What Are The Best Probiotic Strains
I heard probiotics are good for you.
Oh, probiotics are so, so important.
Yes, yes. These are all true statements. But they are broad. Which probiotics? Which strains for what purpose? Simply saying probiotics tells us very little about what were supposed to be taking. Its like saying You should eat food. Technically accurate yet operationally useless.
Today Im going to rectify that. Im going to describe the best probiotic strains for each desired purpose, because there is no single strain to rule them all. The probiotic strain thats best for anxiety may not be the best probiotic strain for allergies, and so on.
Of course, these arent the final word. What follows is the best available evidence as it exists today. That may change tomorrow. And it will certainly change based on your individual makeup.
With all that in mind, lets get right down to it.
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Probiotics Can Prevent Eczema
A growing amount of evidence shows that skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be linked to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. So if you are prone to eczema or you have a family tendency to eczema we would strongly urge that you supplement your diet with good-quality probiotics. The studies suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus is the best strain of friendly bacteria to exert a protective effect against the development of atopic eczema.
Probiotics And Childhood Eczema Prevention
Eczema is common in babies and children, possibly due to the fact that their immune systems are still developing and are, therefore, more vulnerable to this condition.
While research on the use of probiotics as a treatment for childhood eczema is somewhat limited, the available studies have produced conflicting results.
In a review published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, for example, scientists analyzed 19 clinical trials on the effectiveness of probiotics in treating atopic dermatitis in children and concluded that there is not enough evidence to support their use.
A study published in Pediatrics in 2017 examined the effect of probiotics on eczema, asthma, and rhinitis in high-risk infants. Newborns were given Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for six months. The researchers found that early supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG did not prevent the development of eczema or asthma at age 2.
However, there’s some evidence that children whose mothers used probiotic supplements while pregnant may have a reduced risk for eczema. In a research review published in the British Journal of Nutrition, investigators looked at seven previously published clinical trials and found that the use of certain probiotics during pregnancy helped prevent eczema in children ages 2 to 7.
The review’s authors noted that, while Lactobacilli bacteria appeared to protect against eczema, supplements containing a mixture of various probiotic strains did not affect eczema development.
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Nutricost Lactobacillus Acidophilus 10 Billion Cfu
Lactobacillus is one of the main bacteria strains that help alleviate autoimmune symptoms in people. Its, therefore, a good idea to get yourself probiotics that mainly focus on that probiotic strain, very much like this Nutricost Lactobacillus Acidophilus 10 Billion CFU. Formulated with 10 billion CFUs in every single capsule, this bottle of probiotics is not only good for the health of your gut but also in fighting any autoimmune symptoms that you might be suffering from.
This is a highly friendly and beneficial bacteria option that promotes healthy intestinal flora, promotes excellent gut health, and boosts your immune system. Its non-GMO and gluten-free, which makes it safe for people who have celiac disease. Its also manufactured in an FDA-registered facility which means that you are getting a product that is produced under the strictest and highest of standards.
Pros
Ways Probiotics Can Impact Eczema
Your gastrointestinal tract is home to about 100 trillion bacteria. There are more than 500 species. Some of these are beneficial and imperative for your health, while others can result in health issues, such as eczema and skin inflammation. When the good bacteria are properly balanced, it helps to promote healthy digestion, produces nutrients and boosts the immune system. One way to promote greater good flora levels is to probiotics for eczema.
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Probiotic Supplement For Babies
Not all probiotic supplements are suitable for babies. You should never give probiotic supplements designed for adults to babies. Several manufacturers have specially designed probiotic supplements for babies. Out of all the options present in the market, we have picked up the best ones. We have mentioned them clearly below for your convenience.
Which Foods Contain Fos & Gos
- legumes and beans: falafels, all types of beans
- some nuts: cashews, pistachios
- some vegetables e.g. artichoke , leeks, onions, garlic, spring onions, green peas,
- bread & cereals e.g. wheat/rye/barley-based breakfast cereals and bread, pasta and pumpernickel bread, barley flakes, couscous
- plant drinks: soy drink
- fruit: dried fruit , dates, persimmon
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Best Naturals Probiotic 10 Strains & 30 Billion Cfu Intestinal Flora
- Healthy Intestinal Flora Survive Stomach Acids
- Supports immune, digestive, cardiovascular or bone health
- probiotic 30 billion CFUs is stable at room temperature. Refrigeration is not required
- No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Corn, No Soy, No Egg, No Lactose, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish.
- TOP QUALITY GMP CERTIFIED PRODUCTS All Best Naturals products are manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices , among the highest standards in the world Proudly Made in USA Purity & Potency.
