NOT ALL Probiotics are the SAME….

You all know you need probiotics after antibiotics but do you really know why or whether you are even taking the right one?

Most people walk into their chemist or health food store and grab a bottle out of the fridge and expect that they will fix their problem.

But do you really know what strain it is that you’re taking or realise that not all strains of probiotics treat the same issue.  Rather, different strains are applicable for different situations.

Here’s a quick rundown on why you need probiotics and what strain you possibly should be taking. 

When you hear the word “gut instinct” you assume it’s just a saying. But in actual fact 71% of your brain’s serotonin levels are created in the gut.

So, to keep your mood’s and mental ability healthy you need to nourish your gut with good probiotics.

Poor diet, stress and lifestyle or medications can have a negative impact on the numbers and diversity of gut flora.  After just one course of antibiotics, it can take up to four years to re-establish healthy gut flora again!

The proper probiotic strains in appropriate dosages can provide therapeutic relief *

Lactobacillus rhamnoses and Lactobacillus paracesei promote (amongst other things) a shift towards maintaining a health immune system regulation.  They can also reduce the occurrence of, and manage allergy symptoms in children whilst promoting a decrease the occurrence of eczema in children.

For reducing the severity of colds, enhancing health immune systems, maintain healthy gastrointestinal immune function, supporting beneficial bacteria and the maintenance of healthy gut function you would be requiring a combination of the 3 strains Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnoses and Lacrobacillus paracasei.

To reduce the incidence of eczema and food allergies in infants and reduce the frequency of diarrhea Lactobacillus rhamnosus is the one to look out for.

Lactobacillus plantarum is recommended to assist in the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohns, Colitis and Bowel Inflammation due to its ability to relieve bloating, intestinal pain and inflammation.

If treating candida or any parasitic activity, a probiotic strain containing Bidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardi) are specific strains for those treatments.

Now, the general restorative probiotic which is taken to restore healthy gut flora after medications and antibiotic therapy, is the combination of strains that you would normally go and buy in the health food shop or chemists.  It contains a combination of strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

*This is a general guide only.  For more specific health care advice, please contact your health provider.