Which Probiotic Should I Take?

When it comes to choosing a probiotic, there are various options. You should take the time to understand the strains of probiotics and how they may improve your health.

Probiotic supplements are full of helpful and friendly bacteria that are identical to the microorganisms naturally found in the body. The numerous probiotic products available nowadays contain a wider range of bacteria strains and it can be difficult to understand which one is suitable for your individual needs.

What Is The Gut Microbiome?

A microbiome is the biome that is living on and in your body. This includes bacteria, fungi, protists, archaea, and viruses that make up the balance of your microbiome.

Your microbiome composition is mostly defined by genetics and upbringing. It’s highly influenced by a variety of circumstances, including being born vaginally or by cesarean section, whether you were breastfed, the use of antibiotics, and exposure to toxic substances, pesticides, and other pollutants.

Experts now understand that this microbiome is crucial to our overall health and some even refer to it as our second brain.

Slight abnormalities in our gut flora can have a big impact on mental health, appearance of the skin, immune defense, and digestion. It’s been shown to impact nearly every known disorder, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes.

Your microbiome and its influence on your reaction to insulin and thyroid gland function can even play a role in the likelihood of weight gain.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that, when taken in sufficient quantities, provide health benefits to the body.

There are millions of these friendly bacteria that reside in your body and many are found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Every microbiome is unique and research has proven that it’s determined before birth. According to research, your microbiome varies during your life as a result of the food you consume, lifestyle choices, and exposure to various environmental factors.

Probiotics colonize the gut and this is an important component of your immune system as gut bacteria perform numerous tasks in your body, influencing factors such as weight, mood, and inflammation.

Types Of Probiotic Species

While there are an infinite variety of beneficial bacteria, the most common ones found in probiotic supplements are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Saccharomyces are considered a beneficial, non-colonizing yeast rather than a bacterium.

Below are some of the benefits of these strains so you can choose the right probiotic for your needs.

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Saccharomyces is a yeast that can play a role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune support, and antidiabetic.

This yeast improves the health of the intestinal lining by encouraging good bacteria to adhere to the intestinal walls to produce something called butyrate. In turn, this suppresses the activity of specific immune cells to decrease inflammation.

An ingredient called EpiCor® found in immune support probiotic supplements, like Hyperbiotics Immune, is created from saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus bacteria are found throughout the intestines, skin, and vaginal microbiome. Lactobacillus probiotics help to populate the intestines with these beneficial bacteria that aid in energy levels, mood, hormone levels, blood sugar, bone and joint health.

This genus contains hundreds of species. The most commonly seen include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus paracasei.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown in research to assist in inflammatory diseases along with digestive function disorders.

Another study found that combining Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium reduces bloating and promotes regular bowel movements, acting as a barrier against severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatment.

You can find all of these strains and plenty more in Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Gut Health probiotic supplement.

Bifidobacterium

The genus Bifidobacterium are some of the first microorganisms to inhibit the gastrointestinal tract when you are born. Some species that are commonly seen in probiotic supplements include Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum.

Bifidobacterium have been shown in studies to ensure a healthy colon, and a particular strain of Bifidobacterium lactis has been shown to help reduce body fat mass, waist circumference, and food consumption.

Probiotic Side Effects

You may have digestive side effects, such as gas and minor stomach pain, for the first few days of taking probiotics. There’s no cause for alarm, once you've adjusted, your digestion should improve.

There is a high risk of probiotic side effects for individuals with impaired immune systems, such as those with HIV, AIDS, and other immune-related illnesses.

If you have a medical condition, speak to a qualified health professional before using a probiotic supplement.

Listed below are some common probiotic side effects:

Headaches
Skin conditions
Risk of infection
SIBO
Gas
Bloating
Constipation
Antibiotic resistance
Allergies

Choosing The Best Probiotic

A probiotic supplement must include live and active bacterial cultures and this should be clearly stated on the container. You should consider select probiotics that contain specific strains to meet your individual needs.

If you're considering taking probiotics, you should first assess whether it's necessary for your particular health needs. If you've been told to take a probiotic, keep the following in mind:

Probiotic Strains

Evidence suggests that certain probiotic strains are more helpful than others for specific medical conditions and symptoms. That being said, it’s best to opt for supplements that contain the specific probiotic strains that have been studied for the treatment of your condition.

Intended Use

The effectiveness of probiotics is determined by the strain as well as the illness/issue you are trying to treat. This means that the exact strain and dosage must match the illness or concern being treated.

Storage Requirements

Some probiotics must be refrigerated and storage recommendations can usually be found on the product label.

Probiotics are generally heat sensitive. As a result, if they don't require refrigeration, keep them in a cool, dry place.

Colony Forming Units (CFUs)

The quality is important. Look for probiotics with at least 1 million CFUs per gram since most studies indicate that this is the minimum level required to have an effect on the body.

Branding

Manufacturing procedures, shelf life, and composition can all have a substantial impact on the effectiveness of a probiotic supplement. As a result, obtaining probiotics from well-known, recommended companies is important.

