Should Probiotics Be Taken On A Low Fodmap Diet
The low FODMAP diet is one of the proven methods for treating IBS.
It involves first eliminating most FODMAPs from the diet for a 3-8 week period so that you are virtually symptom-free. Then you begin to systematically reintroduce them in order to identify the culprits, followed by a modified diet long term.
For this to work, its important that other possible triggers of digestive stress are minimized. That includes caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, and fiber supplements among other things. Removing these ensures that if symptoms do occur, you will be able to trace it back to an exact FODMAP group.
While probiotics can be highly beneficial, some people experience a worsening of symptoms. Given this risk, its typically not recommended to start a new probiotic supplement during any phase of the low FODMAP diet.
The exception is if you already use a probiotic supplement before starting a low FODMAP diet. In this case you you can continue to do so throughout.
Summary: Some people may experience even worse digestive symptoms when starting a new probiotic supplement. This will compromise the results of a low FODMAP diet, so its not recommended to do them at the same time.
Diversity Is Your Best Friend
Your gut is diverse, so your probiotic should be too. Look for a supplement that contains multiple strains. This is sometimes listed as a proprietary blend, although with blends, you lose the transparency of knowing how many CFU each strain contributes. Inferior brands might contain only one probiotic species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Look for the beneficial strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and you may also see species like Streptococcus thermophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii, among others.
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.
- Developing a resistance to antibiotics.
- Developing harmful byproducts from the probiotic supplement.
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How Probiotics Might Be Bad For You
Because these good bacteria already exist in the body, theyâre considered safe for most people. But there are some things to consider.
They can trigger an allergic reaction. They might cause mild stomach problems, especially the first few days you start taking them. You might have stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually go away after your body gets used to them.
If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues. Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who’ve had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don’t take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Always talk to your pediatrician before giving probiotic supplements to your child. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should also talk to your doctor before you try one.
Most probiotics in the U.S. are sold as dietary supplements. That means the companies that make them don’t have to test their products and show that they work or that they are safe. More research is needed to confirm that probiotics are safe and effective.
Ask your doctor which probiotics are the right ones for you. Be sure to stop taking them if you have any problems.
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Learning About The Microbiome
The community of microorganisms that lives on us and in us is called the âmicrobiome,â and itâs a hot topic for research. The Human Microbiome Project, supported by the National Institutes of Health from 2007 to 2016, played a key role in this research by mapping the normal bacteria that live in and on the healthy human body. With this understanding of a normal microbiome as the basis, researchers around the world, including many supported by NIH, are now exploring the links between changes in the microbiome and various diseases. Theyâre also developing new therapeutic approaches designed to modify the microbiome to treat disease and support health.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is among the many agencies funding research on the microbiome. Researchers supported by NCCIH are studying the interactions between components of food and microorganisms in the digestive tract. The focus is on the ways in which diet-microbiome interactions may lead to the production of substances with beneficial health effects.
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Best Probiotics For Womens Health
Probiotics can help support vaginal health, particularly for women who struggle with chronic yeast or bacterial infections. They can help rebalance bacteria in the vagina.
Strains that have been found to be effective for vaginal health include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
For vaginal health, my suggested product would be Swansons FemFlora Probiotic for Women.
Best Probiotics For General Health
Some people may want to take a probiotic just for general health. They may not have a specific concern but know the benefits of a healthy gut.
For general health, probiotics may be helpful with reducing inflammation associated with aging and decreasing the risk of various chronic diseases.
The two most common genus in the human body are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
A probiotic for general health should contain a variety of each of these. Also, choose a product with at least 10 billion CFUs.
Optimally, your probiotic should also contain some type of prebiotic, or food for the healthy bacteria. This helps ensure that the probiotics remain alive and are able to colonize the gut once they arrive.
The most common prebiotics are fructooligosaccharides , galactooligosaccharides , or trans-galactooligosaccharides, but other types of fiber can be used as well.
While probiotics are safe for most people, those that are immunocompromised should avoid taking them.
Some probiotics may also contain lactose, so be sure to check the label if you are lactose intolerant.
Here are a few specific product suggestions that meet my criteria:
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Honu Gut Check Probiotic Supplement
HONU Gut Check Probiotic Supplement is a dairy-based supplement that comes in tablet form. It contains 3 billion lactobacillus sporogenes as well as 10 mg of plant-derived calcium.
This product also helps promote regular bowel movements, reduce occasional constipation, relieve occasional diarrhea due to antibiotic use or mild cases of irritable bowel syndrome, reduce gas and bloating after meals, improve mental clarity, and alleviate occasional vaginal yeast infections.
Image courtesy Dr. Ohhira
What Are The Main Benefits Of Taking Probiotics
There are a lot of benefits that you can get from taking probiotics and it varies for each person depending on his or her needs. Just to name a few: healthy immune system, fight bacteria and viruses, relieve constipation and bloating, maintain cardiovascular health, reduce occasional diarrhea due to antibiotic use or mild cases of irritable bowel syndrome, improve lactose intolerance, alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance , improve digestion, promote regular bowel movement, maintain general well-being, and support healthy gut flora.
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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
Probulin Total Care Probiotic
Probulin is a business that has created a new standard of probiotic supplements. They have numerous probiotic supplements to cater to your digestive health needs.
Their supplements are backed by science, effective and high-quality.
