Probiotics

News relating to probiotics and the probiotic industry.

November 14 2022

Probiotics For Babies With Gas: Do They Help, And How?

A woman smiling after her mouth sore was treated.

Published November 14, 2022

Like most people, babies can sometimes get gassy, which is completely normal. Of course, they’re more susceptible to gassiness since they tend to swallow air while eating or crying. The symptoms usually go away on their own, and by four to six months of age, the baby will eventually grow out of it.

While gas in babies is often harmless, there are times when it can be painful for the baby. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to subject the infant to such an uncomfortable, irritating, and possibly painful experience.

Alas, most remedies to gas in infants, like moving their legs in a circle, raising their head, and swaddling, are primarily for gas relief rather than prevention. But that’s only when the baby swallows air.

If it’s for any other reason, there might be a plausible preventative measure.

What Causes Babies To Have A Lot Of Gas?

Apart from swallowing air, there are other reasons why babies or infants tend to be gassy. And most of these reasons have to do with their digestive system. An infant can get gas for the following reasons:

Their digestive tract is immature,
They’re suffering from minor digestive problems,
They’re eating foods that their digestive system isn’t used to, or
A gastrointestinal virus is causing stomach problems.

As always, the solution to a problem will generally depend on its cause. So, depending on why your baby has a lot of gas, the appropriate solution may vary. So, what does this have to do with probiotics?

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics refer to the collection of live yeasts and bacteria in a person’s gut. There are good and bad bacteria. Probiotics are the good bacteria. They bring numerous health benefits to the body, specifically the digestive system. Lower risks of digestive problems, better lactose intolerance symptoms, and improved intestinal health are a few examples of the benefits of probiotics to the digestive system.

Due to its benefits to the digestive system, it makes sense to assume that it can help with gas since gas is often caused by digestive issues. But can probiotics really help with gas?

Do Probiotics Relieve Gas?

Yes, probiotics relieve gas, as well as bloating. But of course, it’s not for everyone.

Some might not have the tolerance for probiotics right away and may need time to adjust. Those people tend to experience gas and bloating for the first few days or weeks of consuming probiotics.

However, once their digestive system has acclimated to the supplement, the probiotics can then help alleviate gas, bloating, and other similar symptoms. This has been proven by numerous studies.

The issue here is that the constitution of an adult has numerous differences from that of an infant.

So, supplements like Bionaze that work perfectly to prevent gas and bloating in adults may not work the same way with babies, taking us to the main question, “Do probiotics help with gas in infants?”

Can Probiotics Help Gassy Babies?

Unfortunately, as much as we’d like to say it does, there’s not enough evidence to confirm the effectiveness of probiotics to gas in babies. We say not enough evidence because there are some studies that point toward that conclusion. But much like most studies, further research is needed.

A baby lying facedown on her mother's lap.

That applies to even the best probiotics for newborn gas on the market. At the very least, administering probiotics to babies seems to cause no harmful effects. As such, while it’s not confirmed to be beneficial, there’s no harm in trying. After all, some parents do say their babies have become less gassy after the administration of probiotics. But if that didn’t work, there are a number of alternatives you can try.

4 Alternatives To Probiotics For Babies With Gas

Other than providing probiotics for infants gas, there are specific strategies you can use to minimize the likelihood of your baby getting gas. They won’t always work, but at least one of them should.

1. Change Your Diet

Though researchers have yet to prove it, there’s a hypothesis that what the mom eats can make its way to the baby through breastfeeding. If the mom eats certain foods that the baby is not used to, like if they’re sensitive or allergic to them, then the food will likely cause gas. There are also foods that have a higher likelihood of causing gas regardless of the baby’s food sensitivity or allergy. Here are some examples:

Aromatic vegetables (e.g., garlic, onions, etc.)
Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, brussels sprouts, leafy greens, etc.)
Dairy
Spicy foods (e.g., curries, chilies, etc.)

If you eat these regularly, try to change your diet. Again, this isn’t proven, but there’s no harm in trying.

