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Do antibiotics cause you an upset stomach? Or maybe you've experienced those embarrassing moments of belching and gas? Tired of searching for a lasting solution to these digestive woes, you coincidentally happen to watch a video applauding the benefits of probiotics. Though sceptical, you decide to give it a shot. But among the different probiotic strains for gut health, which one should you choose?
Probiotics have become a trending topic in the world of health and nutrition, promising several benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced immunity. Yet, the challenge often lies in understanding which probiotic strains offer specific health benefits. So, let’s unwind the benefits of probiotics and choose the best probiotic for colon health. After all, the right probiotic strain can make all the difference to your health!
Probiotics: Your gut's best friend
If you've ever felt the discomfort of bloating, the sharp pangs of abdominal pain, or the disruption of frequent diarrhoea, you're not alone. These digestive challenges significantly affect your day-to-day life, be it at work or during social interactions. No wonder you’re looking at probiotics with hope as gut health issues keep going around in circles. Before we choose the right probiotic strains for gut health, let’s first understand what probiotics are.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, offer health benefits to the host. In simpler terms, they're the good bacteria that reside in your gut. If your gut is a bustling city of bacteria, probiotics act as city planners, ensuring everything stays in harmony—from digestion to immunity and mental health to skin health.
Understanding probiotic strains
Having learned about probiotics, you might be tempted to try them out for yourself. Without wasting a moment, you land at the doors of a supermarket to buy probiotic supplements that contain concentrated amounts of beneficial bacteria. However, you become overwhelmed by the options.
Each product label tells a different story—if some contain Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei strains, others contain Bifidobacterium longum or Bifidobacterium animalis strains. If all probiotics are beneficial bacteria, what are these differences? Like how you come from a distinct family and have a particular name, these beneficial bacteria are categorised based on their genus, species, and strains. So, you must familiarise yourself with the following terms before choosing probiotic strains for gut health:
- Genus: Think of the genus as a family name. For example, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus are some of the common genera of probiotics.
- Species: Within a genus, there are different species. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei are two different species within the Lactobacillus genus.
- Strains: Each species can have multiple strains. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus has various strains, each with its unique characteristics and benefits.
Are you looking for a supplement that supports your gut as well as promotes weight loss? The Good Bug’s Metabolically Lean probiotic is an excellent choice. Discover the top supplements to nourish your gut and help you stay on track with your weight loss journey by watching the video below.
This is just a speck of the different types of probiotics you’ll find in your gut. Each of them addresses specific health concerns, so choosing the right one matters the most. So, let’s break down the most beneficial probiotic strains for gut health!
Best probiotic strains for gut health
Probably you’ve decided to try using probiotics because you’re tired of going through the same drill—eating food, feeling bloated, and losing peaceful sleep. But as you skim through supermarket shelves to get your hands on the best probiotic for colon health, another wave of confusion hits you. Even though all probiotics contain beneficial bacteria, which is the most suitable genus or strain for you? To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of top probiotic strains for gut health:
- Bifidobacterium animalis: Have you ever struggled with constipation or high cholesterol levels? Bifidobacterium animalis, particularly the subsp. lactis (B. lactis) HN019, might be your new best friend. This strain is commonly found in fermented foods like yoghurt and can help regulate bowel movements and lower bad cholesterol levels.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum: If you’ve got a sensitive gut, probiotics containing bifidobacterium bifidum strains are your go-to companions. This strain helps soothe your digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Bifidobacterium longum: Can’t tolerate belly aches and cramps? Try including probiotics containing Bifidobacterium longum in your daily regime. This strain is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with inflammatory conditions like IBD and ulcerative colitis.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: Does taking antibiotics lead to diarrhoea? Or maybe you fall sick often due to the overgrowth of harmful pathogens? Lactobacillus acidophilus is crucial for maintaining healthy gut flora during times of illness or antibiotic treatments. It improves digestion, boosts immunity, and reduces lactose intolerance symptoms.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Have you noticed unusual changes in your bowel movements? Lactobacillus rhamnosus helps relieve IBS symptoms and plays a significant role in reducing the frequency of diarrhoea, bolstering gut integrity, modulating immune response, and even potentially offering protection against cavities by inhibiting harmful oral bacteria.
- Lactobacillus casei: If you’re troubled by the symptoms of IBD, such as joint pain, rectal bleeding, or nausea, Lactobacillus casei offers relief by balancing the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation.
- Lactobacillus plantarum: Looking to improve your digestive health in general? Lactobacillus plantarum is a viable option. This strain supports your digestive system by enhancing nutrient breakdown, combating pathogenic bacteria, and assisting in vitamin production.
