Probiotics by Dr Eisenstein
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    • Allergy >
      • New Therapy Could Cure Kids of Peanut Allergy
      • Could Probiotics Replace Prozac?
      • Allergies? Probiotic combination may curb your symptoms, new study finds
      • Global allergy epidemic
      • New Allergies are on the rise. Are probiotics one of the answers?
      • Probiotics and allergy.
    • Cancer >
      • New research on probiotics in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer
      • Probiotics May Play a Role in Breast Cancer Prevention
      • Probiotics can possibly help prevent colon cancer
      • Beneficial bacteria may protect breasts from cancer
      • Probiotics and Cancer: Amazing Research You Should See
    • General Health >
      • New evidence suggests that probiotics are good for the liver
      • 7 Surprising Benefits of a Healthy Gut
      • The secret to sounder sleep may be lurking in our guts
      • Can probiotics reduce pregnancy risks?
      • Probiotics “For Life”
      • Consuming probiotics may help protect against depression
      • Probiotics Shown to Alleviate Anxiety
      • Probiotics During Pregnancy May Reduce Postnatal Depression
      • COULD PROBIOTICS REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCE ON ANTIBIOTICS?
      • Lupus: Probiotics could help to reduce kidney inflammation
      • Weight loss with probiotics >
        • MEDICAL INSIGHTS: Antibiotics and weight gain
      • What to Look for in a Probiotic Supplement
      • Probiotic May Ease Depression in IBS Patients
      • Probiotics Prevent Autoimmune-Related Liver Injury
      • Probiotics Show Promise as Mood Elevator
      • That gut feeling
      • 10 Things to Know About Probiotics and Gut Health
      • Probiotic Benefits for Athletes
      • Can a Probiotic a Day Keep Cognitive Deficits at Bay?
      • Probiotics beneficial for both mom and baby
      • Can Protein, Probiotics Help With Blood Sugar Control?
      • Common probiotics can reduce stress levels, lessen anxiety
      • The better the gut health, the better the immune system
      • Should You Be Taking Probiotic Supplements?
      • The subtle ways you're adding POUNDS
      • A daily dose of probiotics can improve overall health
      • Probiotics May Reduce Inflammation
      • Factors secreted by gut bacteria may help combat kidney stones
      • Gut bacteria and the brain: Are we controlled by microbes?
      • 5 Reasons You Absolutely Must Add Probiotics To Your Diet
      • Texas cotton farmers turn to ‘probiotics for plants’ to help crops
      • Probiotics Promote Weight Loss, BMI Reduction, Study Says
      • Gut Bacteria May Hold Clues to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
      • Probiotics may reduce fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes
      • Consuming probiotics promotes weight loss, reduces BMI
      • Probiotics a Diabetes Cure?
      • Probiotics and Metabolic Syndrome
      • Probiotics mitigate stress in medical students at exam time
      • Probiotics may improve thyroid function.
      • Do Probiotics Improve Running Performance?
    • Anti Bacterial Anti Viral >
      • Can You Strengthen the Immune System with Probiotics and Protect Yourself From the Flu?
      • Probiotics Protect Against Flu
      • Antibiotic history of a hospital bed may increase a patient's risk of infection
      • Preventing C. diff infections with probiotics
      • Could deadly superbugs like MRSA be defeated by 'friendly bacteria' living in our noses?
      • Probiotics Keep C difficile at Bay in Patients on Antibiotics
    • Children >
      • Childrens’ Probiotics: To Immunity and Beyond
      • Probiotics May Improve Symptoms of Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children
      • Probiotics and Autism: Amazing Research You Should See
      • 5 Probiotic Benefits for Infants and Toddlers
    • Digestion and GI Health >
      • New IBD treatments may combine antifungals and probiotics
      • Gut microbiome and kidney disease:
      • Association between probiotic and yogurt consumption and kidney disease
      • ​Gut bacteria could hold key in obesity fight
    • Skin >
      • Treat sunburn, acne with yogurt
      • Can Probiotics Help Relieve Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms?
      • Probiotics ease symptoms of childhood dermatitis and reduce need for steroids: Study
      • Could probiotics replace antibiotics in wound healing?
      • Taking too many antibiotics to treat eczema may worsen your condition
      • Are Probiotics the Answer to Acne?
      • THE #1 SUPPLEMENT YOU SHOULD TAKE EVERY DAY FOR CLEAR SKIN
      • Probiotics May Prevent Atopic Dermatitis if Microbiome Cooperates
      • Top natural treatments for eczema
      • Probiotics for Skin Health
      • How does vitamin C benefit skin?
