What Does A Probiotic Do?
December 1, 2017
Ah-choo! Have your family and coworkers been hit by the flu virus, colds, persistent cough, strep throat or any of the other bugs going around? It's been a tough season, and we are not done yet. Even if you are staying healthy, bifidobacteria can benefit you in so many other ways.
It often surprises people to learn that our intestinal tracts play a major role in lives. One of its most important jobs is keeping our immune system functioning. Believe it or not, 80% of our immune system lives in our guts, so if it's out of whack you can bet our health is too. In order for both our immune system and intestinal tract to work right, we need lots of good bacteria to protect us, and about 70% of that bacteria should (ideally!) be bifidobacteria. Knowing that, we stock the probiotic Bifido Balance, two small capsules containing a whopping six billion bifidobacteria (or 1/4 tsp of powder).
Studies show, when we have lots of these beneficial bacteria inside our digestive tract, we are less likely to catch a cold or the flu. On top of that, probiotics do so much more. They help prevent constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. If any of those symptoms sound familiar or you're trying to ward off illness, Bifido Balance might be the perfect fit.
Deficient in Good Bacteria?
People can become deficient in good bacteria from taking antibiotics and steroid medications, drinking chlorinated water or eating fruits and vegetables with pesticides and herbicides on them, or meat and dairy products from animals given antibiotics and growth hormones. On top of all that, many of us start out deficient in good bacteria if we were born by a C-section and/or formula fed.
Benefits of Bifidobacteria
To name just a few advantages, once your intestinal tract is balanced you may feel the following improve:
- Weight loss, we've discussed this on past podcasts, but gut health is often the hidden factor in weight loss.
- Improved mood and anxiety levels. There is a powerful connection between your mood and your gut since almost 95% of serotonin, the chemical responsible for even moods, is made in your gut!
- Overall wellness. Say goodbye to constantly getting sick! We just want to state this again, 80% of your immune system lives in your gut as well.
At Nutritional Weight & Wellness, our first recommendation for a balanced gut is always to eliminate processed foods by eating the Weight & Wellness Way. We recommend a variety of animal protein, carbohydrates in the form of green leafy vegetables and fruit, along with good healthy fats like avocados, coconut oil, olives or nuts to repopulate diverse bacteria. On top of that balanced diet, consider adding foods that naturally contain good bacteria, such as sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi and miso.
However if you (like most Americans) don't incorporate these items regularly or want to supplement your efforts, our nutritionists recommend Bifido Balance.
Bifido Balance Dosage Recommendations
Our nutritionists advise clients to take one to two capsules (or a 1/4 tsp if using the powder variety) ten to fifteen minutes before each meal. It's important to take Bifido Balance on an empty stomach so that digestion of your food doesn't interfere. Bifidobacteria helps crowd out other bad bacteria. Some people notice a difference within just a few days of starting it, while others notice they feel better within a few weeks.
So whether you're looking to reduce constipation, gas, bloating or sugar cravings, or boost your immune system, Bifido Balance is for you.
Sue
Can a probiotic actually CAUSE constipation? I was put on one for another reason and had to stop due to that issue
March 2, 2017 at 5:08 am
admin
Yes, probiotics can cause constipation. Anytime you change the types of bacteria in the gut, bowel habits frequently change too. This may mean loose stools or constipation.
Angela
I've heard taking Betaine HCL with probiotics like bifido balance is best. Have you heard this and is it true? If so why?
Thanks!
March 10, 2017 at 4:24 pm
admin
That is a very interesting question! Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, helps the body absorb vitamins and produce stomach acids. Many individuals can be low in the production of natural acids of the stomach as a result of poor diet, aging or disease processes and may benefit from a supplement of a digestive enzyme. If this is the case for the client we recommend taking a probiotic supplement one hour before taking the Betaine HCL supplement.
The Betaine HCL supplement increases the acid in the stomach so the probiotic supplement can work. Only people who have reduced levels of stomach acid should take Betaine HCL and then they should begin a low dose and work their way up to the fully prescribed recommended dosage.
Steve
Ever think of shipping overseas??
March 15, 2017 at 12:21 pm
admin
We haven't yet, but thanks for the idea!
Kendra
I am thinking of starting a new workout program and I have to take a bunch of supplements will they interfere with this product?