- Lactobacillus reuteri: Do you experience chest pain or fall short of breath? These might be signs of poor heart health. Lactobacillus reuteri is celebrated for its ability to balance cholesterol levels, making it an invaluable addition for those focusing on cardiovascular wellness.
The Good Bug offers a range of daily probiotics containing these beneficial bacterial strains. Check out our collection and listen to the reviews of our clients to know how our products impact their lives.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9gNICTDa17TyBhaI7kzKD0uqX6vvz1Ml
So, does that mean you can simply look for these specific strains on the product label and choose probiotics? It’s not that simple; let’s see other factors to consider while picking out your friendly bugs.
How to choose the right probiotic strain?
Suppose you’ve been battling the condition of IBS for some time now. Though you’ve made changes to your diet and lifestyle, you cannot seem to escape from the occasional bouts of pain and discomfort. Having heard that probiotics help ease the symptoms, you jump out to buy them. But alas, you don’t see the expected results. So, are probiotics to blame? Not at all! It’s due to your lack of understanding of probiotic strains for gut health.
Choosing the right probiotic strain involves understanding the unique benefits each strain offers. This isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. Each strain can address different health needs, so knowing what to look for is essential. Let’s go through the following factors that will help you pick out the best probiotic for colon health:
- Consider your specific needs: Do you want to improve your digestive health? Or maybe you’re looking to boost your immunity? Assess your health condition and choose strains known to support those needs.
- Check the CFU count: The Colony Forming Units (CFU) reflect the potency of the probiotic. The appropriate CFU count can vary depending on the health concern you're addressing. Make sure the products you're considering align with recommended CFU counts based on clinical studies specific to those strains.
- Seek advice from healthcare providers: Guidance from healthcare providers is invaluable. They can suggest specific strains and CFU counts tailored to your individual needs and health profile, ensuring compatibility with any ongoing treatments or medical conditions.
- Look for a variety of strains: A diverse blend of strains can be an attractive option. Several strains working together might cover a broader spectrum of benefits. However, ensure the strains have been tested for their effectiveness when combined, which helps improve their benefits compared to consuming random, untested blends.
Can different blends of strains prove beneficial? Let’s understand in detail how a combination of probiotic strains can be more effective than single strains.
Multi-strain probiotic formulations
Did you think you can only take a single probiotic strain at a time? If a single probiotic strain can address your health concerns, imagine the impact of multiple-strain probiotics; the benefits go beyond what any single strain can offer! As they contain different probiotic strains, you can expect to experience the following benefits:
- Increased diversity: Many multi-strain formulations are more effective because they replicate the diversity of a healthy gut's microbiome better than single-strain options. Due to a diverse range of strains, they help restore balance to the gut microbiome.
- Strengthen gut-barrier function: Multi-strain probiotics also bolster the gut's resilience against pathogenic microbes, including antibiotic-resistant strains. They can strengthen the gut barrier, reduce permeability, and prevent harmful pathogens from moving through the body.
Whether single or multi-strain, the right probiotics leave a lasting impact on your health. But where do you find probiotics with these beneficial strains? Let’s find out next!
Where to get probiotics?
Now that you’ve identified the best probiotic strains for gut health, it’s time to reveal where you can find them. You cannot set off to a lab, formulate the strains, and simply gulp them down, right? Let’s round up the most popular probiotic sources and get started with enjoying their benefits:
- Probiotic foods: If you’re considering trying the best probiotic for colon health, start by including probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, kefir, kimchi, etc. into your diet. These foods contain beneficial bacterial strains for improving your gut health. You can either buy them at stores or indulge in a little DIY fermenting activity.
- Probiotic supplements: Sometimes, probiotic foods do not provide enough live cultures to survive the journey through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can diminish their effectiveness. In such cases, supplements are a more reliable source. These supplements are designed with specific strains and withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, ensuring that more beneficial bacteria make it to the gut.
For the best results, it’s better to mix your intake of probiotic foods and supplements. Whether you are enjoying a cup of kefir with its rich array of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, or taking a daily probiotic capsule, maintaining a regular intake is key to enhancing your gut health and overall well-being.
With so many options available, it can be a little tricky to identify the best probiotic for colon health. However, once you assess your needs and understand the benefits of different strains, choosing the probiotic will be as easy as picking your groceries. So, don’t get lost in the world of probiotic strains for gut health; consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations.
Using probiotics might seem like a tiny step, but it can have a profound impact on your health. Begin your transformation journey with The Good Bug! We have a curated collection of probiotics and prebiotics to uplift your mood and health. Embrace this new regime, and you're likely to see positive results!
References
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-101
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/best-probiotic-strains-older-adults
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-pick-the-best-probiotic-for-you
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/learning-lab/in-depth/gut-health/best-gut-probiotics
https://omnibioticlife.com/blogs/blog/types-of-probiotics
