Ample research on the brain-gut axis and the immense effect that your gut microbiome has on your overall health has been conducted over the last decade. Thanks to the Internet and easy access to all this new information, you already know about the importance of having a happy gut and how probiotics can boost your well-being and health.
Unfortunately, this has also opened up avenues for misinformation. There are plenty of myths surrounding the topic of probiotics – about what they can do, how well they work, and whether or not you should supplement your diet with them. Here are a few of the most common myths about probiotics – de-bunked and de-mystified.
Myth #1: All probiotics are the same.
False. Probiotics are essentially good or friendly bacteria that are beneficial for the functioning and health of your body. There are many different species of probiotics, and each species consists of genetic subtypes or strains. Two of the most common species of probiotics are Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. Specific strains of these species are found in certain foods and are added to supplements. These strains are identified on the food or supplement label. Generally, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are abbreviated as B. and L. and are then followed by the name of the strain. For example, L. acidophilus indicates the acidophilus strain of Lactobacillus bacteria.
Each strain has a different effect on your health. While L. acidophilus is known to aid digestion and boost vaginal health, B. longum serves to efficiently break down carbohydrates and acts as an antioxidant. Some probiotic strains aid weight loss, while a few others help you gain weight.
Myth #2: If your probiotic supplements are not refrigerated, all the bacteria are dead.
Probiotic bacteria are quite fragile. When exposed to air, high temperatures, or moisture, these bacteria can die quickly. Owing to this, most probiotic companies insist that you refrigerate your probiotics. However, this does not ensure the quality of bacteria that you will finally consume. It is quite likely that most of the bacteria are already dead way before the product reaches your home – during transportation or storage.
All is not lost because there are some probiotic supplements that are designed with your convenience in mind. LoveBug’s probiotic supplements do not need to be refrigerated at all. These non-GMO supplements are made without any yeast, gluten, sugar, lactose, soy, preservatives, and artificial colors or flavors. Containing proprietary blends of carefully selected strains, LoveBug Probiotics are travel-friendly to boot.
Myth #3: You cannot take probiotics while on antibiotics.
In fact, you absolutely should take probiotics if you are on prescription antibiotics. Antibiotics are powerful drugs designed to fight bacterial infections. As such, antibiotics kill bacteria. Unfortunately, they kill all kinds of bacteria, which means that while the harmful bacteria in your body are targeted, the good bacteria also suffer an untimely death.
This is one of the main reasons why diarrhea and stomach aches are a couple of the most common side effects of antibiotics. This is where probiotics can step in to help. Taking probiotic supplements can help balance the effect of antibiotics on the good bacteria in your body.
Myth #4: You only need probiotics if you have digestive issues.
Probiotics are definitely great for those who have digestive trouble. But quality probiotic supplements offer a whole host of other benefits, too. Research shows that probiotics support weight loss, boost your immune system, improve your complexion, and even enhance your mood and mental clarity. Your gut microbiome is part of the gut-brain axis. Probiotics have the unique ability to interact with your brain, which is why your gut is known as the second brain of your body. It is likely that there are many more benefits of taking probiotics as research on many strains is still underway.
So, if you want to take probiotics only to boost your digestive health, feel free to do so. But remember, that probiotics actually support your overall health in a variety of other ways, too.
Myth #5: You should not take probiotics while pregnant.
False. In fact, taking probiotics while you are pregnant is highly recommended, as they can help an expectant mother handle common pregnancy-related issues like constipation, boost immunity, and help you pass on a robust gut microbiome to your baby. Research shows babies are first exposed to their mother’s microbiome in the placenta. During a vaginal birth, the baby picks up healthier colonizing bacteria from the birth canal. Babies born via C-sections miss out on these beneficial colonizers.
Some strains of probiotics like B. infantis are particularly effective when it comes to meeting the health needs of expectant mothers. LoveBug’s Labor of Love probiotics contain a specialized blend of eight premium strains that is designed to foster better health in mothers both before and after delivery.
How to Get the Most from Your Probiotic
In order for you to gain maximum benefit from your chosen probiotic supplement, its delivery system is of great importance. The good bacteria in the supplement can only help you if they reach the targeted area after passing through the stomach acids. LoveBug Probiotics have you covered with their patented BIO-tract® technology that releases bacteria in a gradual manner and with adequate protection.
This makes LoveBug probiotic tablets 15x more effective than other capsules in the market. Probiotics support your quest for sustained good health for the rest of your life. LoveBug Probiotics are specifically designed to meet your needs depending on your goal and stage of life. From expectant mothers and infants, to kids, adults, and the elderly, everyone can draw benefits from these high quality, effective supplements.
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8 Fun and Tasty Fall Probiotic Snacks For Kids