      • Probiotics for Acne: Types to Look For to Cure Acne
      • Probiotics for Skin Health
      • Bacteria Might Be the Answer to All Your Skincare Woes
      • Could probiotics be the next big thing in acne and rosacea treatments
    • Nervous System >
      • Depression: A new role for probiotics in nutritional psychiatry?
      • Probiotics Trial in Alzheimer’s Patients Shows Promise in Improving Brain Function
      • Probiotics may help spinal cord injury recovery
  • Pro Line
    • Vitamin C - Pro-C >
      • Oral High-Dose Vitamin C for Major Diseases
      • 15 Amazing Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Benefits
      • If You're Missing This Key Nutrient, You're Aging Way Faster
      • Study: Intake of Vitamin C improved brain cognitive function
      • The Science Of... Vitamin C
      • UT Southwestern Research Reveals Dual Benefits in Vitamin C for Cell Function, Cancer Prevention
      • 5 lesser known benefits of taking vitamin C
      • Could Vitamin C Be the Cure for Deadly Infections?
      • 6 Health Benefits of Getting Your Daily Dose of Vitamin C
      • An Ounce Of Prevention | Vitamin C Is Vital
      • Can Vitamin C help with concussions?
      • Vitamin C and antibiotics could be up to 100 TIMES more effective than drugs at killing cancer cells - without the side effects
      • Can Six Million Readers Help Answer This Question?
      • High-Dose Vitamin C Enhances Cancer Cell Death, Sensitization to Chemotherapy
      • Power of Vitamin C to maintain perfect health
      • Vitamin C may improve leukemia treatment, Van Andel Institute researchers find
      • Can supplements REALLY make us more beautiful? Collagen pills are 'useless' but vitamin C does protect the skin, experts say
    • Coenzyme Q 10 - CoQ10 Pro >
      • Helping to protect against heart disease
      • CoQ10: Everything You Need To Know About This Powerful Antioxidant
      • CoQ10 Supplementation: Studies Support Its Value
      • CoQ10 Supplementation: Studies Support Its Value
      • 10 Facts You Should Know About Coenzyme Q10
      • Choose CoQ10 Over Statins
      • The Nutrient that Gives Your Brain a Boost of Energy
      • Coenzyme Q10: Health Benefits, Supplements, & Side Effects
      • CoQ10 Powers Athletic Performance
      • Support Cardiovascular Health NATURALLY!
      • The benefits of CoQ10 to lower heart attacks
      • Selenium and CoQ10 Combo Cuts Heart Disease Deaths in Half
      • The Benefits of CoQ10 on Patients Taking Statin Drugs
      • A supplement for statin users
      • CoQ10 may fight high blood pressure
      • Survey Finds CoQ10 Tops Pharmacist Recommendations
      • Could CoQ10 Benefit Heart Failure Patients?
      • Olympic Health with CoQ10 and Lower Cholesterol
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids >
      • Omega-3 supplements: Seven signs you’re deficient
      • Anticancer Properties of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
      • Omega-3: We all know it’s healthy but we still don’t consume enough
      • Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Risk Reduced With Multivitamin
      • Everything You Need To Know About Omega 3, 6 And 9 Fatty Acids
      • 7 omega-3 deficiency signs you need to know about
      • 10 Reasons Every Lifter, Runner and Athlete Needs Omega-3s
      • Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate brown adipose tissue metabolism
      • Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help lower blood pressure in young, healthy adults
      • Omega-3 fatty acids can help clear waste in the brain, says study
      • How Omega 3 Fats May Improve Fertility
      • Omegas for Heart and Brain Health
    • Cacao - Coco-XO >
      • Can Eating Chocolate Improve Your Brain?
      • A happy heart gets chocolate every day?
    • Other news related to probiotics >
      • Cancer, Vitamin D & Probiotics
      • Intestinal bleeding caused by pain medication is killing thousands of Americans
      • ‘Superbug’ scourge spreads as U.S. fails to track rising human toll
      • Drug resistance in people and animals may push millions into poverty: World Bank
      • No change in hospital antibiotic use overall in recent years
      • The Ultimate Battle Against MRSA ​
      • WHO Urges Shift in STD Treatment Due to Antibiotic Resistance
      • F.D.A. Bans Sale of Many Antibacterial Soaps, Saying Risks Outweigh Benefits
      • Study reveals cholesterol link in aggressive cancers
      • Probiotic may boost vitamin D levels
      • Asthma Probiotics and Vitamin D
      • Vitamin D combats diseases.