Below is a list of the best probiotics made by Hyperbiotics that you can use daily depending on your needs and concerns:

Hyperbiotics PRO-Bifido

PRO-Bifido is a probiotic for anyone over the age of 50. The supplement, which contains selected strains of Bifidobacterium, promotes immunological function, bone and joint health, mental and emotional well-being, weight management, colon and digestive health. It has 3 billion CFUs, which is equivalent to 45 billion CFUs in regular probiotic capsules.

Bifidobacterium aid in the treatment of diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They also assist in the breakdown of food, the absorption of nutrients, and the battle against pathogenic organisms.

Hyperbiotics PRO-Women

Hyperbiotics PRO-Women is a probiotic supplement that helps women reclaim their lives by restoring their gut flora. The product is an all-natural and unique mix that comprises three ingredients clinically studied for women's health.

The probiotic is released over the course of 8-10 hours, allowing you to combat gastric acid and keep the stomach healthy. It not only contains cranberry and D-Mannose, but also a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics help probiotics by encouraging the growth of helpful bacteria in your colon.

PRO-Women contains the following strains:

Bifidobacterium Bifidum

Bifidobacterium bifidum is unique in that it contributes to the vaginal microbiome balance with the production of lactic acid. This can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Some studies suggest that Bifidobacterium bifidum provide antibacterial features against pathogenic bacteria and minimize inflammation caused by various digestive dysfunctions.

It has been shown that expecting mother's recommended a probiotic with Bifidobacterium bifidum can provide an optimal vaginal microbiome that may be inherited by the baby.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces the spread of harmful bacteria by preventing and treating intestinal infections and diarrhea.

There have also been studies promoting Lactobacillus rhamnosus in the prevention and minimization of allergic diseases.

It's known to be recommended to pregnant women as it populates the vaginal microbiome and inheritance by the child can provide great benefits.

Lactobacillus Plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum produces its own antibiotics to target harmful bacteria. It works to build the immune system and provide digestive benefits towards conditions like IBS.

It has shown improvement of fungal infections that may occur.

Lactobacillus Fermentum

The Lactobacillus fermentum lives throughout the body in the mouth, digestive tract, and vaginal microbiome. It is known to be acquired by infants during birth and has reduced respiratory and intestinal infection.

Studies have shown that L. fermentum and L. rhamnosus have been used in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

It can also assist in reducing bad cholesterol levels.

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Lactobacillus reuteri can produce something called reuterin that can minimize the growth of harmful microorganisms.

It may aid in the reduction of yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and Gardnerella vaginalis. It protects against infection and disease while also promoting a healthy immune system.

It has been shown to be useful in treating diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders, as well as minimizing eczema flare-ups.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most familiar and studied probiotic among probiotic strains. It can prevent the reoccurrence of bacterial vaginosis and aid in the treatment of urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections.

It improves your immune system, aids in the treatment of diarrhea, increases nutrient absorption, works to repair leaky gut, and helps to balance intestinal pH.

Hyperbiotics PRO-Men

Hyperbiotics probiotics for men is a one-of-a-kind formula that contains six specific probiotic strains as well as a curcumin phytosome to support digestive, immune, prostate, and urinary health.

With the possibility of men facing prostate and urinary issues within a lifetime, targeted probiotics in this supplement can help support overall well-being. Curcumin phytosome has been clinically studied to support prostate health.

The probiotic organisms in this supplement are released over an 8-10 hour period using a unique delivery system. This allows the probiotic strains to circumvent your stomach acids and reach deep into your digestive tract alive, allowing you to reap the advantages of probiotics.

This formula is vegetarian, and contains no dairy, gluten, and yeast. There is also no soy, sugar, iron, nuts, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Hyperbiotics PRO-Kids

PRO-Kids is exclusively designed for children. This tiny pearl was formulated small in order to be easily swallowed for children old enough to chew foods. They are most effective when swallowed, however since children may have difficulty with this, they are a tangy orange flavor if chewed.

It includes the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis, which is found in infants that are breast fed. Additional strains found in this product will assist in nutrient absorption, promote natural defenses, and provide a balanced gut foundation.

Hyperbiotics PRO-Pets

PRO-Pets probiotic for dogs and cats is a one-of-a-kind formula that contains six probiotic strains. Species-specific probiotic strains help to support digestive and immune health for your pets.

The supplement has an appealing pork flavor and can be administered directly to your pet or hidden in food and treats.

If your pet is experiencing any stress, malnutrition, or illness, its digestive system can become imbalanced. PRO-Pets was created with the requirements of your dog and cat in mind.

The formula’s specific probiotic strains can help to manage yeast, support overall immune system, prevent anxiety, reduce stress, improve resistance to food allergies, and help alleviate diarrhea.

Final Thoughts

Probiotic supplements provide a variety of advantages while having few negative effects. It is important to note that when first starting out with probiotics, proceed cautiously. Use a reliable product, begin gradually, and seek guidance from a qualified health professional.

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**This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.