In recent years, probiotics have become increasingly popular. They can be found everywhere, from your favorite yogurt to a gum pack. One of the main reasons that foods and supplements containing a variety of probiotic strains have become so popular is that the health benefits of probiotics have become more apparent in recent years. The following are the best probiotics for anxiety, eczema, diarrhea, and more.
Some of these benefits include better digestion, a stronger immune system, weight loss, and reduced risk of disease. With the increase in research on our microbiome that also details these benefits and the importance of good gut health, probiotics could hold the key to tackling several health problems.
How Probiotics Help Protect You
Everyone's gut contains thousands of living microorganisms, some good and some bad. When you have too many harmful bacteria in your gut, you can experience health problems like poor digestion, illness, a weak immune system, fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, to name a few.
The key to regulating the gut microbiome is to eliminate the pathogens (harmful bacteria) that cause health problems with the good bacteria in probiotics.
One of the main health problems that occur as a result of harmful bacteria in your gut is the release of harmful chemicals. These chemicals include bactericides, acetic acid, and lactic acid. Probiotics can address these health problems as they contain good bacteria that regulate your gut microbiome.
The “friendly and healthy bacteria” in probiotics strengthen the immune system by forming a barrier against harmful bacteria and allowing good bacteria to flourish.
To get the full benefits of probiotics through food and supplements, you need to make sure you are ingesting probiotics that effectively bind to the good bacteria already present in your gut.
This process occurs when the good bacteria from probiotics adhere to tissues in the intestinal mucus and epithelial cells, the cells that absorb nutrition and protect the body from harmful substances.
It is important to note that permanent colonization of probiotics ingested through food and supplements is unlikely. This means that you need to eat food regularly or take supplements that contain "healthy, friendly bacteria."
The best probiotics for certain health conditions
Probiotics can help solve various health problems, from mental health problems to physical ailments and illnesses. The good bacteria that can help treat these health problems are contained in certain probiotic foods and supplements.
Some foods that contain "health-friendly bacteria" include yogurt, fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, pickles, tempeh, kefir, and miso. When buying these foods, take a look at the packaging to see what strains of probiotics they contain.
Each probiotic supplement and food contain different strains of good bacteria, so it is important to understand which strain you need. Here is a list of common health problems that can be cured with the "unhealthy bacteria" in certain foods and probiotics.
Anxiety
The digestive system has a significant impact on your mood. The best specific probiotic strains that can help cure anxiety are Lactobacillus heleveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175. (4)
Antibiotic-induced diarrhea
Antibiotics can be harsh on the digestive system and cause problems like diarrhea. Antibiotic-induced diarrhea occurs when your digestive system is not resolved by antibiotics. A recent study found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii strains could reduce the risk of antibiotic-induced diarrhea by 51%. (5)
Best probiotics for colic
Several probiotic strains can relieve pain and distress in babies, including:
· Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25
· Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27
· Lactobacillus casei PXN 37
· Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus pxn 39
· Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN 54
· Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66PXN 37
· Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN 54
· Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66. (6)
Dental caries
Some studies have found that probiotics can have a positive impact on dental health. The probiotic strain that can help prevent cavities and improve dental health is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. (7)
Constipation
Several strains of probiotics can relieve constipation, including:
· Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25
· Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27
· Lactobacillus acidophilus PXN 35
· Lactobacillus casei PXN 37
· Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. bulgaricus pxn 39
· Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN 54
· Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66PXN 37
· Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus pxn 39
· Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN 54
· Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66. (8)
Eczema
Various probiotic strains can help cure eczema. These strains include:
· Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25; Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27
· Lactobacillus acidophilus PXN 35
· Lactobacillus casei PXN 37
· lactobacillus delbruceckii ssp. bulgaricus pxn 39
· Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN 54
· Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66 PXN 37
· Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus pxn 39
· Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN 54
· Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66. (9)
Mastitis
The probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 can help cure mastitis. (10)
Best probiotics for weight loss
Strains from the lactobacillus family have been found to be the best probiotics for weight loss (11). Some yogurts on the market contain lactobacillus fermentum or lactobacillus amylovorus. Otherwise, you can look for probiotic supplements that include these strains.
While there may not be one pill or supplement that can fix all of your health problems, it's worth considering the variety of health benefits that can be gained through including a probiotic supplement or fermented foods in your diet.
Remember that different strains of probiotics have different effects, so you need to identify and understand your symptoms before you start taking a probiotic supplement. And as with any supplement or medication, you should consult a medical professional before starting anything new.
Probiotics are not for everyone, and you should only take a supplement if you are experiencing a variety of symptoms and health problems that could be resolved with supplementation.
You guys know I’m a mix of practical plus woo. On the practical side, beyond those studies referenced in the Gaia article, I didn’t find any studies that said there was a definite connection between high music and healing. I did find some studies that showed some hope but nothing definitive, so I’m not going to link them.