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, when provided.
Probiotic 40 Billion Cfu Probiotics For Women & Men Lactobacillus Acidophilus & Prebiotics Digestive Health Capsules Targeted Release Technology Shelf Stable Supplement Non
- Patented delay-release probiotics formula this 40 billion cfu probiotic supplement is formulated with an exclusive stomach acid protection and delivery system, which allows probiotic strains to survive stomach acid and reach deep into the small intestine to support a healthy gut, which many other probiotics cant do this advanced strength probiotics formula can even reach your large intestine for maximum absorption and digestive health benefits.
- Professional grade & developed by doctors These industry leading capsules are formulated with a patented combination of probiotic strains and CFUs containing lactobacillus acidophilus plantarum paracasei and bifidobacterium lactis among others.
- Digestive health & immune system support Replenish the beneficial bacteria to improve digestive and immune health, support more vitamin production and promote daily relief.
- Dairy & gluten free, no refrigeration required & made in USA This unique probiotic supplement is manufactured in the US following strict GMP guidelines.
- Potent until expiration date Beware of probiotic supplements that arent potent all the way to expiration as strains can be dead by the time you buy the probiotic.
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Probiotics For Excess Crying And Colic
One of the suggested health benefits of probiotics is in the management of infant colic. Excessive infant crying is common but can be distressing for parents especially if it persists for over 3 hours daily.
A meta-analysis and systematic review published in JAMA showed a probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri could be worth exploring. This probiotic strain reduced the duration of crying, but only in babies who were breastfed, born at term and younger than 3 months.
A further meta-analysis in 2018 confirmed that L. reuteri may be beneficial for breastfed babies with colic, but not in formula-fed babies.
Best probiotic for babies with colic: L reuteri as found in the branded product BioGaia
Is The Product Shelf Stable Or Not
Some probiotic supplements can be either stored in refrigerator for keeping the bacteria strain alive for longer period of time. However, some of the specially designed supplements can be stored in dry place. If you are a frequent traveler then choose the ones which doesnt refrigeration. Because maintaining the temperature required to maintain the potency is difficult.
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How Do Probiotics Reduce Skin Inflammation
One of the hallmarks of eczema is inflammation, so it makes sense to look at how probiotics may help to alleviate inflammation. By reducing inflammation, this contributes to an improvement in eczema symptoms.
What is Inflammation?
When illness and injury occur, the body initiates an immune response. Part of this is inflammation. You need inflammation for the body to attack foreign invaders, to repair damaged tissue and to promote overall healing. If inflammation never happened, infections could become life-threatening and even the smallest wounds could not heal. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, problems start to occur.
When skin inflammation is present, it generally presents as warmth, swelling, and redness. In some cases, pain can be present. After an illness or injury, inflammation occurs in the following general steps:
When inflammation is acute, once the body heals, the inflammatory response stops. The associated symptoms go away. However, there are times when it remains and becomes a chronic issue. With eczema, inflammation can be chronic. It needs to be addressed to alleviate it.
Why Trust Verywell Family
A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I am careful to recommend supplements, especially for babies. I spent time reviewing the most current research on probiotic supplementation for infants, and I looked at multiple brands and products. I believe the supplements in the round-up are made by trusted brands that are devoted to product purity and are composed of high-quality ingredients. Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN
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What Is Atopic Dermatitis
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis2.The majority of clinical research assessing the effects of probiotics on eczema is focused on atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease where localised patches of skin are typically dry, scaly, red and itchy. It most often manifests for the first time in infancy but can develop for the first time in adulthood. In severe cases, the skin may become thickened and ooze. It may become infected and require antibiotics.
In infants it is typically localised to the face, nappy area, or extensor surfaces of joints such as knees and elbows. Later in life, it more commonly affects flexural surfaces the back of the knees or inside the elbows. Itch is an intense symptom which leads to scratching and skin damage. Atopic dermatitis can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of those who suffer limiting activity and contributing to sleep loss5. It can be exacerbated by many lifestyle factors including emotional distress, wool clothing, heat, dry or cold weather, sweating, bathing, and exercise6 but researchers are now also considering the impact of gut health.
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How Can Probiotics Help Treat Ibs Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive problem that regularly affects an estimated 16% of adults worldwide. This condition may be brought on by IBS and can be hard to treat so many people resort to natural treatments and over-the-counter supplements like probiotics.
Research has shown that probiotics can be effective in lessening the severity of symptoms and improving the quality of life of people suffering from IBS. Certain conditions and alterations in the gut flora can cause IBS symptoms to surface.
