Question and Answer Guide for Probiotic Supplements!
Bacteria! They’re everywhere, and generally pose a threat to your health. Did you know that certain bacteria can actually be beneficial to your health?..
Good bacteria, also known as Probiotics are beneficial to our body and in fact, are extremely important to be present in our bodies. Many of us have heard about probiotics, some are unclear or unclear about what they are, and what they are.
I’ve been asked a number many times for information on this topic.
This is a Q and A of the most frequently asked questions regarding probiotics. Here are some most frequently asked questions I’ve received repeatedly asked. In the end, I’ve listed a short list of the essential aspects to be aware of about probiotics and buying points.
What exactly are Probitics?
Probiotics are living bacteria within our bodies. Millions of living cultures of real bacteria. There are more bacteria in our bodies than the cells in the human body. A total of 500-600 trillion probiotic strains are found within our bodies (the human body is composed of 100 trillion cells).
Are I suppose to have bacteria within my body?..
Yes. Probiotic is a contraction of Latin”for” (pro) (pro) and the Greek”life” (bio), “for life.” Probiotic is a reference to “for life.” Probiotics can also be described by the name of friendly bacteria, or intestinal flora.
Are these bacteria component of me?
They are not living organisms, separate from our bodies but still living inside us. They’ve been present since the beginning of time, and are suppose to be present. They are actually needed.
Why do we have them?
Probiotic bacteria are a symbiotic connection inside us. What they do to us is usually twofold.
Probiotics are a crucial part of digestion, where they play a role in the final digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we consume. Our bodies are unable to efficiently absorb nutrients without these microbes.
Probiotics are also the body’s primary line of defense against illness and colds. They combat and block the spread of infectious pathogens like harmful bacteria and viruses.
How do probiotics fight a cold?
Probiotics can fight bacteria and viruses in various ways.
One way that probiotic bacteria combat disease-causing pathogens (infectious agents) is through a process of crowding out the invading organism. Living organisms inside the body have to be attached to living tissue in order to live. They can’t just float within our bodies and not reside. A healthy supply of probiotics in the intestinal tract makes it impossible for pathogens to adhere and multiply.
Another method they use to fight viruses and bacteria is that it’s the very nature of certain probiotic strains to search for and attack the invading bacteria and viruses.
Another is that studies have demonstrated that many strains of probiotic bacteria increase production of IgA (immunoglobulan antibodies) which is a vital component of our immune system.
The stomach, the small and large intestines constitute the largest component of the body’s immune organs. They comprise 70% of the IgA making immune cells which are vital for the function of the immune system.
In simple terms, the condition of our intestinal tract determines our general health.
When should I be taking the probiotic supplement?
Although our bodies are assaulted by bacteria and viruses daily, probiotics as well as our immune system work every day and keep them from gaining grip and making us sick. However, there are instances that the probiotics within our bodyand immune system may be overwhelmed, whether with too many or by too strong an attack. The consumption of a probiotic supplement when you first notice a cold can greatly enhance the body’s natural ability to fight off pathogens that invade our body.
As the first signs of a cold start to appear people professionals in the field of nutrition reach first to a probiotic, and next to vitamin C as well as echinacea and other cold-fighting and anti-viral products.
Another reason it’s vital to supplement your probiotics is following a course of antibiotics (looking back to question two on what “probiotic” means, will give you an understanding of what the word “antibiotic” refers to).
Antibiotics do not just destroy harmful bacteria, they also kill healthy bacteria we require. This destruction can cause havoc on digestion and digestion of nutrients from food. This is why many people experience diarrhea after taking antibiotics. Because probiotic bacteria are an essential part to our body’s immune system using antibiotics also weakens our body’s natural capacity to defend itself against illness or infections. Even against things we normally would have defeated with no noticeable signs.
The conditions will continue until the gut ecosystem is replenished. A probiotic supplement will accelerate this process in a significant way. Additionally, it helps to keep from the sluggishness commonly encountered when using antibiotics.
All of this sounds great, but how come I haven’t had any experience with probiotics?
You’ve probably heard of. However, you might not have been aware of the name of it. The most well-known probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus. Many people know about acidophilus as one of those “beneficial” ingredients in yogurt. It is actually a type made up of bacteria known as probiotics.
I’ve seen on the bottles of supplements “billions” of cultures, is this excessive?
Billions may seem to be an enormous amount. But keep in mind that we are surrounded by trillions of dollars today. Based on the requirements, people could take anywhere from one million to 100 billion people per day.
Can I overdose?
No. The body will dispose of the stuff that isn’t being used.
In extreme instances or when you are taking mega doses, where hundreds of billions of probiotic cultures are taken every day gas and bloating may be observed.
What are the best ways to take them?
It is recommended to consume probiotics on the empty stomach. These bacteria strains can be fragile and easily diminished, weakened or destroyed in digestion prior to even getting to the intestines the place where they perform their function. Consume probiotics 15 minutes prior to eating (or even better , a half hour) or at the very least 30 to 45 minute interval after eating (or more ideal, a full hour).
Certain probiotics are coated with an extra-special outer coating known as the enteric coat. This stops it from opening up in the stomach area where pH is acidic or harmful, but it can be opened easily in the small intestine , where the pH is alkaline or safe. If this is the case, eating it along with food will not cause any problems.
Does the brand’s name matter?
It’s not always the case. It seems that all major, or well respected, brands in the nutritional-supplement industry all get their raw material from the same few main suppliers of bacteria. Any brand that is well-known and reputable sold by a health product retailer should be good.
