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What Does Probiotics Do For The Body

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What Are The Probiotic Side Effects

How Probiotics Work

It is best to get your probiotics from a food source. Live bacteria should be carefully monitored, stored, and combined when taken, but supplements are not currently regulated in the U.S. with the same discretion that food or medication is.

Because you cannot be sure which probiotics are the ones your body needs, there is a possibility of experiencing negative side effects. Most people do not experience side effects, but the possibility exists.

People Who Are Pregnant Or Nursing

Because there are a wide variety of probiotics and we only have limited research, it is best to avoid them while pregnant or breastfeeding. Until more is known about the possible effects of probiotics on an infant, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking probiotics if you are pregnant or nursing.

More Regular Bowel Movements

An imbalance in the composition of good bacteria in your intestine can contribute to irregular bowel movements. For example, frequent diarrhea can be a sign of pathogenic bacteria present in your intestines. A high-quality probiotic will help bring more good bacteria into your gut so that they crowd out the bad bacteria.

Constipation, on the other hand, can be due to low mucus production or low motility of your intestinal muscles. Certain probiotic bacterial strains are known to increase mucus production, which can regulate constipation.

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What Are Probiotics And How Do They Work

We look at whether probiotics can improve physical and emotional health and if so, how

Many of us have heard of probiotics but dont necessarily know what we should be doing with them, or how they work.

First up probiotics are good for gut health, but why is that important? Your gut isnt just the place where food goes, its actually at the center of all body systems and its health can influence everything including immunity, mood, physical and emotional health.

In fact the gut microbiome and the brain are in cahoots constantly talking and firing messages back and forth. This is a process known as the gut-brain axis.

When our digestive system is well, our central nervous system is happy too, says nutritional therapist Carola Becker. Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to improve your gut flora, and you can find them in fermented foods like plain yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut, or take them as a supplement.

In fact, taking probiotics for just three weeks could help to restore your microbiome and reduce levels of depression, stress and anxiety, according to a study published in the Clinics and Practice Journal. Participants also showed an overall happier mood, more energy and less brain fog.

Here, well explain more about the gut, how probiotics can keep it functioning efficiently, and why this is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing.

How Do Food Allergies Affect Digestion

Clearing up the Confusion around Probiotics

Fermented dairy products are high in probiotics, but also one of the major food allergens, meaning some of the very foods that may help prevent this food allergy are off limits for those who already have the condition. The good news is if you have a food allergy, you can choose probiotic sources that are dairy-free or even nondairy fermented foods. Examples of nondairy probiotics include kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, kefir , and tempeh.

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Probiotics Could Help Prevent Food Allergies

Probiotics may also help prevent food allergies, though more research is needed. For example, a review published in October 2015 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggested probiotics may help prevent eczema, which is a risk factor for food allergies, in children when administered to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Important to note, though, is infant eczema doesnt always signal a food allergy, and could simply be caused by dry skin or a seasonal allergy.

What Is The Best Probiotic

It is hard to say what the best probiotic is because the effects of probiotics are different for each person. Everyone has their own unique gut flora, so the probiotic that works best for you depends on the microbiome in your gut. There are up to 500 species of bacteria found within our large intestines.

For those wanting to treat irritable bowel syndrome and acute dermatitis, the most commonly used probiotic strains typically include Lactobacillus sp., Bifidobacterium sp., Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Overall, the most popular and best-researched strains of probiotics include: Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces. It is important to note that most probiotic products and supplements contain multiple strains of live bacteria.

While probiotic supplements and probiotic foods have both been found to have health benefits, probiotic foods have been found to be more effective carriers of probiotics. Overall, more research and clinical trials are needed to determine which strains are most effective and for what.

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Can Probiotics Hurt Me

For most healthy people, probiotics dont cause any harm. They are generally considered safe and are often given a try to see if they could help with various medical conditions. Theres a lot of research around the topic of probiotics. Scientists are trying to determine when and how they should be used, as well as how effective they are. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting a probiotic supplement because there are some cases where you shouldnt be taking them. Its always best to have the conversation first before starting a new supplement.

How Do Probiotics Work

What is a Probiotic? How do Probiotics Work? … Well it Depends…

The main job of probiotics, or good bacteria, is to maintain a healthy balance in your body. Think of it as keeping your body in neutral. When you are sick, bad bacteria enters your body and increases in number. This knocks your body out of balance. Good bacteria works to fight off the bad bacteria and restore the balance within your body, making you feel better.

