What Do Probiotic Vitamins Do

What Can Negatively Affect Gut Bacteria

There are a number of components that negatively affect gut bacteria including lifestyle factors such as smoking and high stress levels, as well as the use of antibiotics.

Designed to fight infections, antibiotics reduce and deplete the natural bacteria living in the gut. Resistance to antibiotics is becoming a serious problem worldwide and it is for this reason that we should only take these when absolutely necessary.

Stress can change the number and diversity of our gut bacteria, which in turn affects the immune system and may explain why certain conditions, such as eczema or acne, flare up when we are more stressed.

Excessive alcohol consumption can be inflammatory and may affect the lining of our digestive system, where a lot of our microbiome live, reducing them in numbers and therefore affecting our health.

A long-term reduced intake of fermentable carbohydrates for the treatment of IBS can also negatively affect the bacteria in the gut. It is therefore important that these foods are only omitted for a specified time under the guidance of a specialist dietitian as the implications of long-term avoidance needs further research.

Smoking also has a negative impact on the bacterial composition of the gut in addition to the well documented health risks it carries.

They’re Good For Your Gut*

Probiotics might be best known for their impact on gut health.* “Think of probiotics as your little helpers that restore order and help maintain harmony in your gut ecosystem,”* says gut health expert Vincent Pedre, M.D. “They outnumber and antagonize unwelcome bugs, including unfavorable bacteria, yeast, and parasites.”*

Research has shown that probiotics are beneficial for improving gut issues like irregularity due to gut imbalance.* A common culprit of gut microbial imbalance are antibiotics.

Probiotics are a targeted strategy to elevate the gut microbiome.*

Science demonstrates their ability to support numerous functions of the upper and lower GI tract, including abdominal comfort by helping reduce gas and bloating.*

How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Probiotic Capsules

• Some brands of this medicine need to be stored in a refrigerator. Some brands of this medicine need to be stored at room temperature. If you have questions about how to store this medicine , talk with your pharmacist.
• Be sure you know how long you can store this medicine before you need to throw it away.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

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How We Chose The Best Probiotic Supplements

We selected the best probiotics using the following criteria:

• Vetting. All the products have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthlines medical and business standards. You can read more about our vetting process here.
• Effective dose. All of the supplements below contain at least 106 CFUs per gram.
• Ingredients. We looked for products that are made from high quality ingredients and free of artificial additives and fillers.
• Personal needs. Whether you need a specific probiotic strain or follow a gluten-free diet, we included options to suit a variety of needs and preferences.

Is It Safe To Take Vitamins With Probiotics

You may be wondering if its safe to take vitamins with probiotics. While there is limited data on this subject, studies in which people took both vitamins and probiotics showed participants only experienced positive effects.

Since both vitamins and probiotics are very safe at recommended levels, it seems safe to assume that combining the two would be safe as well. But additional research on a wider variety of vitamins and probiotic strains is needed.

At our clinic, we have found that probiotics and reasonable doses of vitamins/micronutrients are usually tolerated well.

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Probiotics And Gastrointestinal Health

Probiotics have been shown to have a positive impact on a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. They are used routinely in the health care setting to reduce diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics in both adults and children. Certain probiotics may help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and may also inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that colonize the stomach and can cause ulcers and stomach cancer.

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.

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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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What Probiotic Kills Yeast

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 are probiotics that may help cure or prevent yeast infections. Which probiotics are effective against yeast? Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 probiotics have been reported to help cure and prevent yeast infections in several trials.

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They Have Skin Benefits*

Probiotics don’t just work wonders inside your body they can actually affect the outside as well.*

“You have bacteria on your skin and all over your body. Probiotics on the skin affect the microbiome that’s present on your skin, as opposed to the one in your gut,” says integrative medicine expert Amy Shah, M.D.

In this case, both oral and topical probiotics can help,* but are certainly not one and the same.

How Much Is Needed

The amount needed for health effects varies widely, depending on the species and strain of probiotic and the desired health benefit. Different probiotics are effective at different levels some products are effective at a level of 50 million live cells per day and others at over one trillion. Yogurt commonly contains between 100 million and 10 billion live probiotics per serving. Follow manufacturers recommendations for the levels needed from specific products. Because probiotics do not permanently stay in the intestinal tract, daily consumption of probiotics is generally recommended.

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If You Take A Probiotic You Need To Eat Prebiotics

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• 8 Prebiotic Foods You Should Probably Be Eating

The bacteria in your gutboth visitors and residentsneed to eat too. Enter prebiotics, nondigestible carbs that feed friendly bacteria and help them multiply. They may even be helpful on their own, at recalibrating microbiota that have been thrown out of whack by stress a recent study found mice who ate prebiotics slept better after a stressful experience. Hutkins advises taking them daily in the form of food, not pills, because it’s difficult to get the needed amount from a supplement. Prebiotics are found in wholegrain oatmeal, bananas, onions, garlic, and asparagus.

Prebiotics And Probiotics: Creating A Healthier You

You’ve probably heard of prebiotics and probiotics, but do you know what they are? Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when you consume them in the right amounts.

Although probiotics are available as dietary supplements, some may be found through fermented foods, too.

Research continues in this area of nutrition investigating which strains of probiotics are present in specific foods and which ones provide health benefits. While this is still an area of study, there are a few key points that are worth keeping in mind.

What Are Prebiotics and What Do They Do?

Prebiotics are naturally occurring, non-digestible food components that are linked to promoting the growth of helpful bacteria in your gut. Simply said, they’re “good” bacteria promoters. Prebiotics may improve gastrointestinal health as well as potentially enhance calcium absorption.