      • How do you spell Relief?
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10 Things to Know About Probiotics and Gut Health


Until a couple of years ago, my understanding of the bacteria that live in our digestive systems could be summed up in two sentences - “If you take antibiotics they’ll kill some of the good bacteria along with the bad and you’ll get diarrhea.  So eat some probiotic foods, like yogurt, to restore the good bacteria.”

That’s true as far as it goes, but I’ve now learned that those bacteria, which many people call “gut flora” and scientists call “gut microbiata,” do so much more than prevent diarrhea.  Although the study of gut flora is still in its infancy, many scientists now refer to it as a separate “organ” of the body, one that plays key roles in everything from digestion to immunity to mental health.  Here are 10 things to know about your gut, good bacteria, and probiotics, and the ways they affect your health.

Why are the good bacteria in your digestive tract so important?  Research is beginning to show that “good” bacteria play dozens, if not hundreds, of roles in maintaining our health.  Here are five:
  • Bacteria in our intestinal tracts produce B vitamins and vitamin K.  These vitamins play important roles in energy metabolism (producing energy from food), maintaining the health of the nervous system,  and clotting blood.
  • Bacteria in the large intestine digest fiber and use it to produce chemicals that feed and protect the intestinal lining.  This lining plays key roles in preventing infection, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation.  If the lining breaks down, chemicals that should never leave the intestines end up in the bloodstream, which may lead to inflammation or an overactive immune response.
  • Gut floral produce most of the body’s serotonin, a key neurotransmitter.  Scientists are beginning to see connections between the health of the gut and the health and functioning of the brain.
  • Intestinal bacteria produce enzymes that metabolize drugs, hormones and toxins.  In addition, they produce chemicals that “communicate” with the liver regarding production of enzymes used in detoxification.
  • Gut bacteria may play a role in obesity.  Some animal studies, and now a few human studies, have shown that animals or humans deficient in certain bacteria may be more prone to gain weight.

Can we “improve” our gut flora?  And should we even try?  Yes!  Although scientists are hesitant at this point to “prescribe” actions people should take, the research to date suggests that people can change their gut flora in ways that are likely to benefit their health.  Here are five things we can do:
  • Eat probiotic foods regularly.  These include yogurt and fermented foods, such as kefir and sauerkraut. You can buy high-quality yogurt and kefir at the grocery store, but you can make them too. I’ve started making both recently, and it’s fun, cheaper, and not too difficult.
  • Eat fewer processed foods. Processed foods lack  many of the nutrients that contribute to a healthy “climate” in the digestive tract.  In addition, they tend not to contain the kinds of healthy bacteria found in more natural forms of food.  (For example, think of a processed cheese product vs. real cheese.  The former doesn’t contain any bacteria when it leaves the factory, but the latter contains plenty of “good” bacteria - and it tastes delicious!)
  • Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are great for your health in so many ways. When it comes to your gut health, plant fiber feeds the bacteria in the large intestine, and they in turn produce chemicals that protect the intestinal lining.  (Need help moving to a healthier diet? Download my free ebook - 24 Quick and Healthy Family Meals - that includes healthy meal ideas and tips for serving real food quickly and easily.)
  • ​Take antibiotics only when necessary.  If your doctor says, “Let’s wait a day or two to see if you need antibiotics,” don’t insist on getting some right away!  Antibiotics can significantly alter the gut flora, killing off beneficial bacteria and providing an “opening” for harmful bacteria to move in and “set up shop.”  When you do take antibiotics, eat probiotic foods and take steps during and after treatment to re-establish a healthy gut microbiata.
  • Consider taking probiotic supplements.  Scientists, physicians and government agencies have not issued official guidelines on probiotic supplements.  The research on the benefits (or drawbacks) just isn’t clear yet.  So right now there’s no clear “right” or “wrong” answer to the question, “Should I take a supplement?”  I’ve done some research on probiotics, and my husband and I take a supplement fairly regularly (probably 4 or 5 days a week).  We buy several different brands that contain different bacteria, and we alternate them (because it’s hard to figure out which bacteria are the best ones to take!). 

The best way to boost the health of your gut (and your entire body) is to eat lots of real, healthy foods - vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other natural, minimally-processed foods - and to limit artificial and processed foods. Supplements may help, but your best bet is to focus as much as possible on eating a healthy diet.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/10-things-to-know-about-probiotics-and-gut-health_us_58ed0ce1e4b081da6ad0082b


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  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Probiotics for
    • Allergy >
      • New Therapy Could Cure Kids of Peanut Allergy
      • Could Probiotics Replace Prozac?
