idea to prefer to have at least 10 different Probiotic strains within the product. So, it isnt ideal .
Third, 50 milligrams of Saccharomyces boulardii is equal to 1 Billion CFU. Hence, 500 milligrams will mean 10 Billion CFU. Thats equal to the lower margin of what the best practices for nutrient amounts prescribe . So, as far as the gains to digestive health this should be a viable option. So, a good thing .
Probiotics Benefits: How Do Scientists Think These Microorganisms Help The Body
This living for life nutrient is the foundation of our health. A healthy microbiome may help in preventing and treating diseases in the areas of digestive health, certain types of cancer, oral disease, food allergies, and eczema.
But first, know that probiotic supplements may affect everyone differently, and for older people in particular, their touted benefits are unproven. In fact, the research on how beneficial probiotics are varies depending on the disease in question.
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The Active Ingredient: Does It Work
While Florastor contains Lactose, they believe the benefits of their supplement are related to the strain that they claim is found only in their products: Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745.
This probiotic yeast is not found in your gut naturally. In fact, yeasts make up < 0.1% of your probiotics.
S. boulardii may be advantageous when compared to other probiotics since it is antibiotic resistant as a yeast, it wont be killed like some bacterial probiotic strains.
In this section, well share the details of our literature review to determine if there is any merit behind Florastors claims.
Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745 250mg
In general, S. boulardii has been extensively studied over the years.
A 2012 review highlights the available support for many of the proposed actions:
- Acts as probiotic to create a favorable microbiotic environment
- Works as a prebiotic, serving as food for friendly gut bacteria
- Eliminates bacteria and toxins
- Protects the lining of your digestive tract
- Promotes the actions of white blood cells and other immune cells
- Reduces inflammation
With respect to CNCM I-745, high doses at 0.5 mg/g body weight, three times daily increased antibody levels in rats.
In human subjects, 250 mg four times per day over 2-weeks increased the amount of enzymes that breakdown complex sugars. These findings were confirmed in a later study in which subjects received 750mg daily.
We, therefore, cant speak to the effects of this supplement over long durations.
How Often Will I Need To Order Biofit Probiotic
You must take one capsule of the BioFit probiotic supplement a day. It would be best to take it with an 8oz water glass to enhance absorption and improve the digestion rate. The actual number of BioFit you can take a day depends on the problem you are dealing with. If handling biohm inequalities and also digestive system troubles, you will need to take a BioFit each day, which equates to thirty BioFit a month. And also given that a bottle has 30 vegan tablets, you will certainly need one container throughout the month.
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