Prebiotics in Your Diet

Prebiotics include fructooligosaccharides, such as inulin and galactooligosaccharides. But rather than focusing on these lengthy words, include more prebiotics in your day by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains such as bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, beans and whole-grain foods.

What Are Probiotics and What Do They Do?

Probiotics in Your Diet

What Makes Prebiotics and Probiotics the “Dynamic Duo?”

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How Safe Are Probiotics

Because microbes used as probiotics already exist naturally in your body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered safe. They may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them.

There are certain people who need to use caution when using probiotic supplements. There is a risk of infection in some people. These people include those who have:

• A weakened immune system .
• A critical illness.

Caution should also be used when giving probiotics to very sick infants.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a probiotic supplement.

What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in how much urine is passed.
• Muscle pain.

• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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Main Types Of Probiotic Supplements:

• Bifidobacterium

This is a species of bacteria commonly used in foods and supplements. They are good for supporting the immune system and limiting the growth of prejudicial microorganisms in the gut. They also help break down lactose nutrients so the body can feed on them.

In the Bifidobacterium group, we can find:

• B. Animalis:Its great for aiding the digestive process and fighting food-borne bacteria. Theres the theory that B. Animalis can boost your immune function.
• B. Breve: This species is known for living both in the digestive tract and the vagina. Breve helps your body by fighting infection-causing bacteria. It also helps your body consume food nutrients by fermenting sugars and also can break down plant fiber to make it easier to digest.
• B. Lactis: This microorganism primarily exists in raw milk, and some brands use it for infant probiotic formula. It also is used in the making of cottage cheese and buttermilk.
• B. Longum:This works perfectly as an antioxidant and helps break down carbohydrates to make them easier to digest. B. Longum lives in the gastrointestinal tract.
• B. Infantis:This is the single largest beneficial probiotic population in babies. A healthy diet supplemented with B. Infantis can decrease the difficulty of bowel movements and bloating. This probiotic is best for overall digestion and promotes regularity.

• Lactobacillus

Some lactobacilli are:

Some of the streptococcus subspecies are:

Benefits Of Taking Probiotics

Not all probiotics are the same. Different strains of the bacteria have different effects. For example, one strain may fight against cavity-causing organisms in our mouths and don’t need to survive a trip through our guts.

Research has been promising for these friendly critters. Potential benefits of probiotics have been seen in the treatment or prevention of

• H. pylori
• vaginal infections
• infection of the digestive tract caused by Clostridium difficile
• pouchitis
• eczema in children.

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Probiotics Are Beneficial For Nutrient Absorption

A daily probiotic may improve the absorption of a variety of vitamins and minerals from food and supplements. In addition, some probiotics can manufacture B vitamins, and there may be a synergistic relationship between vitamin D and probiotics.

If youre experiencing the signs and symptoms of a micronutrient deficiency, its important to look for the root cause, which is often related to suboptimal gut health. Probiotics can support immune health, provide digestive support, improve gut function, and help to restore the ability to adequately absorb nutrients, including vitamins.

For a more personalized plan, reach out to our functional medicine center.

References

The Benefits Of Probiotics

In every healthy digestive system, there is a balance. Probiotics help to achieve that balance. There are many reasons a digestive system becomes unbalanced. These include illness, taking antibiotics, a poor diet, or an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Gastrointestinal problems can result from such an imbalance.

More research on probiotics is needed. However, there is evidence that:

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What Are The Signs You Need Probiotics

Research suggests that probiotics may help improve symptoms associated with IBS and IBD.

If youre experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation, or have received a diagnosis of IBD or IBS, you may benefit from a probiotic .

Still, you should first meet with a healthcare professional to discuss your options and determine whether a probiotic is a good fit for you.

If you could benefit from a probiotic, they can help you choose the right strain or strains and suggest a dosage depending on your medical history and symptoms.

Probiotics May Reduce The Severity Of Certain Allergies And Eczema

Certain probiotic strains may reduce the severity of eczema in children and infants.

One study found eczema symptoms improved for infants fed probiotic-supplemented milk, compared to infants fed milk without probiotics .

Another study followed children of women who took probiotics during pregnancy. Those children had an 83% lower risk of developing eczema in the first two years of life .

However, the link between probiotics and reduced eczema severity is still weak and more research needs to be done .

Some probiotics may also reduce inflammatory responses in people with milk or dairy allergies. However, the evidence is weak and further studies are needed .

Bottom Line:

Probiotics may reduce the risk and severity of certain allergies, such as eczema in infants. However, more research is needed.

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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.

Probiotics Can Help Reduce Symptoms Of Certain Digestive Disorders

Over one million people in the US suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease .

Certain types of probiotics from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains have improved symptoms in people with mild ulcerative colitis .

Surprisingly, one study found that supplementing with the probiotic E. coli Nissle was just as effective as drugs in maintaining remission in people with ulcerative colitis (

31 ).

Nevertheless, probiotics may have benefits for other bowel disorders. Early research suggests they may help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome .

They have also been shown to reduce the risk of severe necrotizing enterocolitis by 50%. This is a fatal bowel condition that occurs in premature infants .

Bottom Line:

Probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis, IBS and necrotizing enterocolitis.

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Can I Take Or Eat Something To Increase The Good Probiotics In My Body

You can increase the amount of good microbes in your body through foods, drinks and supplements. You may already have certain foods in your daily diet that contain probiotics. Fermented foods in particular are home to a host of good bacteria that benefit your body. There are also fermented drinks like kombucha or kefir that introduce extra probiotics into your diet.

Apart from food, you can add probiotics to your diet through dietary supplements. These arent drugs, so they do not need to be approved by the Federal Drug Administration . Its important that you always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any kind of supplement or major change to your diet.