      • Allergies? Probiotic combination may curb your symptoms, new study finds
      • Global allergy epidemic
      • New Allergies are on the rise. Are probiotics one of the answers?
      • Probiotics and allergy.
    • Cancer >
      • New research on probiotics in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer
      • Probiotics May Play a Role in Breast Cancer Prevention
      • Probiotics can possibly help prevent colon cancer
      • Beneficial bacteria may protect breasts from cancer
      • Probiotics and Cancer: Amazing Research You Should See
    • General Health >
      • New evidence suggests that probiotics are good for the liver
      • 7 Surprising Benefits of a Healthy Gut
      • The secret to sounder sleep may be lurking in our guts
      • Can probiotics reduce pregnancy risks?
      • Probiotics “For Life”
      • Consuming probiotics may help protect against depression
      • Probiotics Shown to Alleviate Anxiety
      • Probiotics During Pregnancy May Reduce Postnatal Depression
      • COULD PROBIOTICS REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCE ON ANTIBIOTICS?
      • Lupus: Probiotics could help to reduce kidney inflammation
      • Weight loss with probiotics >
        • MEDICAL INSIGHTS: Antibiotics and weight gain
      • What to Look for in a Probiotic Supplement
      • Probiotic May Ease Depression in IBS Patients
      • Probiotics Prevent Autoimmune-Related Liver Injury
      • Probiotics Show Promise as Mood Elevator
      • That gut feeling
      • 10 Things to Know About Probiotics and Gut Health
      • Probiotic Benefits for Athletes
      • Can a Probiotic a Day Keep Cognitive Deficits at Bay?
      • Probiotics beneficial for both mom and baby
      • Can Protein, Probiotics Help With Blood Sugar Control?
      • Common probiotics can reduce stress levels, lessen anxiety
      • The better the gut health, the better the immune system
      • Should You Be Taking Probiotic Supplements?
      • The subtle ways you're adding POUNDS
      • A daily dose of probiotics can improve overall health
      • Probiotics May Reduce Inflammation
      • Factors secreted by gut bacteria may help combat kidney stones
      • Gut bacteria and the brain: Are we controlled by microbes?
      • 5 Reasons You Absolutely Must Add Probiotics To Your Diet
      • Texas cotton farmers turn to ‘probiotics for plants’ to help crops
      • Probiotics Promote Weight Loss, BMI Reduction, Study Says
      • Gut Bacteria May Hold Clues to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
      • Probiotics may reduce fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes
      • Consuming probiotics promotes weight loss, reduces BMI
      • Probiotics a Diabetes Cure?
      • Probiotics and Metabolic Syndrome
      • Probiotics mitigate stress in medical students at exam time
      • Probiotics may improve thyroid function.
      • Do Probiotics Improve Running Performance?
    • Anti Bacterial Anti Viral >
      • Can You Strengthen the Immune System with Probiotics and Protect Yourself From the Flu?
      • Probiotics Protect Against Flu
      • Antibiotic history of a hospital bed may increase a patient's risk of infection
      • Preventing C. diff infections with probiotics
      • Could deadly superbugs like MRSA be defeated by 'friendly bacteria' living in our noses?
      • Probiotics Keep C difficile at Bay in Patients on Antibiotics
    • Children >
      • Childrens’ Probiotics: To Immunity and Beyond
      • Probiotics May Improve Symptoms of Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children
      • Probiotics and Autism: Amazing Research You Should See
      • 5 Probiotic Benefits for Infants and Toddlers
    • Digestion and GI Health >
      • New IBD treatments may combine antifungals and probiotics
      • Gut microbiome and kidney disease:
      • Association between probiotic and yogurt consumption and kidney disease
      • ​Gut bacteria could hold key in obesity fight
    • Skin >
      • Treat sunburn, acne with yogurt
      • Can Probiotics Help Relieve Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms?
      • Probiotics ease symptoms of childhood dermatitis and reduce need for steroids: Study
      • Could probiotics replace antibiotics in wound healing?
      • Taking too many antibiotics to treat eczema may worsen your condition
      • Are Probiotics the Answer to Acne?
      • THE #1 SUPPLEMENT YOU SHOULD TAKE EVERY DAY FOR CLEAR SKIN
      • Probiotics May Prevent Atopic Dermatitis if Microbiome Cooperates
      • Top natural treatments for eczema
      • Probiotics for Skin Health
      • How does vitamin C benefit skin?
