Adding extra probiotic foods to your regular diet, such as active bifidus yogurt, sauerkraut, or pickles, is the greatest approach to organically rebuild your gut flora. But what’s the best probiotic for gut health?
The success of a probiotic is determined not only by strain and dose, but also by other important criteria that must be understood in order to make the best decisions.
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are microorganisms that promote the health of both animals and humans. This idea stems from Nobel prize winner Elie Metchnikoff, who demonstrated at the beginning of the twentieth century that persons who consumed Bulgarian yogurt on a daily basis had a longer life expectancy.
Probiotics on the market are classed as a dietary supplement, and despite their existence for several decades, very little study has been conducted to yet. We only know that probiotics create enzymes that aid the intestinal flora in digesting particular foods, allowing for proper nutritional digestion and assimilation.
Since we will see, the advantages are numerous, as probiotics are suggested to restore its gut flora in order to avoid gastro, diarrhea, or constipation, but also against irritable bowel syndrome, certain allergies, stress, and, more broadly, for immune system enhancement. It is also worth noting that some probiotics are appropriate for the intimate flora, particularly vaginal yeast infections.
If you can’t eat these probiotic foods every day, a probiotic diet in the form of dietary supplements is becoming increasingly popular.
The best probiotic for gut health – Akkermansia
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The discovery of Akkermansia has revolutionized the way we think about gut health. Akkermansia is a rare and unusual probiotic strain identified in the human gastrointestinal tract. It interacts directly with the gut lining and aids in the regulation of the mucus lining of the gut, which aids in the maintenance of the gut lining.
Akkermansia can make up to 4% of your gut bacteria in healthy persons.
Is there one helpful probiotic strain that you’re not getting from your morning yogurt bowl? Akkermansia muciniphila is a bacteria strain found naturally in the body that cannot be eaten.
Unlike lactobacillus strains present in foods like yogurt, Akkermansia muciniphila is not found in food. This is the first company to provide Akkermansia as a daily probiotic. It’s not understood why some people have this ailment while others don’t. Changes in the microbiome can be caused by a variety of causes, including genetics, illness, food, and antibiotic usage. Unfortunately, after all of the beneficial bug (Akkermansia) has vanished from the stomach, there’s no way to ‘eat it back,’ and it can only be replaced by supplementing with the strain itself.
If you’re wondering how much you should care about a single bacterium strain disappearing from your gut microbiome, consider this: Akkermansia feeds on proteins (called mucin) in the mucus layer of your intestines, and the more it eats, the stronger the gut lining grows. A healthy gut lining is essential because it has a direct impact on your overall gut health, which can affect many other aspects of your overall health.
What role does Akkermansia have in your overall health?
Your gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem that contains tens of trillions of bacteria, some of which are beneficial and others which are harmful.
Adult gut microbiomes are both stable and varied in healthy adults. A healthy body is supported by a well-balanced gut microbiota, yet the opposite is true for a poorly balanced gut microbiome. So, how does any of this relate to Akkermansia? Epithelial cells make up the lining of your intestines (i.e. the cells that cover the surfaces of bodily organs). A sticky mucus layer covers these epithelial cells, which is high in a protein called “mucin.” This mucin is very popular in Akkermansia.
Mucin is so important to Akkermansia that it is used as a source of energy. The more mucin Akkermansia consumes, the more epithelial cells are encouraged to produce more mucin. This extra “mucin production” helps to strengthen your intestinal wall, which is important for your health. The benefits may include: a) preserving and rebuilding the gut lining; and b) increasing GLP-1, a hormone generated by the gut that aids in maintaining a healthy balance of insulin and glucose levels.
What makes Akkermansia’s capsule so unique?
The enteric coated capsule from Akkermansia is acid-resistant, which means it can pass past the very acidic stomach, the small intestines, and into the large intestines to accomplish its job.
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Other best probiotics for gut health
Now Foods Probiotic-10 25 Billion 10 Probiotic Strains
the best probiotic for gut health
Now Foods introduces Probiotic-10, a high-potency probiotic made with quality-assured components. This vegetarian formula is available in strengths of 25, 50, and 100 billion organisms.
Through the Best By date, this product is formulated to deliver a potency of at least 25 billion CFU.
Jarro-Dophilus EPS
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Jarro-Dophilus EPS is a multi-strain, shelf-stable probiotic formulated with clinically proven strains. With a blend of eight probiotic species from four genera: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus, Jarro-Dophilus® EPS supports the health of the entire intestinal tract. Scientific research has clinically validated each strain, and it has been given a strain designation (e.g., R0011) that corresponds to its beneficial effects on intestinal and immune health.