2. Let The Feeding Bottle Settle

It’s a common practice to shake the baby bottle thoroughly after putting the powdered formula to ensure the powder has dissolved completely. And oftentimes, such a habit can result in a bottle full of air bubbles.

Since you don’t want your baby to swallow air, as it’s one of the main reasons why they get gas, it’s best to let the bottle settle for a few minutes, or at least until there are no longer air bubbles.

3. Try Out Different Formulas

Gas is a common issue for parents with their babies, which is why there’s a market for formulas that are designed to minimize the likelihood of causing gas. You can either look for those specific formulas or try a different one every few days or weeks to see what works best for your little one.

4. Buy High-Quality Baby Bottles

Just like how there are formulas for minimizing gas, there are also manufacturers that make baby bottles with the same goal. They achieve that goal by creating a baby bottle design that reduces the amount of air that’s swallowed by the baby during feedings while using the bottle. Again, you can make use of this strategy by either buying bottles that are advertised for minimizing gas or trying out different bottles.

Ideally, you’d want to utilize these strategies as soon as you determine that your baby has gas. But for that, you must be aware of the symptoms of gassiness in infants.

How Do I Know If My Baby Has Gas?

Gas is normal among babies, and their farts or burps are usually silent. Hence, it’s not unusual to find yourself unaware that your baby has gas. The good news is there are signs of gas in infants, such as:

Your baby is fussy. Babies are usually relatively tame, so if they’re fussy, you know there’s something up. Among the many reasons why a baby may get fussy, one is that they have gas.
Your baby isn’t sleeping or eating well. Having gas can be uncomfortable for anyone, not just infants. While this can be a sign of other problems, it’s best to check if your baby has gas.
Your baby is squirming too much. Squirming is normal for babies, but if it’s getting a bit too much, there’s a chance they’re extra uncomfortable due to gas.

If you notice that these signs are particularly severe in your baby, consider calling a doctor. Apart from that, there are other reasons why parents should call a doctor for their baby.

When To Call Your Doctor

While some may argue that gas is not an urgent problem, it can be under certain circumstances. In those cases, the best course of action would be to call a doctor. Here are the signs that gas in your baby is more severe than you’d initially think:

Your baby is no longer gaining weight as soon as they show signs of frequent gas
Your baby no longer eats as often as they did before
Your baby is struggling to burp or fart

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About The Author

Lenard Arceo is an experienced writer who enjoys learning to code in his spare time. He has a fascination with health and nutrition and enjoys sharing his knowledge and research. He is proud of his commitment to communicating factual content that has helped his readers with life changing choices over the years.

A woman needs probiotics for intestinal spasms

October 24 2022

Intestinal Spasms: Causes and Probiotic Treatment

Judy Ponio Probiotics

Published October 25, 2022

Have you had those days when you’re outside then felt a sudden discomfort in your gut? We get it! Abdominal spasms can be downright uncomfortable and irritating. When the pain becomes unbearable, your capacity to do things can be severely affected. Not to mention your bowel habits.

Lucky you! There are now treatments that can help you from the agony of having intestinal spasms. Read on to know more about the causes of intestinal spasms and how probiotics can treat it.

What Is An Intestinal Spasm?

Intestinal spasm or spastic colon is a symptom usually associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

It’s often thought that both are the same. But the truth is, an IBS is a medical condition while a spastic colon is often a symptom of certain diseases. Also, not all people with IBS experience intestinal spasm.

Regular muscle contractions on the intestine help move feces down to the anus. However, irregular contraction of the intestinal muscles often results in a spastic colon.

What Do Intestinal Spasms Feel Like?

Here are some signs that you can experience when you have intestinal spasm:

Pain

Intestinal spasms can be really painful. Sudden and severe pain in your lower left abdomen can usually occur if you have an intestinal spasm. The pain level depends on your pain tolerance.

Gas or bloating

Now, this can be really uncomfortable. Regardless of your diet, bloating can occur anytime if you have an intestinal spasm.

Changes in bowel habits

Irregular muscle contractions of the intestine can increase bowel motility. When intestinal spasm attacks, you may have a sudden urge to use the bathroom.