      • Probiotics for Acne: Types to Look For to Cure Acne
      • Probiotics for Skin Health
      • Bacteria Might Be the Answer to All Your Skincare Woes
      • Could probiotics be the next big thing in acne and rosacea treatments
    • Nervous System >
      • Depression: A new role for probiotics in nutritional psychiatry?
      • Probiotics Trial in Alzheimer’s Patients Shows Promise in Improving Brain Function
      • Probiotics may help spinal cord injury recovery
  • Pro Line
    • Vitamin C - Pro-C >
      • Oral High-Dose Vitamin C for Major Diseases
      • 15 Amazing Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Benefits
      • If You're Missing This Key Nutrient, You're Aging Way Faster
      • Study: Intake of Vitamin C improved brain cognitive function
      • The Science Of... Vitamin C
      • UT Southwestern Research Reveals Dual Benefits in Vitamin C for Cell Function, Cancer Prevention
      • 5 lesser known benefits of taking vitamin C
      • Could Vitamin C Be the Cure for Deadly Infections?
      • 6 Health Benefits of Getting Your Daily Dose of Vitamin C
      • An Ounce Of Prevention | Vitamin C Is Vital
      • Can Vitamin C help with concussions?
      • Vitamin C and antibiotics could be up to 100 TIMES more effective than drugs at killing cancer cells - without the side effects
      • Can Six Million Readers Help Answer This Question?
      • High-Dose Vitamin C Enhances Cancer Cell Death, Sensitization to Chemotherapy
      • Power of Vitamin C to maintain perfect health
      • Vitamin C may improve leukemia treatment, Van Andel Institute researchers find
      • Can supplements REALLY make us more beautiful? Collagen pills are 'useless' but vitamin C does protect the skin, experts say
    • Coenzyme Q 10 - CoQ10 Pro >
      • Helping to protect against heart disease
      • CoQ10: Everything You Need To Know About This Powerful Antioxidant
      • CoQ10 Supplementation: Studies Support Its Value
      • CoQ10 Supplementation: Studies Support Its Value
      • 10 Facts You Should Know About Coenzyme Q10
      • Choose CoQ10 Over Statins
      • The Nutrient that Gives Your Brain a Boost of Energy
      • Coenzyme Q10: Health Benefits, Supplements, & Side Effects
      • CoQ10 Powers Athletic Performance
      • Support Cardiovascular Health NATURALLY!
      • The benefits of CoQ10 to lower heart attacks
      • Selenium and CoQ10 Combo Cuts Heart Disease Deaths in Half
      • The Benefits of CoQ10 on Patients Taking Statin Drugs
      • A supplement for statin users
      • CoQ10 may fight high blood pressure
      • Survey Finds CoQ10 Tops Pharmacist Recommendations
      • Could CoQ10 Benefit Heart Failure Patients?
      • Olympic Health with CoQ10 and Lower Cholesterol
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids >
      • Omega-3 supplements: Seven signs you’re deficient
      • Anticancer Properties of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
      • Omega-3: We all know it’s healthy but we still don’t consume enough
      • Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Risk Reduced With Multivitamin
      • Everything You Need To Know About Omega 3, 6 And 9 Fatty Acids
      • 7 omega-3 deficiency signs you need to know about
      • 10 Reasons Every Lifter, Runner and Athlete Needs Omega-3s
      • Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate brown adipose tissue metabolism
      • Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help lower blood pressure in young, healthy adults
      • Omega-3 fatty acids can help clear waste in the brain, says study
      • How Omega 3 Fats May Improve Fertility
      • Omegas for Heart and Brain Health
    • Cacao - Coco-XO >
      • Can Eating Chocolate Improve Your Brain?
      • A happy heart gets chocolate every day?
    • Other news related to probiotics >
      • Cancer, Vitamin D & Probiotics
      • Intestinal bleeding caused by pain medication is killing thousands of Americans
      • ‘Superbug’ scourge spreads as U.S. fails to track rising human toll
      • Drug resistance in people and animals may push millions into poverty: World Bank
      • No change in hospital antibiotic use overall in recent years
      • The Ultimate Battle Against MRSA ​
      • WHO Urges Shift in STD Treatment Due to Antibiotic Resistance
      • F.D.A. Bans Sale of Many Antibacterial Soaps, Saying Risks Outweigh Benefits
      • Study reveals cholesterol link in aggressive cancers
      • Probiotic may boost vitamin D levels
      • Asthma Probiotics and Vitamin D
      • Vitamin D combats diseases.
      • How do you spell Relief?
  • Store
  • New Page
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