Have you started to pay more attention to your body? Do you want to renew your lifestyle and go down a healthier route to retain more energy and strength for both your physical and mental well-being? This is something that more and more people are becoming conscious of, so you’re certainly not alone!
With the immense knowledge that we have access to, we’re privileged enough to have a greater understanding of how to take care of our health. We’ve discovered that our guts play an integral role in having a healthy body, and now it’s important to understand the best way to do this. Probiotics have been getting very popular in the past few years as a growing amount of research is showing how beneficial these bacteria are for gut health in both men and women. However, probiotic is a general term used to describe a lot of different bacteria that occur in the human body and can be gained from different food sources and supplements.
The kind of bacteria we have in our gut and the ratio of different bacteria in the gut does vary from person to person. This volume and ratio of bacteria also change at different stages of life. Here is some information to help you choose the right strain of probiotics for your situation.
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus is one of the most extensively studied strains of probiotics. It is naturally found in the GIT system as well as the vagina. It’s a very useful probiotic which is why you will find it at least in some proportion in gut health supplements and it can also be found in natural food sources. Within this strain, there are over a dozen species that are officially recognized. This is a great choice for improving the microflora in the gut, improving the immune system, and even managing cholesterol.
Bifidobacterium
Among all the different bacteria present in the GIT system, bifidobacterium is present in the largest amount. It plays an important role in gut health and other processes in the body. The presence of these bacteria can help improve oral health and the health of the GI tract. However, this bacterium is most common in infants and children, and the amount of bifidobacterium we have in our bodies decreases as we age. Making it more important, especially for older patients, to use this as a supplement.
Streptococcus
Streptococcus is a bacteria that is often considered a threat because certain species of this strain are known for causing serious illness. However, the streptococcus thermophilus strain is one very beneficial strain that is commonly found in our GIT system that helps keep the GI tract healthy. Moreover, it also promotes the growth and health of other helpful bacteria in the gut.
Streptococcus is also beneficial for improving the gut-brain connection. This is a very resilient bacteria that can withstand harsh conditions of the GIT system. Too much of this bacteria can also be a problem though and it works best when used in conjunction with other beneficial probiotics in the right proportions.
Salivarius
Salivarius, as the name suggests, is found in saliva and resides predominantly in the mouth. The mouth is the very start of the GIT system and here Salivarius helps keep hygienic conditions and protect our teeth. It has also been shown to help prevent the growth of pathogens in the mouth and throat.
We live in times where we are more health conscious than we’ve ever been in the past. As we get older, our bodies tend to function differently, and as a result, you need to start paying closer attention to what your needs are to maintain perfect health. It’s never a good idea to wait until something goes wrong before taking action to live a healthier life.
From the information provided here, you now understand that gut health is something you need to prioritize, and it’s much easier than you think! Supplements have gained popularity and credibility over the years, and do a great deal when it comes to making up for what you cannot get from your food. When choosing a supplement for gut health it would be best to choose a product that delivers at least 3 billion CFUs per serving. Also, if the supplement lists the specific kind of probiotics that are in it, then look for the above-mentioned 4 probiotics as these are the most well-researched and most beneficial. Before using probiotics, consult with your doctor to understand how much of each you need and which kind of supplement you should use.