Good bacteria keeps you healthy by supporting your immune function and controlling inflammation. Certain types of good bacteria can also:

  • Help your body digest food.
  • Keep bad bacteria from getting out of control and making you sick.
  • Create vitamins.
  • Help support the cells that line your gut to prevent bad bacteria that you may have consumed from entering your blood.
  • Breakdown and absorb medications.

This balancing act is naturally happening in your body all of the time. You dont actually need to take probiotic supplements to make it happen. Good bacteria is just a natural part of your body. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fiber every day helps to keep the number of good bacteria at proper levels.

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Good Bacteria Vs Bad Bacteria

Before we dive into the differences between probiotics and prebiotics, we should look at the differences between good bacteria and bad bacteria when it comes to your body.

Everybody has bacteria in their bodies and this is how we build up our immunities to illnesses, viruses, and germs we encounter every day. The collection of bacteria in your body is also called your âmicrobiome.â Your microbiome is made up of mostly good and some bad bacteria.

You Suffer From Skin Conditions Such As Acne And Psoriasis

Flushing waste from your body helps you maintain clear, healthy-looking skin, which is why digestive problems are commonly linked to skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, hives, and rashes. If youre having problems managing one or more skin conditions, and topical remedies arent working, you may need to work on clearing your skin from the inside out with help from probiotics.

Autism, Candida, and yeast infections are cited as other common health problems linked to poor gut health. If you think you may need probiotics, talk to your doctor about nutrition therapy using probiotics, or try our Suprema Dophilus a high potency probiotic that contains five billion viable cells per capsule with eight different probiotic strains. This probiotic formula helps support long-term digestive health and may help reduce symptoms of related conditions.

Looking for high-quality vitamins and supplements to help you meet your health goals? Visit the Garcia Weight Loss & Wellness Centers online store to view our selection of diet supplements, easy exchange foods, and skin care formulated with natural mineral and botanical ingredients.

Medically reviewed by Jay J. Garcia, MD on January 1, 2018

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Optimize Gut Function By Balancing The Bacteria In Your Digestive System

Keeping the gut microbiome balanced allows for normal gut function, while some changes to the gut bacteria can lead to problems. Probiotics can help maintain the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and help repopulate with healthy bacteria after conditions that disturbed the microbiome.

For example, taking antibiotics kills off many of your good gut bacteria. This leaves room for bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi to overgrow. Taking a probiotic during and after antibiotics is a must for sustained health.

Should You Start Eating Probiotics

144 Benefits of Probiotics  Probiotics.org

Russian microbiologist Elie Metchnikoff was the first to associate the large amounts of fermented dairy products with the good health and longevity of Bulgarians back in 1907. He proposed that the acid-producing organisms in fermented dairy products could prevent what he called “fouling” in the large intestine. He believed if eaten regularly, these foods could lead to a longer, healthier life. One version of the Old Testament even attributes Abraham’s long life 175 years to the “consumption of sour milk.” Fermented milk products may have also been used to treat illnesses of the digestive tract during Roman times.

The scientific community agrees that there are potential health benefits to eating foods with probiotics. However, more research is needed to solidify the claims. The best we can say right now is they won’t hurt and may help.

Remember that dietary supplements are not tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration like medications. And the probiotic strains in the supplements may not be specific for the condition you’re looking to treat. You may want to consult with a practitioner, like a registered dietitian, who is familiar with probiotics. Always tell your physician what you are doing that may affect your health.

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They Can Help Support A Healthy Weight*

These good bugs might play a positive role in weight maintenance too.* Gut bacteria play an important role in metabolism, involved in everything from digestion to energy production and storage and even appetite regulation.

Several studies have shown that the gut microbiomes of individuals with obesity are different from the microbiomes of lean individuals. And the reason for that interesting difference might have to do with how microbes help us break down food.

“Certain bacteria are better at extracting energy from food than others,” says Rountree. “It’s that simple.” So, if you happen to have more of these desirable bacterial strains in your gut, then you could eat the same food as a friend and you end up turning it into energy, while your friend turns it into fat.* One of life’s most frustrating conundrums, explained.