Changes in characteristic of stool

Because of the irregularity of the bowel movement, your feces may not form fully. This often results in loose stool. Mucus in stools may also appear in your feces if you have a spastic colon.

This is usually a sign of an underlying disease. Mucus in stools is often seen in those who have IBS. As mentioned, an intestinal spasm is often a symptom of a medical condition.

What Causes Intestinal Spasms?

Below are some examples of medical conditions that may cause intestinal or colon spasms:

Irritable bowel syndrome makes your bowel, or the lower part of your digestive tract, more sensitive to stimuli. That means if there’s even a slight pain, that pain might be amplified.
Any kind of inflammation in your intestinal areas can cause intestinal spasms. That’s why diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease tend to lead to spastic colon symptoms.
Bacteria, parasites, and viruses may cause not only infection, but also inflammation in your intestinal regions. And as previously established inflammation can lead to intestinal spasms.

Food intolerances and allergies can cause immune responses in your guts that may result in inflammation, which, again, is the catalyst for intestinal spasms.
Emotional and mental stress can magnify the sensitivity of the gut as it’s linked to the brain via the nervous system. So, a slight issue can escalate quickly and lead to spastic colon spasms.

How To Treat Intestinal Spasms

In most cases, a spastic colon’s treatment aims to reduce the symptoms of spasm. But, treating intestinal spasm actually depends on the underlying medical condition.

For instance, intestinal spasm due to IBS will have different treatment for spastic colon due to bacterial infection. Below are the most common way of treating spastic colon.

Manage stress
Increase in physical activity
Change your diet
Limit your consumption of alcohol and/or tobacco
Anticholinergic medications
Anti-diarrheal medications
Antispasmodic medications

For some reason, we often find it hard to avoid stress, engage in physical activities, and have a proper diet. That leaves us in taking medications or probiotics supplements.

Several studies prove the health benefits of probiotics. You’ll be surprised how probiotics can help you a lot. Not only with your intestinal spasms but also with other health diseases.

Can Probiotics Help With Spastic Colon Or Intestinal Spasms?

Probiotics are bacteria that are considered good and healthy for the body. Several studies show that probiotics help us prevent and treat some illnesses.

It works by keeping a healthy balance of bacteria within your body.

For example, if you take Antibiotics to treat other infections, all the bacteria in your body will be killed including the healthy ones.

That’s when probiotics come in. Probiotics can help you replace and maintain the good bacteria needed by your body.

It’s essential to have healthy bacteria because it helps the human body to have a strong immune system.

A strong immune system can avoid having a bacterial infection and other diseases. Thus, avoiding intestinal spasms.

Moreover, several studies show that probiotics help to suppress lots of symptoms. This includes:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Diarrhea or constipation

What many people don’t know though is that there are a lot of probiotic strains. Each strain has a different function and health benefits.

Thus, when taking a probiotic supplement for intestinal spasms, make sure it has the right strain.

Take Bionaze for example. It’s a probiotic supplement formulated with two cutting edge strains: BLIS K12 and Bl-04. These probiotic strains target ear, nose, throat and mouth infections.

For intestinal spasms, the strain L. Plantarum is scientifically proven to reduce both abdominal bloating and gas. This is supported by separate studies in Poland and Germany.

Why Are Probiotics Good For You?

Aside from intestinal spasms, Probiotics can help treat other medical conditions too. Remember that probiotics help you have a strong immune system which means your body will be able to fight against illnesses.

A lot of research has been made and showed what other conditions that probiotics can treat. These include:

Yeast infections
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Lactose intolerance
Eczema
Respiratory infections
Allergies and Asthma
Mouth and Ear infections

Have you tried using probiotics for intestinal spasms? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

(Related: Can Probiotics Cause Gas and Bloating?)

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October 24 2022

Can I Give My Dog Human Probiotics?

Judy Ponio Probiotics

A healthy dog biting a stick while running in the woods.