There’s a lot of marketing and hype, so how do I choose which one to choose?
Some manufacturers have joined forces with researchers from probiotic research to understand what the various requirements for bacteria for the body of a person are at different levels in human growth. They often have tailored their products to meet the requirements of an age or health condition. This is great.
Other manufacturers focus on the amount of different cultures contained in the billions of capsule of their product and some even mention the number of varieties. This is great. However, a product that’s quantities, and strains, have been tied to a requirement or to an age-related range is superior.
(At the time of writing, this writer is a fan of that “Ultimate Flora” line by Renew Life. It’s a great blend of: -billions cultures in each capsule, -numbers of various strains, -that particular strains are blended in general product design and focusing on a particular condition or age, capsules that are coated with a vegetarian emulsion.
Renew Life is was also the only manufacturer that guarantees live cultures (not only during the manufacturing process but also until the date of expiration.)
Where can probiotic supplements be kept?
Probiotics are dried in the freezer prior to being made and then put into capsules. The bottles are sealed with a vacuum. They remain shelf-stable until the seal on the bottle breaks.
However, probiotics should be kept refrigerated until the seal has been removed. In the absence of refrigeration, the bacteria can “come alive” due to the heat and humidity that is present that we live in. In the absence of a food source and an appropriate environment , they’ll die and, consequently, that they are of no use.
What are pre-biotics?
Pre-biotics is a term used to signify a fermentable fiber called Fructo-oligosaccharides or FOS. This carbohydrate is frequently utilized as a natural sweetener, and is also a major source of probiotic bacteria. FOS’s can be included in a probiotic supplement.
Inulin is a well-known prebiotic or FOS, that can be that is found in a variety of natural and processed foods.
Are there probiotics in food?
Yes. Probiotics are made in the process of fermentation. In general, any food that has been fermented is a good Probiotic source.
Fermented food items include Yogurt and Kefir, Miso, Natto and Tempeh, Pickles and Sour kraut, Kimchi, Soy sauce and some cheeses generally aged cheese (not baked or processed).
What strains of specific herbs can help with certain ailments?
Yes. Certain strains of probiotic bacteria are specifically beneficial to specific circumstances. Lactobacillus Acidophilus to treat Candidiasis (yeast infections) and Lactobacillus Casei for Salmonella are two of the examples. In many cases , just getting products that contain a mixture of bacteria is sufficient.
(A thorough analysis on which varieties are the most suitable for which situations is beyond the topic of this Q&A. A simple search on the internet can be helpful regarding this; usprobiotics.org along with stomachbacteria.net are great places to begin.)
Probiotic Points to Consider..
* Of the billions of bacteria that exist in the world, only some hundred or so strains are considered to be friendly to human bodies.
* There are just 14 or 15 strains of probiotics in the supplements.
* Eighty-nine percent to ninety percent Probiotics are found within the intestinal tract, and most of them reside in the sinuses.
* The virus and colds begin in the intestines, where they start to multiply and expand. Probiotics are often able to prevent them from happening there.
Being able to maintain a gut ecology that is healthy is the key to being healthy. Health is directly related with the overall health of your gut ecosystem.
Probiotics can be extremely helpful in combating yeast infections.
Probiotics are vital to maintain gut health and therefore are extremely beneficial in conditions like Chron’s disease and Colitis.
* Following a course of antibiotics, our gut ecosystem is destroyed. The antibiotics destroy both good bacteria as well as bad. Because of this, we often end up suffering from diarrhea. Probiotics help to repopulate healthy bacteria within the gut, and help to stabilize our intestinal tracts.
* According to a number of nutritionists, using a probiotic product is the best line of defense when there is a signs of a cold illness.
* CFU stands for Culture-Forming Units.
Probiotics are generally fragile and could be damaged by acidity in the digestive system. So it is best to consume probiotics with the empty stomach. A lot of manufacturers will include an the coating of an enteric to guard against acidity in the digestive system.
The number of Bifido bacteria than lactobacilli within the body, and in nearly all stages of human growth.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus (and L. Casei) appears to be among the strongest of probiotic strains. It can withstand digestion in a way that is not protected better than other strains.
* Lactobacillus Sporogenes is protected by its own protective shell. It is able to digest well with no any other protection.
* When you take any probotic supplements, it’s recommended to choose an item that has a mix of strains of bacteria and use a product designed to treat an illness or age.
* Consuming a product that contains only one type of bacteria is beneficial in stabilizing the gut’s ecology, allowing digestion of nutrition, as well as fighting infections.
* Given that the body contains and requires trillions of cultures, capsules with 1 billion or less culture per capsule is drastically reduced in capacity to do their job as stated in the Q&A.
The majority of probiotic products sold at the supermarket and drug stores are in fact too low amount to have any tangible benefit or value for us.
Purchase Probiotics at a Discount..
In a product that contains probiotics look for:
* High billions of culture (10 billion and more CFU’s in each capsule).
There are multiple strains of bacteria.
* Garanty of living organisms onto the label.
* The coating of Enteric is an added benefit.
* The combination of bacteria (and quantity) included in the product that has been developed for a particular age or condition is an enormous benefit.
* A natural product well-known brand to guarantee quality as well as label claims and live bacteria.
Finding a quality probiotic supplement that is effective, shouldn’t be a stressful or difficult task. Follow these tips and your next visit to the local health store will be swift and simple.