What are they?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines them as ‘living microbes, that when utilized in appropriate quantities confer positive health benefits to their consumers.”
What do they do?
Science is still learning how they work, and each species may work differently from one another. The National Institute of Health (NIH) helped to map the normal bacteria that live in and on us, the microbiome. Now that they know that they are studying the changes in this microbiome that may cause disease. As probiotics metabolize, they may produce metabolites that provide other health benefits to the body. There is research in this area going on now. These metabolites are called Next Generation Probiotics (NPGs). Initially probiotics were considered a food product but now they are being studied as possible medicines and, in the future, may be regulated by the FDA.
How do I know if I need them?
There is a long list of reasons to take probiotics including: diarrhea, bloating, constipation, C diff infection, IBS, traveler’s diarrhea, diverticulosis, infant colic, and gum disease. Some even say they are good for acne, atopic dermatitis and menopausal issues. There are some conditions where probiotics can be harmful so, please if you have any health conditions such as immune compromised, check with your health care provider before starting any supplement. As I stated earlier these products can produce metabolites as they metabolize and some of those may be harmful.
Where do I get them?
The first place to get them is from food. Think yogurt, cheeses like gouda, cheddar, Swiss and parmesan. Other good sources are sour kraut, miso and pickles. After food it’s supplements. Don’t run out to the drug store and buy the cheapest one you see. You need to be careful about what you pick. Regardless of the species, probiotics need to be kept moisture free. They should be individually foil packed or in an amber glass bottle. You also need to look for high live culture counts. Check the expiration date and the storage recommendation. Some probiotics need to be refrigerated after opening.
As always, I recommend pharmaceutical grade supplements. These are certified to have in them what they say they do and can only be purchased from a health care professional. I will place a link at the end of this article for your convenience.
What genus, species, or strain do I need?
First let’s define these terms. Genus is the family, species is a member of the immediate family, and a strain is a member of the species. For example, Lactobacillus=genus, acidophilus=species and probiotics are the strains. One genus may produce many strains. Different strains may produce different results.
There are three main probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces.
Lactobacillus occurs naturally in the gut and other places in the body. As a probiotic it may promote good bacteria to multiply and help with digestion, vaginal infections, immune function, and possibly help to reduce cholesterol.
Bifidobacterium is also found in the gut. It helps to produce lactic acid which prevents bacterial overgrowth. It may also help to produce vitamins like thiamine, folic acid, biotin, nicotinic acid and others.
Saccharomyces increases the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes help to break down dietary sugars. Its main use is to treat leaky gut and to treat or prevent diarrhea.
So how do you know which strain you should take? Choose based on your symptoms or the outcome you are looking for. If you are on antibiotics, for example, you might choose one that prevents diarrhea.
Some brands mix strains, these may not be the best choice. More may not be better. Many strains have not been clinically studied and may do more harm than good or do nothing at all.
There is so much research out there that I could go on for days about these products. I’ve tried to give you the basics but if you want more information or have questions, I would be happy to help you. You can contact me at
SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com
To purchase pharmaceutical grade vitamins or supplements visit the following site.
Http:/www.wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas
I may receive a small commission if you purchase from this site.
#muchmorethanjustvitaminsWhat are they?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines them as ‘living microbes, that when utilized in appropriate quantities confer positive health benefits to their consumers.”
What do they do?
Science is still learning how they work, and each species may work differently from one another. The National Institute of Health (NIH) helped to map the normal bacteria that live in and on us, the microbiome. Now that they know that they are studying the changes in this microbiome that may cause disease. As probiotics metabolize, they may produce metabolites that provide other health benefits to the body. There is research in this area going on now. These metabolites are called Next Generation Probiotics (NPGs). Initially probiotics were considered a food product but now they are being studied as possible medicines and, in the future, may be regulated by the FDA.
How do I know if I need them?
There is a long list of reasons to take probiotics including: diarrhea, bloating, constipation, C diff infection, IBS, traveler’s diarrhea, diverticulosis, infant colic, and gum disease. Some even say they are good for acne, atopic dermatitis and menopausal issues. There are some conditions where probiotics can be harmful so, please if you have any health conditions such as immune compromised, check with your health care provider before starting any supplement. As I stated earlier these products can produce metabolites as they metabolize and some of those may be harmful.
Where do I get them?
The first place to get them is from food. Think yogurt, cheeses like gouda, cheddar, Swiss and parmesan. Other good sources are sour kraut, miso and pickles. After food it’s supplements. Don’t run out to the drug store and buy the cheapest one you see. You need to be careful about what you pick. Regardless of the species, probiotics need to be kept moisture free. They should be individually foil packed or in an amber glass bottle. You also need to look for high live culture counts. Check the expiration date and the storage recommendation. Some probiotics need to be refrigerated after opening.
As always, I recommend pharmaceutical grade supplements. These are certified to have in them what they say they do and can only be purchased from a health care professional. I will place a link at the end of this article for your convenience.
What genus, species, or strain do I need?
First let’s define these terms. Genus is the family, species is a member of the immediate family, and a strain is a member of the species. For example, Lactobacillus=genus, acidophilus=species and probiotics are the strains. One genus may produce many strains. Different strains may produce different results.
There are three main probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces.
Lactobacillus occurs naturally in the gut and other places in the body. As a probiotic it may promote good bacteria to multiply and help with digestion, vaginal infections, immune function, and possibly help to reduce cholesterol.
Bifidobacterium is also found in the gut. It helps to produce lactic acid which prevents bacterial overgrowth. It may also help to produce vitamins like thiamine, folic acid, biotin, nicotinic acid and others.
Saccharomyces increases the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes help to break down dietary sugars. Its main use is to treat leaky gut and to treat or prevent diarrhea.
So how do you know which strain you should take? Choose based on your symptoms or the outcome you are looking for. If you are on antibiotics, for example, you might choose one that prevents diarrhea.
Some brands mix strains, these may not be the best choice. More may not be better. Many strains have not been clinically studied and may do more harm than good or do nothing at all.
There is so much research out there that I could go on for days about these products. I’ve tried to give you the basics but if you want more information or have questions, I would be happy to help you. You can contact me at
SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com
To purchase pharmaceutical grade vitamins or supplements visit the following site.
Http:/www.wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas
I may receive a small commission if you purchase from this site.
#muchmorethanjustvitamins
Supplement Scribbles 