What Everyone Should Know About Probiotics

Probiotics is a topic that is very popular. These microorganisms are found in a variety of foods and help to regular digestion and intestinal function. They are found in yogurt and other active live cultures and offer a host of benefits. Probiotics are essential for those who are experiencing digestive problems and can help to improve immunity, lower cholesterol, treat diarrhea, improve brain function and the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well as various other health benefits. Many doctors recommend taking probiotics to patients who experience regular digestive problems.

“These ‘good bacteria’ are considered to be “organisms and substances that have a beneficial effect on the host animal by contributing to its intestinal microbial balance.”

Probiotics are simply friendly bacteria that are very similar to those that are naturally occurring in the body’s digestive tract. There are certain strains that have been linked to many health benefits and they are often used with antibiotics to combat the diarrhea that some antibiotics can cause. The Food and Agriculture Organization defined probiotics as live microorganisms that offer a number of health benefits. While the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any specific health claims for probiotics, there have been many studies done that have shown positive results for a number of conditions.

Supplements are available for those who need to take probiotics and in 2007, the Food and Drug Administration did issue regulations that require these supplements to be produced in a high quality manner and free from any impurities. Those looking to take a supplement will find many available and choosing the right one can seem a bit difficult.

“Studies have shown different strains of probiotics to provide different benefits.”

Those looking for probiotic supplements that will provide support to the immune system will want to look for bifidobacterium lactis HN019, or various lactobacillus strains. These specific strains help to modulate aspects of the immune system, many in the elderly to offer better digestion as well as a higher immunity to certain illness and diseases. Dietary support for diarrhea that comes along with the use of some antibiotics can be found through S click to investigate. cerevisiae, lactobacillus casei and various other strains.

When choosing probiotic supplements, it is essential to check the label and find the full name including the species, strain and genus. Some food products that contain probiotics only list the species and genus and determining which specific strain will be most beneficial is difficult when that strain is not listed. When ordering online, checking the website can tell more about the strain and how much probiotic is offered in each serving. When buying foods with probiotics, it can be helpful to check the website of the manufacturer to find out what research was done on each specific strain and how much of each probiotic was used in the research.

Many people worry about self-dosing with any supplement but studies have shown that approximately 100 trillion microorganisms live in the human bowel, representing more than 500 different species of probiotics. Studies have been done on the effects of probiotic therapy and so far, no side effects have been noted by those taking these supplements. In fact, controlled trials have proven that Lactobacillus GG can help to shorten the life of diarrhea in children and infants and that the supplements lowered diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics by as much as 60 percent when compared to subjects taking placebos.

Supplements are often recommended for those who have irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Clinical trials have been done on the benefits of a probiotic supplement in sufferers of these digestive disorders with many positive results.

“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 (a complication of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis).”

Digestive disorders can be frustrating and very uncomfortable. Because of this, some sufferers begin taking probiotic supplements before they take the time to research those supplements and learn which ones off the specific strains needed to treat their disorders. Currently, more research is being done to determine which specific strains are best for which specific disorder but taking a probiotic supplement is certainly not going to harm.

Researchers now believe that probiotics can be very helpful in maintaining urogenital health in women as well. Birth control pills, antibiotics, spermicides and other factors can throw the female system out of balance. Studies show that probiotics can help to restore that balance and treat or prevent yeast infections, urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis. Many women eat yogurt to treat yeast infection and some even apply it topically. Some doctors years ago began recommending yogurt for the treatment of diaper rash in babies and again, eating it or applying it topically seems to work.

Unfortunately, not everyone can stomach the taste of yogurt and since it has been shown that this is the best form of probiotics in foods, at least certain strains, those who cannot eat yogurt may wonder how they can get the same benefits. This is where supplements come in. Again, there are a number of supplements on the market that offer various strains of probiotics. Learning more about which specific strain is needed is essential in enjoying the full benefit of taking these supplements for a number of health related conditions.

Probiotics are considered to be completely safe and although studies are still being done to rule out any potential side effects or issues, consumers should understand that probiotics are present in the digestive system, at least when it is functioning properly. When there are not enough probiotics, digestive disorders can develop. When taking a supplement it is essential to check the ingredients and ensure that the proper strain is included. Those who are completely unsure of whether or not to begin a probiotic supplement routine can check with their doctor to learn more about the health related benefits of these supplements and to find out which specific strain will be best for their specific health condition..