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Probiotics: What Are They, What Do They Do, and Do You Need Them?

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You may be wondering what exactly a probiotic is. Maybe you’ve starting researching gut health and probiotics started popping up everywhere you look. Maybe your health-nut best friend has been begging you to take them for years, and you’re finally starting to listen. Maybe you had some side effects from taking antibiotics, and your doctor suggested a probiotic as a defense. Whatever led you here, you’re about to find out all about these amazing bacteria.

What Are Probiotics?

When most people hear the word bacteria, they are instantly repelled (hence the booming business of anti-bacterial hand soap)! However, there are many varieties of ‘good’ bacteria that can be extremely beneficial to everyday health. A person has anywhere from 300 to 500 different species of bacteria in his or her digestive tract, making up what is called the ‘microbiome’. When more ‘bad’ bacteria is found than ‘good’ bacteria, it can lead to a whole host of health problems. Probiotics can help rebalance the gut and heal any issues caused by the ‘bad’ bacteria. These good bacteria can be found naturally occurring in food sources such as yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), Kefir, and naturally fermented foods like pickles or sauerkraut. However, the actual amount of good bacteria in these foods can vary significantly, and food manufacturers are not required to label the number of them in their products. For this reason, probiotic supplements are an easy way to get a consistent amount of immune-boosting bacteria regularly.

Supplements

Not all probiotic supplements are created equal. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it is important to research the company you choose to purchase from. Look for outside studies to ensure what is listed on the label is actually what is inside the bottle. One study found 5 out of 19 probiotic brands were incorrectly labeled. It is always a great idea to show the product you plan to take to your healthcare provider for an expert opinion.

CFUs (Colony Forming Units)​

When researching which probiotic is right for you, make sure to look at the CFU count for each product. CFUs usually range from 1 billion to 10 billion per dose. Make sure to check the dosage to see if you need one or two pills to get the ideal CFU count. Less CFUs could mean you may not get the results you want; extremely high CFUs may be a waste. Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional to find the right balance.

What Do They Do?

Probiotic supplements can help rebalance your microbiome by introducing a wave of good bacteria into your system. Over time, this helps reduce inflammation in the gut, which creates harmony throughout the rest of the body.

How Do You Know If You Need Some?

Probiotics can help solve a host of problems. You should give them a try if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

Skin Problems

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Dry or irritated skin

    • Food Intolerances

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Dry or irritated skin

    • Stomach Issues

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Clostridium Difficile (c-Dif)
  • Chronic bloating

  • Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Heartburn

    • Fatigue

  • Inability to fall asleep\
  • Trouble staying asleep
  • Constant fatigue

    • Unhealthy Diet

    Probiotics help here through the reduction of gut inflammation caused by sugary or processed foods.

    Weight Issues

    Probiotics can help you reach your weight loss goals, or they can be helpful as you try to maintain weight. If you weigh too little, balancing your gut biome can actually help you gain weight.

    In addition to the above issues, a healthy gut biome has been linked to improved mood, mental health, immune system performance, and a decrease in the severity of endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer.

    Who Should or Should Not Take Them?

    Generally speaking, these bacteria are beneficial to just about everyone. Men, women, and children can all benefit from a consistent diet including probiotic supplements. If you suffer from any of the conditions listed above, you should strongly consider adding them to your routine.

    Pregnant and Nursing Women

    There have been several small studies linking probiotic use in pregnant and nursing women to better birth outcomes and a healthier microbiome in their newborns. These outcomes include but are not limited to:

    • A lower chance of developing life-threatening pre-eclampsia
    • Prevention of atopic eczema in children
    • A lower chance of pre-term birth
    • Lower incidences of postpartum depression or anxiety disorders


    Please note, you should always consult with your physician before taking any
    supplements while pregnant or nursing.

    People Taking Antibiotics

    Antibiotics are necessary to help us heal from certain illnesses, but they can wreak havoc on our entire system. Antibiotics have no way to distinguish between the good and bad bacteria in your microbiome, so everything gets wiped out evenly. Flushing your system with good bacteria at the same time you are taking antibiotics can help you recover faster and avoid some unwanted side effects from the antibiotics.

    Immuno-Compromised People

    While probiotics are generally safe, if you are an adult or child who is immuno-compromised, they may not be right for you. It is important to speak to your healthcare professional before adding them to your routine to ensure it is the best option for you.

    How Should They Be Taken?

    The most important parts of taking a probiotic supplement are consistency and timing. The benefit of having good bacteria builds up in your gut over time; the more consistent you are in taking them, the higher the benefit. Just like antibiotics, it is important to take them at the same time every day. Different manufacturers will tell you specific directions for their product, but research shows it generally does not make a difference if you take them on an empty or full stomach.

    We hope we have answered everything you ever needed or wanted to know about probiotic supplements, and we know you will enjoy everything we have to offer. Check out Panacea Scientific today for all your probiotic needs and more. We can’t wait to hear what you think!

    Our Mission Statement

    The Mission of Panacea Scientific is to provide effective, Natural Healing through all natural supplements of the Highest Quality. Inspired by Panacea, the goddess of natural remedies, Panacea Scientific develops and shares all natural solutions that help America lead a Healthier Lifestyle. We lead with The Nature of Science.

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