According to a 2014 study published online, high amounts of the harmful E. coli, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, and lower levels of the beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been associated with IBS. In fact, many of the symptoms of up to 84% of IBS patients are due to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines.
Unfortunately, some medications intended to treat symptoms of IBS can end up harming the normal balance of gut microflora. Any changes in the gut microflora may increase susceptibility to intestinal gas, increase gut inflammation, alter digestive motility, and reduce immune function which can trigger IBS symptoms. It becomes a never-ending cycle.
In general, probiotics can help improve symptoms. A review by the British Dietetic Association involved 29 studies that assessed overall symptom improvements. From this number, 14 revealed a positive response for 10 different probiotics.
L Salivarius + B Breve
Iemoli et al. studied a specific combination of L. salivarius LS01 and B. breve BR03 in adults.59 Patients receiving probiotics showed a significant improvement in clinical parameters compared with baseline. Probiotics reduced microbial translocation , immune activation , improved Th cell 17/T-regulatory cell and Th1/Th2 ratios. None of these changes was observed in the placebo group. The study concluded that this specific mixture of probiotics might be beneficial for clinical and immunologic alterations in adults with AD.
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Who Suffers From Eczema
As with many conditions, the onset and severity of eczema varies from person to person. Many people are under the assumption that eczema only affects infants and children, however, this is not the case. Although eczema most commonly appears in young children, many of whom grow out of it, some may continue to have this condition into their adult life. Additionally, people who thought they were lucky enough to escape the effects of eczema during their childhood may develop the condition as an adult.
What Are The Best Strains
The best strains to treat eczema are:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Fructo-oligosaccharides
The most important thing to keep in mind is you need to be using the right probiotics for eczema and dosage. The wrong one wont just work, it will make your skin condition worse, sometimes much worse.
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Can Probiotics Help Eczema In Babies And Children Alternative Remedies #4
Live yoghurt is a great source of probiotics. However only two strains, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus fermentum, have been shown to reduce eczema symptoms. Other strains of probiotics generate histamines which can aggravate eczema.
Eczema is one of those horrible conditions where there is no single treatment that works for everybody.
Annoying as it is, you will probably have to try lots of different things ruling out particular foods, washing powders, and fabric types before you find the best way to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of eczema.
Thats why it is helpful to know of all possible preventions, remedies and treatments in order to see what works for your child.
If, like many parents, youre constantly researching possible treatments for eczema, youll probably be aware of certain alternative remedies like Aloe Vera which do seem to work for some children.
Along the same lines, there has been much discussion about the potential benefit of probiotics in treating eczema.
Unlike many alternative remedies, there is ongoing scientific research into the effectiveness of probiotics in treating eczema.
Probiotics For Eczema: A Look At The Research
Probiotics for the prevention of atopic dermatitis: specific probiotic strains have been shown to help prevent the development of eczema when used in early life7,16. Several clinical trials have been conducted assessing the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001® on the development and severity of eczema17. In a gold standard trial of 298 women and their infants, administration of 6 billion CFU of L. rhamnosus HN001® to infants from birth to 6 months yielded a significant improvement in the lifetime prevalence of eczema evaluated until age 11 years compared with placebo17. Visit the Probiotics Database to read more about the research behind Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001®.
In another gold standard trial by Schmidt et al, involving 285 infants with an average age of 10 months old, the preventative effects of a combination of 1 billion CFU of both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG® and Bifidobacterium lactis BB12® daily were demonstrated. After 6 months, significantly more infants had developed eczema in the placebo group compared with the control group . Visit the Probiotics Database to read more about the research behind Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG® and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®.
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These Beneficial Bacteria Help The Body In Many Ways Some Of Which Are Listed Here:
They compete with pathogens and parasitic candida for food this means that if there is enough good bacteria, there will be nothing to fuel the nasties
Production of antimicrobial substances which are our front line defense against negative bacteria
Strengthen the gut lining by activating the immune function. This stops negative bacteria from leaking out
Reduce inflammatory compounds and regulate inflammatory response
Activates the synthesis of lymphocytes which are antibody producing immune cells
Helping regulate the pH of the gut
Helps ease gut upsets and even diarrhea
First Of All What Are Probiotics
They are good bacteria that go to your gut and help improve digestive and immune function. Some people may also experience other health benefits such as improvement in allergy symptoms, cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, infectious diarrhea. In our case, we are concerned about whether it benefits eczema symptoms.
Common bacteria that are used as probiotics include:
- Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus
There is also something called prebiotic, which are fuel to help probiotics to keep going. They are usually complex carbohydrates such as inulin and other fructo-oligosaccharides.
The benefits of probiotics depend on the species and strain used. I will discuss in more detail about different strains later in this article.
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