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Did you know that our bodies contain up to trillions of beneficial bacteria, primarily concentrated in the digestive tract? Supplementing probiotics can have many health benefits. However, you need to know the details about the effects of probiotics, their classifications, and how to take them.
The Effects of Probiotics
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that you can supplement to improve your health.
Among the various types of microorganisms in your body, some are beneficial and essential for both the digestive system and overall health. Apart from beneficial bacteria, harmful and neutral bacteria also exist in your body.
Beneficial bacteria are primarily concentrated in the digestive tract. To ensure healthy bodily functions, it's crucial to maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria – meaning ensuring the quantity of beneficial bacteria equals or exceeds that of harmful or neutral bacteria.
The effects of probiotics not only support digestive health but also aid the body in metabolizing nutrients from food and play a vital role in producing vitamins B12 and K.
How to Choose Suitable Probiotics?
Choosing the best probiotics can be challenging.
Experts recommend taking probiotics supplement, as they offer benefits to all groups. However, when faced with many types of probiotics on the market, determining which one suits you can be extremely challenging. Below are some criteria you can consider when selecting probiotics:
1. Choose a Variety of Beneficial Strains: Opt for probiotics containing multiple strains because different strains of beneficial bacteria provide different health benefits. Our intestines contain up to 1,000 beneficial strains; therefore, selecting a probiotic supplement with multiple strains will cater to the natural diversity of the digestive system.
2. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria Strains: Lactobacillus strains are commonly used beneficial bacteria known for their ability to break down lactose, providing benefits to lactose intolerant individuals. Bifidobacteria strains are known to promote regular bowel movements and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It's advisable to seek a probiotic supplement containing various strains, including those clinically proven to benefit health.
3. The Number of Beneficial Bacteria: Apart from selecting probiotics with numerous beneficial strains, pay attention to the number of beneficial bacteria in each dose. With over 100 trillion bacteria in the digestive tract, choosing a probiotic supplement containing billions of live beneficial bacteria will promote a healthier gut.
According to healthcare experts, probiotic supplements containing at least 10 billion beneficial bacteria or more can effectively support digestive health.
Common Questions When Using Probiotics
Daily probiotic supplementation is considered highly effective in improving internal health. Additionally, having more beneficial bacteria aids digestion and boosts immunity.
However, individuals new to probiotic use commonly have several familiar questions:
1. Do I need to take probiotics supplement daily? Probiotics are found in only a few everyday foods. For instance, yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables (such as kimchi, sauerkraut) contain probiotics. Not everyone includes these foods in their daily diet. Usually, a balanced digestive system has a balanced bacterial population. However, external factors such as stress, travel to unfamiliar places, poor dietary habits, or medication usage can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. When the digestive system becomes imbalanced, noticeable symptoms such as bloating, gas, indigestion, or constipation may arise. Therefore, taking probiotics supplement daily is considered a preventive measure to help maintain the balance of gut microbiota, supporting digestive and immune functions.
2. How long does it take to see probiotic effects? The effectiveness of probiotic use varies and depends on the individual's pre-existing condition before use. Probiotics' effects differ based on the digestive issues you're experiencing. For those suffering from constipation or digestive disturbances, consistent probiotic use is necessary for beneficial bacteria to positively impact gut bacterial balance. Conversely, individuals supplementing probiotics to maintain healthy digestion typically observe overall health improvement within days or weeks. Choosing probiotic supplements with high bacterial counts and diverse strains ensures better protection of beneficial bacteria from stomach acid and guarantees more beneficial bacteria reach the gut promptly, leading to faster overall effectiveness.
3. Are there any side effects of probiotics? Typically, probiotics do not have significant side effects. Unlike medications, probiotics are supplements designed to support health. Therefore, adverse effects are uncommon. However, as with trying new foods or changing dietary habits, daily probiotic use may initially cause bloating or gas. The advice here is to gradually increase the probiotic intake until your body adjusts without adverse effects. Additionally, if you're using other medications or supplements, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper probiotic use and avoid potential drug interactions.
4. Should probiotics be taken before or after meals? Research suggests that the best time to take probiotics is in the morning before breakfast or before bedtime. Administering probiotics on an empty stomach ensures optimal effectiveness. Taking probiotics at least 30 minutes before a meal reduces the time required for beneficial bacteria to enter the gut. The best environment for probiotics to exert their effects is in the small and large intestines. These are areas where beneficial bacteria can improve digestion and enhance immune function. To ensure probiotics reach the small and large intestines without being killed by stomach acid, taking them on an empty stomach is ideal.
Advantages and Limitations of Probiotic Capsules
Using probiotics in capsule form offers many conveniences:
1. High Stability: Storing beneficial bacteria in soft gel capsules protects them from moisture, temperature, and the acidic environment of the stomach, ensuring a high survival rate until they reach the small and large intestines. This is particularly important for strains of beneficial bacteria that are fragile and require enhanced protection. Opting for probiotic capsules ensures that the bacteria reach their destination, providing maximum effectiveness for the gut.
2. High Bacterial Counts: Probiotic capsules typically contain higher concentrations of bacteria per dose compared to powdered or liquid forms. Supplementing with higher bacterial counts ensures you receive enough to support gut balance and overall health effectively.
3. Ease of Storage: Probiotic capsules are easy to store at room temperature, making them convenient for travelers or those on the go. You can carry capsules in your bag and use them daily without the need for mixing with a ready-made solution.
4. Longer Shelf Life: Probiotic capsules generally have a longer shelf life compared to other types of formulations. This means you can stock up on them without worrying about expiration dates. A longer shelf life ensures you always have a probiotic supplement available whenever needed.
However, probiotic capsules also have limitations. Not all strains of bacteria can survive the encapsulation process, meaning you may not receive the full benefits of certain bacterial strains when using these products. Therefore, when selecting these products, it's crucial to consider their origin and production technology.
Vitatree Probiotics Broad Spectrum is designed to address this issue by introducing 25 billion good bacteria from 11 strains of beneficial bacteria to colonize your gut, promoting a healthy digestive system. With this powerful combination, the product can support your overall digestive health and contribute to your overall well-being.
Find out more here: https://vitatree.com.au/pages/probiotics-supplement-collection