Probiotics May Play A Role In Immunity And Cancer Prevention

Much of the research on the potential effects of probiotics on cancer and immunity has involved lab studies on lactic acid bacteria . In these studies, this probiotic seems to decrease the enzyme activity of other bacteria that produce cancer cells, potentially reducing the risk of liver, colon, and bladder cancer.

Probiotics and prebiotics seem to influence an entire immunological network in the body, and tend to have the biggest potential early in life. Taking probiotics while pregnant, for example, may reduce your childs risk of allergy symptoms, such as skin rashes, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. It may also decrease incidence of chronic digestive disorders like celiac disease, Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, according to a review published in January 2015 in the journal Pediatric Research.

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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

What Are Prebiotics And How Do They Work

What Happens To Your Body When You Start Taking Probiotics? – How Probiotics Work

Prebiotics are considered by some to be non-digestible carbohydrates, that are not digested by the body but nourish the micro-organisms in the colon. They occur naturally in the diet and are found in foods such as garlic, bananas, oats, onions and leeks. This idea has been criticised by some due to its poor definition and some scientists prefer to use the term ‘microbiota accessible carbohydrates’, as they are fermentable dietary fibre that the microbes can use. However, foods containing prebiotics are also the components of a healthy diet and should therefore be consumed regularly.

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Some Ingredients Can Lead To Adverse Reactions

Probiotic supplements can possibly contain allergens such as yeast, milk, dairy, eggs, and soy. These ingredients should be avoided by those who are allergic because they may cause an allergic reaction.

Because people with lactose intolerance may suffer from unpleasant gas and bloating when taking supplements that contain lactose, it is wise to choose lactose-free products.

Some probiotic supplements also contain prebiotics, which are plant fibers that cannot be digested, but are consumed by bacteria as food. Some people experience additional gas and bloating when taking supplements that have both pro- and prebiotics. People who experience this side effect may want to choose a probiotic supplement that does not have prebiotics in it.

How Much Probiotics Should A Woman Take Daily

Despite the fact that the great majority of current clinical trials show that probiotic dosages of 10-20 billion CFU per day are adequate for immunological and digestive health, research studies evaluating the dose-response of bigger CFUs and products with CFUs of 50 to 100 billion are becoming more prevalent.

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Probiotics Might Boost Your Heart Health

You always hear about the heart-boosting benefits of the Mediterranean diet, but adding fermented foods to the mix might be good for your ticker, too.

While the effects were modest, preliminary research suggests that probiotics can reduce your blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, says Sharp. Thats because certain strains of these beneficial bugs may help your body produce more of a blood pressure-regulating enzyme, she explains.

The benefits of a lower BP? A lower risk of stroke, heart attack, and sexual dysfunction, says the American Heart Association.

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What Do They Do

What are Probiotics

Among other things, probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Infectious diarrhea
  • Diarrhea caused by antibiotics

There is also some research that shows they’re useful for problems in other parts of your body. For example, some people say they have helped with:

  • Skin conditions, like eczema
  • Oral health

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Why Women Need Probiotics

The combination of yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis are estimated to affect 1 billion women per year.

That is an insanely high number which means that these conditions are FAR too common.

The good news?

These conditions can be prevented with the use of targeted and specific probiotics.

What’s even better is that certain probiotics not only help vaginal health , but they also provide other benefits such as normalization of stooling patterns and may even help with weight loss.

So how do you get these benefits?

You have to use the right strains and species.

Remember that not all probiotic strains and species are created equal.

Certain species of bacteria have benefits that others don’t provide.

This means that you need to be making sure you use the right TYPE and DOSE of probiotics to get these benefits.

Below I’ve outlined the most beneficial probiotic species and strains that have been clinically proven to help women:

Vaginal health strains ->

These three lactobacilli probiotics have shown great promise as it relates to improving vaginal health.

They work by leading to a transfer of organisms from the rectum into the vagina which acts to normalize vaginal bacteria concentration and prevents vaginal yeast infections.

In addition to reducing vaginal yeast infections, these probiotics also help to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections.

Weight loss strains ->

Intestinal issues strains ->

Protect Against Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics may be needed to help the body fight infections, but they can disrupt the gut environment. Antibiotics often decrease the variety of good bacteria in the gut, which can reduce their ability to fight against other disease-causing microbes.

Sometimes, harmful bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics which is a real threat to treatment. Some strains of Lactobacillus bacteria have been shown to protect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , an infection resistant to several common antibiotics.

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