If you are like me, you know that the best probiotic supplement can be tough. Every company that makes supplements of this kind will tell you that their product is better for one reason or another. Did you know that the best supplement for probiotics does not have probiotics inside? Here are some facts about probiotics and prebiotics that can help you compare these supplements.
Probiotics are strains of beneficial bacteria that normally inhabit the digestive system. Most of the supplements on today's market contain a strain of lactobacillus or bifidobacteria. There are a few products on the market that contain multiple strains. To date, there is no scientific evidence that consuming multiple strains is beneficial, although many companies believe that it makes sense.
There are hundreds of different bacteria species inhabiting the gut. There is really no way to determine which ones are the most beneficial or even which ones are lacking. It is likely that undergrowth of all of the strains is a problem.
The causes of bacteria undergrowth in the gut include taking antibiotics and exposure to other antibacterial agents. An even more common cause is lack of insoluble fiber in the diet.
Prebiotics are insoluble fiber is not digestible by humans, but it does promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This has been seen in many scientific studies. Even the best probiotic supplement cannot replace the benefits of dietary fiber and the prebiotics such fiber contains. The increase in beneficial bacteria is temporary, if there is any increase at all, but an increase in prebiotics provides a long term benefit since it the prebiotics that provide food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
In order for probiotics to be beneficial, they must be live and active. Supplements typically contain freeze dried powdered bacteria that may or may not become active once consumed. Prebiotic supplements can be found that will allow your probitics to grow and prosper.
Research has confirmed that only a small percentage of the bacteria present in the supplements actually takes up residence in the digestive tract. A large percentage is excreted along with solid waste. Another large percentage never make it to through the digestive process of your stomach to get to where they need to go.
In order to help consumers choose the best probiotic supplement or decide whether to take one at all, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated and rejected over 250 claims made by supplement manufacturers. For example, the EFSA has determined that lactobacillus p, lactobacillus f and bifidobacteria l do not decrease the numbers of illness-causing bacteria in the digestive system, nor do they reduce digestive problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.
In most cases, the claims have been rejected because they are simply too vague. Boosting immunity is an example of a vague claim.
Overall, there is little evidence to support the benefits of even the best probiotic supplement. You might be wise to learn more about the prebiotic supplements on the market. These have been shown to improve digestive health. To learn more about them visit my website.
If you would like to learn more about the best prebiotic supplements [http://www.prebiotics-or-probiotics.com]then check out my website at URL: [http://www.prebiotics-or-probiotics.com]
W Petersen is a passionate advocate and researcher of the benefits of different supplements including omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics. He is a father of two children.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=W_Petersen
Probiotics are strains of beneficial bacteria that normally inhabit the digestive system. Most of the supplements on today's market contain a strain of lactobacillus or bifidobacteria. There are a few products on the market that contain multiple strains. To date, there is no scientific evidence that consuming multiple strains is beneficial, although many companies believe that it makes sense.
There are hundreds of different bacteria species inhabiting the gut. There is really no way to determine which ones are the most beneficial or even which ones are lacking. It is likely that undergrowth of all of the strains is a problem.
The causes of bacteria undergrowth in the gut include taking antibiotics and exposure to other antibacterial agents. An even more common cause is lack of insoluble fiber in the diet.
Prebiotics are insoluble fiber is not digestible by humans, but it does promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This has been seen in many scientific studies. Even the best probiotic supplement cannot replace the benefits of dietary fiber and the prebiotics such fiber contains. The increase in beneficial bacteria is temporary, if there is any increase at all, but an increase in prebiotics provides a long term benefit since it the prebiotics that provide food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
In order for probiotics to be beneficial, they must be live and active. Supplements typically contain freeze dried powdered bacteria that may or may not become active once consumed. Prebiotic supplements can be found that will allow your probitics to grow and prosper.
Research has confirmed that only a small percentage of the bacteria present in the supplements actually takes up residence in the digestive tract. A large percentage is excreted along with solid waste. Another large percentage never make it to through the digestive process of your stomach to get to where they need to go.
In order to help consumers choose the best probiotic supplement or decide whether to take one at all, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated and rejected over 250 claims made by supplement manufacturers. For example, the EFSA has determined that lactobacillus p, lactobacillus f and bifidobacteria l do not decrease the numbers of illness-causing bacteria in the digestive system, nor do they reduce digestive problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.
In most cases, the claims have been rejected because they are simply too vague. Boosting immunity is an example of a vague claim.
Overall, there is little evidence to support the benefits of even the best probiotic supplement. You might be wise to learn more about the prebiotic supplements on the market. These have been shown to improve digestive health. To learn more about them visit my website.
If you would like to learn more about the best prebiotic supplements [http://www.prebiotics-or-probiotics.com]then check out my website at URL: [http://www.prebiotics-or-probiotics.com]
W Petersen is a passionate advocate and researcher of the benefits of different supplements including omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics. He is a father of two children.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=W_Petersen
No comments:
Post a Comment