Probiotics is so popular today that the record of 2021 states the global sales are over valued at USD 61.15 Billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% in coming years. To start the subject the probable questions would be; have you ever tried a probiotic for any of your stomach related issues or other? Do you wonder how long you needed to consume probiotics? Or how long it takes to start working? and very importantly how to choose the right probiotic?
To understand the answers the main factor is to know your purpose of taking probiotics.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that may benefit a person’s health. Taking probiotics may help build and restore healthy bacteria in the intestines and promote digestive health.
In minor diarrhoea symptoms probiotics can give immediate relief. To bring a completely disordered digestive health to order, a proper combination of probiotics may take a few days of regular use to see the effects.
Health experts suggest that continual use of probiotics over time may be most advantageous, as these healthy bacteria take time to build up and benefit the body.
What does it contain?
Most probiotic supplements contain microbes or bacteria that grow within the body in the organs such as the small intestines and colon. Taking these probiotics help to have a healthy gut. They help in aiding digestion and in other gut related functions.
Similarly a digestive system lacking these good bacteria has an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, the imbalance state called dysbiosis. This imbalance of good and bad bacteria leads to digestive issues and other health risks.
Measurement, Dosage and Effect?
Probiotic doses are measured in CFUs that are colony forming units, meaning the number of live strains (good bacteria) in each dose. Brands will have different suggested doses and uses depending on the strains they have per dose. Things to check before starting a probiotic supplement are the type of microbe strain, your health condition, product formula, dose, and the quality of the product are all important.There is no specific dosage for probiotic supplement as it differs based on product, however some studies recommend that the common dosages range from 5 to 10 billion CFU per day for children, and from 10 to 20 billion CFU per day for adults.
Probiotics for complete gut care or immune health need while to see results, may be 60 to 90 days of regular use. On the other hand, if you’re taking a probiotic specially for relief from diarrhea, you may see faster results as the microbial strains will be specific to treat the specific issue. Probiotics can take weeks of continuous administration to see improvements for more chronic diseases, dysbiosis, or general immunological health, although longer use may be better.
Common types of probiotic
Probiotics contain a variety of microorganisms. The two most common types belong to groups Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics can be found in certain foods or are available as supplements.
Probiotic foods
Certain foods are naturally powered with probiotics, while some fortified foods are added during the manufacturing process. Fermented and dairy foods are good sources of probiotics like yogurt, homemade pickle, cottage cheese, jalebi and fermented soy products tempeh.
Probiotic supplements
You can also take probiotic supplements, which come in various levels of different strains. Lifezen Healthcare’s Wonderpro Super probiotic contain five different types of strains making it a potent supplement to resolve various gut related issues, keeping gut health fit, boosting up immunity and many other benefits. It has three main types of strain groups Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces and Bifidobacterium.
Supplements are a great way to get large amounts of good bacteria into the body. The benefits of taking probiotics are;
Overall gut health
Immune system
Bowel movements
Stool consistency
Skin health
Mental health
Vaginal health
Probiotics are generally considered safe. Often probiotics are given to reduce the abdominal side effects of antibiotics. Probiotics are usually administered to diarrhoea patients. They are known to be effective in relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Significant side effects are rare, and there are no known drug interactions.
Probiotics should not be taken by people who are critically unwell or have disorders that impair their immune system. We advise you to consult a doctor if you are in any critical health condition.