The proprietary EnteroGuard coating, blister packing defense against air and moisture, and use of strains with excellent room temperature stability make Jarro-Dophilus EPS an Enhanced Probiotic SystemTM formula. This guarantees that the greatest number of probiotic bacteria reach the intestinal tract, where they can completely exhibit their beneficial effects.
Bacteria: friends or enemies?
Until recently, germs were connected with the concept of disease rather than good health. While many bacterial species are toxic and cause diseases, others are necessary for human health.
The image of bacteria has been rehabilitated thanks to developments in study and technological advances: today, after over two decades of research, there are hundreds of scientific articles attesting to the benefits of some bacteria. concerning health
Bacteria do not all execute the same functions. Increased information has allowed classifications to be established, resulting in the production of “cocktails” of helpful bacteria known as probiotics.
What exactly is the gut microbiota?
The intestinal flora, also known as the intestinal microbiota, refers to all of the bacteria that live in the intestine, which includes both the small intestine and the colon.
Probiotics, or microbiotic strains, temporarily enhance the gut flora, restoring the good bacteria / bad bacteria balance and allowing the former to take over the latter.
The more helpful bacteria there are, the better the health effect.
Indeed, the existence of bacteria is not insignificant because they perform a variety of activities, including:
- The digestive process
- Vitamin B and K synthesis
- The creation of molecules required by the body (including short-chain fatty acids)
- Immune system fortification
- By preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing the intestines, a “barrier effect” is created
Probiotics thus represent a special health solution in that by feeding the body with huge amounts of carefully selected and tested bacteria, the microbiota, which has been linked to health, will be enriched.
The relationship between the microbiota and health
Numerous studies have found a link between the quality of the gut microbiota and various health indices and pathologies:
- Suggestions (bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Diabetes\sObesity
- Certain types of cancer
- Certain neuropsychiatric disorders (autism, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)
As a result, probiotics are gaining popularity.
Taking care of the gut flora would allow us to treat more than only the currently numerous digestive disorders.
The scientific proof
The scientific and medical communities now agree on the importance of probiotics. They have been examined in a variety of contexts, providing for a more comprehensive understanding of their effects on health.
Their positive benefits have been demonstrated most notably in:
- Prevention of diarrhea due to antibiotics (see study)
- Improvement of irritable bowel syndrome (see the study)
- Relief for lactose intolerance (see the study)
- The treatment of constipation (see the study) and the improvement of transit (see the study)
- The fight against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes inflammation of the stomach (chronic gastritis) which can lead to ulcers or even cancer (see the study)
- The treatment of allergies (see the study)
Probiotic strains with unique properties
There are numerous bacteria, but only a few qualify as probiotics. Those that are are lactic bacteria, or bacteria that ferment sugars into lactic acid, and are classified into four genera (Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Streptococci, and Lactococci), each with thousands of species and hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of strains.
Each strain has unique characteristics. As a result, there is no such thing as a universal probiotic. Each health issue connects, where applicable, to a strain that has been tested and proven to be effective.
Selection criteria for probiotics
Probiotics must meet certain criteria in order to be of acceptable quality and have therapeutic effects. These characteristics should be considered while choosing a probiotic.
Strain identification (s)
It’s critical to pick a probiotic whose strain or strains have been researched and whose effects have been proven.
Gastro-resistance evaluated
When a probiotic is consumed, it must endure harsh conditions such as stomach acidity, digestive enzymes, bile salts, and so on. If the bacteria aren’t resistant to these conditions, they won’t make it to the small intestine or colon alive, and they won’t be able to do their job.
Traceability
Traceability is established by standardized protocols that ensure customer safety, product registration, and manufacturer responsiveness in the event of an event.
Choose probiotics produced by firms that adhere to good manufacturing procedures in the pharmaceutical industry, have extensive experience with this live material, and are routinely audited by the appropriate authorities.
Stability under strain
This characteristic ensures the probiotic’s viability in the ambient environment (temperature/humidity) throughout time and under typical storage settings.
This stability is determined by the strain’s properties, the substances employed in the probiotic’s composition, and protective packaging against air and humidity, preferably sachets or capsules in blister packs.
Adhesion to the mucosa of the intestine
The probiotic’s ability to adhere to intestinal cells is shown by its good adhesion. If the adhesion is satisfactory, the probiotic bacteria’ presence period in the colon will be extended. A probiotic just passes through the body (except in the case of very high dosages). Good adhesion improves the interaction of microbiota bacteria with associated systems (immune system in particular).
How to choose the best probiotic for gut health?
Here are some important criteria to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of probiotic supplements: the number of probiotic strains included and their specificities, the quality of product packaging and delivery, and the presence of an expiry date. consumption. Let’s see this in detail.
Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, quesaco?