Published October 25, 2022

It’s always great to have a loyal companion by your side. This is one of the reasons why many people choose to have pets, especially dogs. However, being a dog owner entails many responsibilities. Aside from regular pet check-ups, standard pet care protocol also involves giving them vitamins and supplements to keep them healthy at all times.

But giving supplements to our furry friends also comes with risks. As you know, not everything that’s good for humans will be good for your pets too. That’s why many dog owners find themselves asking, “can I give my dog human probiotics?“.

In general, you can give human probiotics to your dog. Most of the probiotic supplements available in the market today are also considered safe for dogs. However, these supplements only provide species-specific health benefits. This means that your dog won’t get the same probiotic benefits as you would. If you want your furry friend to get the full health benefits from a dose of good bacteria, you need to give them supplements specially formulated for dogs.

To fully understand how probiotics can benefit your dog, let’s first review our knowledge of probiotics.

What Are Probiotics?

Also known as the “good bacteria”, probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial for your health. If you didn’t know, our body is home to a population of harmful and beneficial bacteria which we collectively call our microbiome. Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria, help our body function normally by keeping the harmful bacteria in check. These healthy bacteria are naturally found within our bodies, particularly in our gut, and we are born with them. But we can also get them from foods and supplements.

However, this bacterial population is not exclusive to humans. Other animals like dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles, among others, also have their own microbiome. But the bacteria in dogs and cats are different from the type of bacteria found in humans. This is why giving your dog a probiotic supplement formulated for human consumption won’t give them the same benefit as it would you.

Remember that a probiotic supplement is basically a population of bacteria in capsule form. If it’s formulated for humans, then the bacteria inside it is a strain that’s native or beneficial to the human body. If you’ll give it to your dog, you’ll just be introducing a new strain of bacteria that’s not naturally found within their bodies. As a result, they may not work as intended.

There are, however, some probiotic strains that are beneficial for both dogs and humans. To be sure, ask your veterinarian if your dog can benefit from a certain probiotic supplement.

Are Probiotics Safe For Dogs?

As discussed above, probiotics are good bacteria. Moreover, probiotic chews are usually added to pet foods to help your dog have a better immune system, and help their body better fight against infection. In short, probiotics are safe for dogs in general. Some dogs may experience slight side effects like bloating and gas but they’re usually mild and are rarely life-threatening.

Prebiotics Vs. Probiotics

People are having a hard time distinguishing prebiotics from probiotics. As you know, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live mainly in our guts. While prebiotics is a type of fiber that gives nourishment and nutrients to your gut bacteria. In short, prebiotics serves as the probiotics’ food. Thus, feeding your dog food that is rich in prebiotics helps the probiotics proliferate leading to increased effectiveness.

Do Our Pet Dogs Need Probiotics?

Yes, dogs need probiotics too. Just like humans, they have their own health needs and health issues that need to be addressed. But since dogs can’t really express how they feel, a simple stomach issue may cause them to become irritable and sensitive. It also affects their appetite which can lead to more health complications. If you don’t want your furry friend to go through this, you need to keep them healthy and free from illnesses.

Benefits Of Probiotics For Dogs

According to research, giving your dog a daily dose of probiotics is essential for their health and wellness. Some of the health benefits of probiotics for dogs are:

a more robust immune system
lesser risk of allergic infections
shinier coat and fur
healthier digestive system
better gut microbiota
reduced risk of urinary tract infections

Remember, however, that we’re only just beginning to understand how probiotics can benefit dogs. While initial research may have suggested those health benefits, more studies are needed to establish the effects and benefits of probiotics on our furry friends.

Types Of Probiotics For Dogs

There are many dog probiotics available in the market, and they come in different forms. Some come in pills. While others are available in solutions or powders. It is essential to ask a vet what specific probiotic a dog should intake, no matter what dog breeding they have.

Each supplement contains different kinds of probiotic strains, each with its own set of health benefits. So if you want your dog to get the most out of a probiotic supplement, make sure you choose a supplement specially formulated for your dog’s health needs. For instance, if your dog has diarrhea, a Bifidobacterium strain would be great. And if your dog needs to increase their absorption of vitamins and minerals, a Lactobacillus would be more appropriate.

