When and how to take an Extra Strength Probiotic
The dosage of a probiotic supplement may sometimes seem tricky. Actually it is quite simple. If you want to take a probiotic just for prevention, your health is good, and a probiotic seems like a good idea, which it is, then a basic multistrain complex capsule at a dosage of about 6 billion CFU (a CFU is a colony forming unit) in other words the amount of bacteria that are viable and can still be active. You take it once a day just before breakfast.
Chose a shelf stable product that guarantees bacterial count at expiry date. Some products will still put at the count of manufacturing date. What does that tell you ? nothing. You won't know how much live bacteria are still in the capsule.
If you already have an indication for Probiotics such as diarrhea, IBS or other, then you may want to either increase the frequency at twice daily or the dosage and take an extra strength capsule at 10 billion CFU daily. You seldom need to take a stronger product. Actually, take the test. Sometimes stronger does not mean better.
If you have chronic constipation, in addition to everything you do such as increase in fiber, increase in liquids and increase in physical activity, You may want to add a probiotic formula that provides a strong Bifidobacteria concentration. Bifidobacteria are known to improve bowel movement.
Colon's friendly bifidobacteria population decreases from the age of 50
The natural flora of the intestine changes with age. In a healthy newborn, the intestine contains mostly the bacteria called Bifidobacteria up to 80-90%. As we age this friendly Bifidobacteria population is reduced. That it be because of antibiotics, stress, bad diet, food additives, alcohol or the natural aging process, the protective effect of the Bifidobacteria is lessened and replaced by bad bacteria such as Clostridia. That is one of the reasons why age is a risk factor in many GI diseases such as IBD, IBS, polyps, and cancer. It is not age per say that increases your risk of developing a colon cancer. It is that as we age the Bifidobacteria population loses the battle against the harmful bacteria. One more reason to regularly take a probiotic formula designed to enhance your own Bifidobacteria by supplying several strains of these helpful bacteria. When you get more good Bifidobacteria, your own protective barrier improves providing a safety belt against these dreadful diseases.
Suffering from a chronic unbalanced intestinal flora?
Let's say that you have a GI disorder such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), there is not much the doctor can give to relieve those awkward symptoms that come up mostly when you're under tension. That it be bloating, cramps, diarrhea or even constipation, these symptoms are personal but they always attack when you're under stress. Let's say that you have to speak in front of people ... that's the time that one of those debilitating tummy aches will stop you from giving your best. Did you know that the best help comes from probiotics? Research shows that your symptoms come from what is called bysbiosis. That means your gut flora is unhealthy. Having the bad bacteria grow in there doesn't cause acute symptoms but low grade discomfort. A discomfort you've learned to live with. Then stress comes in and what was a mild discomfort becomes debilitating. The solution : take a good quality multistrain probiotic. Over a period of time these good bacteria will keep the bad ones from growing and the symptoms will lessen. You'll be more ready to perform under stress. No more cramps.
Why take a probiotic every day?
A probiotic a day keeps the doctor away... Did you know that 70% of your immune system is located in and around your GI? That the flora interacts with the immune system either positively or negatively? If your flora is healthy with sufficient lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria than the interaction with your immune system is positive. It is supported and helps prevent contagions from colds and flus to gastroenteritis. On the other hand if your flora is unhealthy, then your immune system has to fight daily to keep the bad pathogens at bay. In addition, good bacteria will also help increase your stress resistance. There is more and more research linking good bacteria in the gut and reduction of nervous disorders. Mostly you may want to take a multistrain probiotic if you have any complaint in your tummy from food intolerance to any form of bloating.
The Benefits of Probiotics
by the editors of PureHealthMD
There’s a battle being waged in your intestinal tract, and the bacteria outnumber the cells ten-to-one. Fortunately, this is a good thing. Probiotics are the good bacteria that we all have and need for intestinal tract and bowel health. These beneficial bacteria keep the bowel walls healthy, make vitamins and block out many of the bad bacteria that can infect the intestines.
Doctors often recommend probiotics during and after an antibiotic regimen to combat the loss of good bacteria killed by the antibiotic. Losing these good bacteria can cause diarrhea and expose one to bacterial superinfections. Following an antibiotic with a probiotic can help replenish the good bacteria in the bowels. Patients with a history of bowel symptoms are often given probiotics to help restore the health of the bowel wall. The bacteria have also been shown to reduce the risk and severity of eczema in newborns and infants when obtained by having pregnant and breastfeeding mothers ingest probiotics, or direct supplementation to the child.
Patients who have received an excess of antibiotics for colds, ear infections, sinus problems or other conditions should consider probiotics to restore a normal ratio of good-to-bad bacteria. Patients who experience irritable bowel symptoms, diarrhea, frequent travelers or those who are prone to stomach/bowel infections should consider probiotic treatment as well. Adding large amounts of the helpful bacteria can crowd out potential pathogens, bad bacteria and viruses that might cause infections.
Probiotics can be taken once or twice a day for maintenance of good bowel health. For patients taking antibiotics, it is recommended to take at least one dosage between the antibiotic doses, and for a minimum of two weeks once the antibiotic is done. Those with chronic bowel problems or suffering from bowel symptoms, start by taking probiotics twice daily. If you plan to travel and want to avoid bowel infections, consider taking one dose at least twice a day starting several days prior to departure and continuing until back home. Unless instructed otherwise, take probiotics at the end of a meal. They should be swallowed with pure, non-chlorinated water. On the next page, learn how to incorporate probiotics into your daily diet.
Daily Dose of Probiotics
What about yogurt?
Certain yogurts are probiotic. After the pasteurization process, manufacturers will add active cultures of certain bacteria that are beneficial to the digestive system. Similarly, kefir is a cultured milk product full of healthy bacteria. Both of these are great additions to a healthy diet. Although the amount of bacterial colonies in these food products are far less than supplements, people with regular bowel function and children can benefit from daily use.
Be certain to read the label and check for added “active cultures.” It’s recommended you select organic products to ensure the milk used in its production is free of hormones and antibiotics as well.
Which bacteria should I look for?
There are many bacteria that are used for probiotics. Any supplement or food product used in repopulating the digestive system with healthy bacteria should contain Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus or acidophilus), Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacteria bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus.
A dose of 5-10 billion colony-forming units (CFU) is best. Realize that probiotics are live bacteria that are sensitive to their environment. Because of this, it requires careful production, storage and delivery to remain viable. One should not expect to receive all of the possible benefits from an inexpensive probiotic supplement.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are indigestible carbohydrates called oligosaccharides. They serve as food to healthy, probiotic bacteria. These beneficial oligosaccharides can be obtained from food products or from additional supplementation. Specific food sources include green tea, dark-colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains and garlic. Diets rich in both prebiotics and probiotics are ideal for optimal digestive health.