Many manufacturers would have you believe that the best probiotic food supplement is the one with the most bacteria, usually measured in the billions or even tens of billions. However, the truth is that science has yet to uncover whether more bacteria is actually a benefit. In fact, we still don’t know for sure how many different strains of probiotic bacteria are present in the gut.
The few studies that exist to date show that it is not the total number of bacteria in a product that is most important, but the number of different strains of bacteria it includes. This is because different strains of probiotic bacteria each have slightly different functions and are concentrated in various locations along the digestive tract.
Many manufacturers would have you believe that the best probiotic supplement is one that contains the most bacteria, which is commonly measured in billions or even tens of billions. However, science has yet to determine whether or not having more microorganisms is beneficial. In reality, the number of various strains of probiotic bacteria found in the gut is still unknown.
The limited studies that have been done so far demonstrate that the number of various strains of bacteria in a product is more important than the total quantity of germs. Because different strains of probiotic bacteria have slightly varied roles and are concentrated in different parts of the digestive tract, this is the case. Thus, probiotics that contain multiple strains tend to be more effective overall than products containing an extremely high concentration of one or even two strains. It must be understood that the strains work in synergy to influence our health.
First of all, the best probiotics on the market must at least contain “Lactobacillus acidophilus” bacteria also called “Lactobacillus helveticus candisis”, the most important strain of the Lactobacillus species which easily colonizes the walls of the small intestine to support absorption of nutrients and aid in the digestion of dairy products. But a probiotic must ideally contain other bacteria of different strains (in particular Bifidobacterium such as bifidus) in order to best maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall and play an active role in trapping toxins, or even breaking down complex carbohydrates, fat and protein into smaller components that the body can use more efficiently.
Of course, as all living organisms have a limited lifespan, it will still be necessary to ensure that the number of bacteria is sufficient. Additionally, the best probiotic supplement depends on your specific health concerns. The optimal choice for women, for example, will likely be different from that of men. With the lack of medical research, the ideal is to read user reviews and seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.
Probiotic or prebiotic?
Some brands now include prebiotics in their capsules mainly for marketing reasons. If the probiotics need them to develop, it is simply useless since it takes at least 5g of prebiotic to have an impact, i.e. the equivalent of the capacity of 20 capsules! Since you naturally eat prebiotics in your diet in most fruits and vegetables, taking probiotics is more than enough for their effectiveness.
Plant-based, vegan and organic probiotic
If you’re looking for a plant-based probiotic, some manufacturers choose to use capsules without pork gelatin, which can be helpful if you’re vegetarian or vegan. There are also organic probiotics but also gluten-free for people suffering from celiac disease or even starch-free, lactose-free and sugar-free. Similarly, when you take a look at the composition, check that there are no unnecessary substances such as titanium dioxide used by some manufacturers to whiten their products. In addition to being useless beyond the appearance of the product, these additives can be toxic even in low doses.
Storing probiotics
How the manufacturer packages and delivers best probiotic supplements is perhaps the most important factor in your choice. This is because bacteria need to both stay alive and healthy from conception to areas of your gut. If the bacteria are already dead before they reach your colon while resisting gastric acid from your gut and passage through your stomach, that’s just a waste of money. Fortunately, there have been many advances in probiotic storage devices in recent years, and capsules are still the best solution today.
Careful consideration should also be given to how the product is packaged as probiotic bacteria are living organisms, therefore their health can be affected by the environment. If probiotics can be stored unrefrigerated when the packaging is unopened, you must always protect the bacteria from too much exposure to light, heat and humidity. It is therefore important to favor packaging that provides optimal protection for probiotics, such as thick, opaque bottles that work perfectly well.
Expiration date
Finally, the dietary supplement industry requires products to have use-by dates, so the absence of this information can be indicative of poor product quality. An expiration date listed on a probiotic dietary supplement is the manufacturer’s promise that the living organisms in the product will remain active until that date. Usually, the expiration date is based on formulation and stability test data, which means the company in question pays close attention to these issues.
The best brands of probiotics clearly display the use-by date on the packaging. If you don’t see an expiration date on a product label, that should raise questions. Without this information, it is impossible to know how long the bacteria in the supplement should last. It could be a year, a month or just a week, unless the bacteria are already dead, you have no way of knowing.
The side effects
While there are still too few scientific studies, we know that probiotics have been used in dairy products for centuries without any harm to humans. That said, there can be side effects depending on the type of probiotic used, the amount, the age (child and adult) and the physiology of the person. Generally, this simply results in constipation if you had the intestinal flora previously destroyed by antibiotics for example, but this is relatively rare according to user comments on the various forums on the subject. We advise you to seek the advice of a pharmacist or a doctor in the slightest doubt.