Some of the most common types of probiotics that, according to studies, are suitable for dogs include:

Spore Forming Probiotics

As the name suggests, these probiotic strains are capable of forming spores. They create a type of hard shell coating that allows them to survive in a wide variety of environments. This helps them reach your dog’s GI tract intact making them ideal for fighting small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). They are also known as soil-based probiotics since they are usually found in soil and water.

Lactic Acid Probiotics

Most dog probiotics found in the market today are made from lactic acid produced by the Lactobacillus bacteria. These are the same type of bacteria found in milk. These strains are beneficial for your dog’s immune and digestive system.

Lactobacillus Plantarum, for instance, can help strengthen the GI tract of dogs suffering from IBS and reduce the risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea. Another strain, Lactobacillus acidophilus, not only helps boost canine immune health but also reduces the risk of clostridia.

Other lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains commonly added in dog probiotics are:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus casei
Bifidobacterium longum
Pediococcus acidilactici
Bifidobacterium animalis

Probiotic Yeast

A probiotic yeast is a type of fungus that brings a number of health benefits. The most common example of this is saccharomyces boulardii which can be found in both humans and dogs. Aside from helping with acute and chronic diarrhea, S. boulardii can also be used to treat candida and other chronic canine inflammations.

Can A Dog Eat Foods With Probiotics?

Yogurt or kefir, and any other foods with probiotics can benefit your dog. However, since dogs are not meant to eat most of these foods, it is essential to control food servings to avoid digestive problems.

Additionally, yogurt contains lactose which can be troublesome for dogs.

Portions should be determined according to the dog size. Giving more than one teaspoon of yogurt to a small dog can cause gastrointestinal discomforts. Before giving human food to your dogs, even if probiotics are present, it is best to check the labels.

Can Puppies Take Probiotics?

Getting started with probiotics at an early age is excellent. Puppies can take probiotics so they can have a better immune system while still young. Moreover, puppies who take probiotics earlier are known to have reduced the chances of having digestive tract infections, diarrhea, and constipation.

How Often Do Dogs Need Probiotics?

Though studies show that dogs also need probiotics, the amount and frequency of probiotics supplementation may vary from one dog to another. Certain dogs require probiotics daily, while others only need it every other day. The way to determine how often they need probiotics is similar to how it is with humans. You can start by following the instructions in the supplementation. Do that for a month or two, then play around with the amount to see if you can get away with giving it daily or every other day.

You can identify if the dog is not okay with the supplementation amount if they show signs of discomfort or perhaps even pain. Put simply, there’s no answer to your question. It’ll require a bit of testing to find out.

What Time Of Day Should I Give My Dog Probiotics?

First thing in the morning is the perfect time of day to give your dog probiotics. That’s because the microbiota of a dog may resist the good bacteria provided by probiotics when their stomach is full of acids. If you give it in the morning while they have yet to eat anything, their gut system would offer no resistance to the good bacteria. As a result, they’ll absorb the supplement more easily.

Side Effects of Dog Probiotics

Probiotics are suitable for your dogs, and in most studies, there weren’t any adverse effects noted. However, some dogs may experience discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Such discomforts can affect how your dog behaves.

As a responsible pet owner, you have to check which probiotic supplement you are giving your dog. Book an appointment and ask your veterinarian about it.

Being a fur parent takes a lot of responsibility, and you must always put your dog’s health first. Adding probiotics to the diet of a healthy dog has a lot of benefits. Furthermore, it prevents GI discomforts and problems, and it boosts the dog’s immune system.

Dog probiotics should be carefully researched, especially their benefits, their possible contraindications, and side effects. Getting advice from your vet can help in administering probiotics with ease.

Being a fur-parent takes a lot of responsibility, and you must always put your dogs health first. Adding probiotics to the diet of a healthy dog has a lot of benefits. Furthermore, it prevents GI discomforts and problems, and it boosts the dog’s immune system.

Benefit From The Latest Advancements In Probiotic Science With Bionaze

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A side-by-side comparison of fiber and probiotic-rich foods.