Key Benefits
- Probulin contains 15 various strains of probiotics for maximum effectiveness.
- This supplement does not have to be refrigerated.
- It uses the MAKTrek 3- Delivery system, which ensures the probiotics reach the gut undamaged by the digestive system.
- It is free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, making it allergen-friendly.
The probiotic strains are partially formed from the fermentation of fruit and vegetables.
It improves immune response and digestive health.
Pros
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Probiotics And Gut Health
The best case for probiotic therapy has been in the treatment of diarrhea. Controlled trials have shown that Lactobacillus GG can shorten the course of infectious diarrhea in infants and children . Although studies are limited and data are inconsistent, two large reviews, taken together, suggest that probiotics reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 60%, when compared with a placebo.
More common than diarrhea is the opposite problem constipation. In a search for studies on the benefits of probiotics in treating constipation, researchers found that probiotics slowed “gut transit time” by 12.4 hours, increases the number of weekly bowel movements by 1.3, and helped to soften stools, making them easier to pass. But the jury is still out on specific recommendations when it comes to the benefits of
Probiotic therapy may also help people with Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Clinical trial results are mixed, but several small studies suggest that certain probiotics may help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis and prevent relapse of Crohn’s disease and the recurrence of pouchitis . Because these disorders are so frustrating to treat, many people are giving probiotics a try before all the evidence is in for the particular strains they’re using. More research is needed to find out which strains work best for what conditions.
Best Probiotic Supplements For 2021
Did you know that there are over 100 trillion microorganisms in our body? Most of these microorganisms are gut-living good bacteria that work to fight off the bad bacteria and restore balance in our bodies to make us feel better. Unfortunately, there are times when our gut becomes unbalanced with unhealthy levels of certain bacteria causing us to get sick — this is where probiotics come in.
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Should You Start Eating Probiotics
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.
How To Get More Probiotics Into Your Diet
Adding a few servings of probiotic-rich foods to your daily diet can be an easy and effective way to give your gut microbiome a boost while also improving overall health and youll find you feel better consuming these foods too.
To get started, try making a few simple swaps in the foods you eat. For example, you can switch out soda, juice or energy drinks for fermented beverages such as kombucha instead. You can also trade regular yogurt for probiotic yogurt and substitute raw milk or cheese in place of regular cheese or milk products as well.
Alternatively, try using a few of the best probiotic foods in your favorite recipes to add a bit of extra flavor and variety to your weekly rotation. Tempeh works well as a meatless main dish, sauerkraut can be served as a savory spread and apple cider vinegar makes a great addition to salad dressings and vinaigrettes.
Regardless of how you choose to get in your daily dose of these natural probiotic foods, the trick is to get creative and dont be afraid to experiment with new ingredients to make healthy and delicious meals.
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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.
Best Probiotics For Weight Loss
The bacteria in your gut may impact your body weight.
Several studies have found the bacteria in your digestive system can influence how many calories you absorb, how much belly fat you have, and help regulate inflammation, all of which play a role in maintaining healthy body weight.
While weight management is more complex than just taking a probiotic, certain strains may be able to help as part of a well-rounded weight loss plan.
Strains that can help include Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium lactis.
For a probiotic for weight loss, I would suggest MegaFood MegaFlora Probiotic.
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Who Should And Should Not Take Probiotics
Before taking any kinds of probiotics, it is best to consult your doctor or a pharmacist first to see if this product can help you. Those who have deficiencies in their immune system or are undergoing cancer treatment should not use probiotics without consulting their doctor first.
The most common species used in probiotics are the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Usually freeze-dried, the bacteria remain alive so, when you consume the probiotic, they make their way to your digestive system, where they warm up and become fully active.
Most probiotic supplements are available in drugstores, pharmacies, as well as in groceries and supermarkets. They come in different forms either as a capsule, a pill, a tablet, or as a loose powder you can sprinkle on the food you will consume. Either way, all of these are effective ways to consume probiotics.
In buying these probiotic supplements, you want the ones that clearly show a sell-by or expiration date. On the other hand, you do not want to consume one that is already expired. Dosages differ based on the brand you will buy.
Therefore, there is no known general recommended dosing. However, there are common dosages for adults ranging from five billion to ten billion colony-forming units per day. Usually, one dosage of probiotics per day is enough.
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.
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Complications Of Chronic Liver Disease/hepatic Encephalopathy
Luminal microbiota play an important role in the pathogenesis of both spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia produced by gut bacteria is believed to play a key role in hepatic encephalopathy. Antibiotics are employed in clinical practice to reduce severity or frequency of both these chronic liver disease complications. Lactulose, a mainstay of therapy, is a prebiotic for lactobacilli which can limit bacterial ureases.
The role for probiotics in these disorders is an area of ongoing investigation. Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with lactobacillus acidophilus was studied as early as 1965. More recently, Liu and colleagues offered a probiotic and prebiotic mixture to 97 patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy and observed a reduction in ammonia levels and improvement in encephalopathy. Another group found that a yogurt-based probiotic supplement significantly improved quantitative measurements of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in nonalcoholic cirrhotics. The latter group is now completing a more comprehensive trial using the probiotic LGG in a similar patient cohort.
Society guidelines and expert consensus panels do not currently support a recommendation of probiotic use for any chronic liver disease associated condition.