Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. However, not all probiotics are created equal – there are different strains or types that can help with specific issues.
Because intestinal flora have been shown to strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation, researchers think probiotic supplements may help speed recovery from coronavirus by inhibiting or limiting this “cytokine storm” (64). In addition to their potential effects on weight loss, digestion, and neurological disorders, probiotics may improve heart health, immune function, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is only a small slice of probiotics’ benefits, as ongoing studies indicate a wide breadth of potential health effects. While more research is needed, some probiotic strains appear to aid weight loss (43). Research indicates that multi-strain probiotic supplements seem to bring most IBS improvement, especially when taken for longer than 8 weeks. Probiotics are living microorganisms that boost health when consumed in adequate amounts.
Common Probiotic Strains
This name for a combination of probiotics and prebiotics in a supplement is ‘synbiotic’ . Research shows that Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 effectively establishes a healthy gut microbiome, especially in those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A pilot clinical trial in subjects with highly debilitating IBS showed that LactoSpore® supplementation improved quality of life scores by 20% and reduced the frequency of bloating symptoms by an astounding 30-fold compared to placebo treatment [47]. What’s disconcerting is that most probiotic supplements don’t list any specific strain next to the microbial species on the label. Taking probiotics that don’t explicitly state any particular strains of microbes is like playing a guessing game. Omni-Biotic probiotics are rooted in extensive research, testing, and clinical studies.
Some common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria that is found in the intestines and helps with digestion. Bifidobacterium, on the other hand, is also found in the intestines and helps with the production of vitamins and enzymes.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in certain foods or supplements. Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in the digestive system. These probiotics have received Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status by the U.S. Research demonstrates that combo therapy with 1 billion CFU each of RC-14® and GR-1® may benefit women by reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal candidiasis [40, 41, 42, 43]. Microbes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans, particularly the small intestine, are collectively referred to as the human gut microbiome. Microbiologists postulate there are ten times as many microbial cells living on and within the human body than human cells [2].
Specific Issues and Probiotic Strains
For individuals struggling with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diarrhea, certain strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium infantis may be beneficial. These strains have been shown to help regulate gut function and improve symptoms.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to boost your immune system, strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis may be more effective. These strains have been shown to enhance the body’s natural defenses against harmful bacteria and viruses.
Additionally, foods treated with pesticides may have negative effects on the gut bacteria, although more research is needed to confirm this (7, 8). TL Gut Health has been in the works for quite some time, and the wait was well worth it. If you’re searching for one of the best probiotic supplements on the market, trust your gut (no pun intended) and grab a bottle today by clicking here.
BB-12® has also been shown to have strong immunomodulating benefits; in a controlled 6-week clinical trial of 211 subjects, those taking BB-12® had a 65% greater increase of plasma immunoglobulins than the placebo group [14]. A multi-national study encompassing over 1,200 European participants demonstrated that even a minimal BB-12® dose (1 billion CFU per day) increased weekly bowel movement frequency by nearly 200% in constipated individuals [13]. Also, dietary supplements aren’t tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so there’s actually no telling if you’re getting what you are paying for.
Look for the beneficial strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and you may also see species like Streptococcus thermophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii, among others. This is sometimes listed as a proprietary blend, although with blends, you lose the transparency of knowing how many CFU each strain contributes. Prebiotics and probiotics can be found in supplemental forms and certain foods, and you’ll get postbiotics just by consuming these first. As a general rule, you can take probiotics at any time of the day, with or without food. Some types of probiotics may have special storage instructions, so those should be followed to maximize their effectiveness.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of probiotics can vary from person to person, so it may take some trial and error to find the right strain for your specific needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional can also help guide you in selecting the best probiotic for your individual health concerns.
Researchers find early results of IBS probiotic treatment promising but say additional large trials are necessary before healthcare providers can confidently prescribe probiotic treatments consistently for IBS (34). The complex community of microorganisms in your gut is called the gut flora, gut microbiota, or gut microbiome (14, 15). Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when ingested, provide a health benefit (6). Inferior brands might contain only one probiotic species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
