A healthy digestive tract contains trillions of bacteria known as the microbiome. They are involved in the maintenance, structure, absorption, and immune function of the GI tract and its mucosal lining. The digestive tract interacts with beneficial, well-tolerated, and unfriendly bacteria, such as E. coli. Probiotic bacteria are classified by genus and species, with specific strains being studied for function and effectiveness.
Probiotic Balance
The microbiome directly impacts your sleep cycles, appetite, and emotional resilience. Friendly bacteria interact with fibers to form molecules that reduce inflammation, support immune function, and promote GI tract integrity, absorption of dietary nutrients, and brain health. A bacterial imbalance (dysbiosis) can lead to irregular bowel movements, skin rashes, mood issues, immune dysfunction, and inflammation. Poor diet, stress, lack of fiber, and antibiotics promote dysbiosis. Omega-3 fats and zinc carnosine support the health and repair of the GI tract.
Featured Supplemental Strains
Not all probiotics serve the same purpose. Research has identified individual and combination strain-specific applications.
- Allergy, Histamine and Mast Cells: L. rhamnosus GG supported removal of histamine from foods while helping to support mast cells in the GI Tract.
- Digestive Tract Regularity: L. gasseri BNR17 supported regular bowel movements by 25%, while reducing diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome. In another study, BNR17 supported weight loss with a significant visceral fat reduction.
- Urinary Tract Support: L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 is a combination with 30 years of study showing support of the urinary tract in women and men.
- Brain and Mood: B. longum 1714 and B. longum 35624 are psychobiotics that were shown to help lower cortisol levels and manage stress.
Combination Formulas
- Medical Food Visbiome has been studied as an adjunct probiotic in medical for treatment of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. It forms the anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acid, Butyrate.
- SFI Ther-Biotic Kid’s Chewable. A good-tasting, 8-strain, 25 billion strength Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic.
- 35 Billion Proven Strain Probiotic. Promotes regularity with 8 strains.
References: World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2011 Feb 14 Journal of Biochemistry & Nutrition. 2018 Jan 11 Journal of Medicinal Food. 2018
Trends in Microbiology. 2021 Aug Applied Microbiology. 2009 Translational Psychiatry. 2016 Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2022 Sep
United European Gastroenterology Journal. 2024 Aug 6
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