March 15, 2017 at 1:39 pm
admin
That is a great question! It is always a good idea to have a nutritionist review your supplements for quality, medication disruption, safety and timing. The simple answer would be yes, supplements taken with Bifido may interfere with the viability and absorption of this great probiotic. When we pay for good quality supplements we want to be sure we are taking them at the optimal time to get the best utilization!
Carol
Regarding the question from Sue and the response, I wasn't aware that probiotics could actually cause constipation or diarrhea. I thought that probiotics helped to normalize those conditions. Will the bowel adjust over time and the symptoms go away?
March 17, 2017 at 5:11 pm
admin
When you take probiotics, they can alter the acidity and the type of bacteria in your intestinal tract, which can have an effect on digestion and bowel patterns. There are many different kinds of probiotic strains, so depending on which one you choose, you may experience different side effects and results. For most people, there is roughly a two week transition period where you may experience side effects; the most common being diarrhea, gas, bloating, or cramps, and, far less common, constipation. If constipation occurs, there might be other factors at play like dehydration or lack of fiber. To decrease side effects, go slowly when starting a new probiotic and then wait a couple of days before increasing the dose. After a couple of weeks, your intestinal tract will most likely adjust and normalize, and then you experience only the positive results.
Diana
I have IBS diarrhea and microscopic colitis. My diet has gotten very poor as I can't seem to tolerate fiber. Veggies and fruits all seem to make me worse. So I am eating only white processed foods. I've tried probiotics in the past but that also seemed to make my diarrhea worse. Can you help?
March 19, 2017 at 6:06 am
admin
Sorry to hear you're in pain. We'd highly recommend making an appointment with our nutritionists, either by phone or in person as your health is very unique to you and requires more background knowledge. You can learn more about nutrition counseling here.
Karin Krans
As I recall from NWW classes... there's a specific time window for max efficiency of Bifido Balance in the gut. I "think" the recommendation is to take it roughly 10 minutes before eating. But I'm not entirely sure.
What do you recommend?
December 8, 2017 at 11:57 am
admin
10-15 minutes before eating is ideal. However if you start eating or finished your meal and remember at that time it is more important that you get it in rather than wait, you will still benefit from it.
Carol
Can you give me more info on how the powder can be taken before I purchase it.
Is there a recommended dosage for children age 9 and younger.
February 1, 2018 at 10:59 am
admin
Take ½ tsp for adults. It can be put into water before a meal or before bed. For children, take 1/8 -1/4 tsp.
Terry Musta
I would like your opinion on Dr Gundry's view of probiotics and prebiotics. His video also talked in length about a plant protein called lectins which is found in most foods but in very high concentrations in legumes, peanuts, peppers and tomatoes! Are these foods really hurting us?
February 4, 2018 at 5:39 pm
admin
If you are eating real foods like we promote at Nutritional Weight &Wellness you should be getting prebiotics daily from your food. Those foods high in lectins could definitely be problematic for some individuals, but not everybody necessarily needs to eliminate them.
Shelly
Does Bifido help lesson/prevent gas?
February 3, 2020 at 9:08 pm
admin
Bifido absolutely has the potential to prevent or lessen gas. However, there are many reasons gas could be occurring in the first place. It may be treatable with dietary changes before implementing supplementation. To get to the root cause it would be best to meet with a nutritionist.
Suzie
Hi,
My stomach burns really bad when I eat. It's even worst, when I eat red meat. I found your website, and wanted to order bifido balance. I spoke with one of your reps. I was told it's best to start with the acidophilus, because it will heal my stomach. Is this correct? I want to order, but I am leaning more towards bifido balance.
Please advice. Thanks
October 24, 2020 at 1:01 pm
admin
Yes, bifido balance would be a great place to start. Bifido helps with the breakdown of protein and is great for healing and replacing the bacteria in the intestinal tract. The person you talked to also has a good point as far as adding the acidophilus. Acidophilus is the bacteria that likes a more acidic environment, like the stomach.
Taking both would likely be the most beneficial but if you’d like to start with just 1 at a time, go with your gut and get the bifido.
This is how I’d recommend taking them; 2-3 Bifido Balance and 1-2 Acidophilus 15 min before each meal.
For some of my client that have a had a hard time with red meat, actually adding acid can be helpful. Take 1-2 tabs of Metagest before, during or right after meals containing protein.
Another option that might be helpful is digestive enzymes. Take 2 caps tabs before, during or right after meals containing protein. This is a very comprehensive digestive formula.
If you do decide on a either of the other digestive support options I added here, having a daily probiotic is highly recommended.