September 26 2022

Should You Take Probiotics and Fiber Together?

Judy Ponio Health, Probiotics babies constipation, baby constipation, constipation in babies, prevent constipation

A mother is happy that her baby has no more constipation.

Published September 26, 2022

Fiber has long been touted as an essential component of any person’s diet. Similarly, probiotics have also gained widespread popularity. As a result, many people are wondering if can take the two together and gain their benefits simultaneously.

So can you take probiotics and fiber together? The short answer is yes. It is indeed possible to take the two in conjunction without getting an upset stomach.

Now with that said, I’d like to dive deeper into the subject. That way, you’ll know everything there is about it and not be left with any unanswered questions. So without further ado, let’s begin!

Probiotics Vs. Fiber

Probiotics

Probiotics refer to any type of “good bacteria” that promotes general health. They can be found in a wide variety of foods. However, they’ve become increasingly popular in supplement form because they’re easier to take that way. That said, not all probiotics have the same benefits.

For example, take Bionaze, which is a probiotic supplement formulated from a proprietary blend of two probiotic strains – BLIS K12 and BL-04. Together, these strains work to alleviate throat, nose, mouth, and ear conditions such as sinusitis, allergies, halitosis, asthma, and rhinovirus.

You may not be aware of it but there are already probiotics in your body. As a matter of fact, an entire ecosystem of both good and bad bacteria is present within your body. Many refer to this ecosystem as gut microbiota. Like any other ecosystem, this can become imbalanced due to a variety of reasons.

Fiber

Although fiber has been consumed by man since prehistoric times, the term “dietary fiber” was only coined back in 1950. Now for those unaware, the term dietary fiber pertains to the micronutrient made up of lignin and nondigestible carbohydrates intact in plants

In simple terms, fiber is the component in edible plant matter that the body can’t digest. Despite that, it’s beneficial because it facilitates the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Examples of popular commercial fibers include Citrucel, Benefiber, and Metamucil. Meanwhile, pears, chickpeas, barley, lentils, and berries are just a few examples of fiber-rich foods.

Like probiotics, not all fiber is the same. Fiber is broadly classified into two categories – soluble and insoluble. While neither of the two can be digested, soluble fiber can be fermented by probiotics, essentially making it a prebiotic inside your body’s gastrointestinal tract.

Putting It All Together

It’s a good idea to take probiotics and fiber together. As mentioned earlier, soluble fiber can act as fuel for probiotics. By consuming it, you’ll be able to naturally increase the number of good bacteria inside your gut’s microbiota. As a result, you shall receive a lot more health benefits.

With that said, it is still a good idea to consult your physician, especially if you plan on taking a probiotic supplement together with a fiber supplement. How come? Taking too many probiotics can bring about symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.

Benefit From The Latest Advancements In Probiotic Science With Bionaze

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Should You Take Probiotics and Fiber Together?

About The Author

Christian Cruz is an experienced blogger with a deep passion for health and wellness. He descends from a long line of educators and is committed to uncovering the facts when it comes to nutrition and health. Over the years, Chris has tackled all sorts of topics in his writing. As a result, millions of people worldwide have read and benefited from his content.

a crying baby carried by a woman trying to prevent constipation

September 26 2022

How To Prevent Constipation in Babies

Judy Ponio Health, Probiotics babies constipation, baby constipation, constipation in babies, prevent constipation

Published September 26, 2022

Any mother would agree that babies have very sensitive tummies.

Unlike adults, their organs are still developing. Therefore, a slight change in their diet or environment can throw their digestion off course.

It’s for this reason that constipation is very common in babies. This is especially true for babies who have just started eating solid foods. Also, formula-fed babies are more prone to constipation than breastfed ones.

So how do you prevent constipation in babies? The answer depends entirely on your baby as constipation has many causes. A slight dietary adjustment might work for some babies while others might require a doctor’s help.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition wherein a person makes less than 3 bowel movements in 1 week. When stool is finally passed, it’s either hard, lumpy, or dry. Furthermore, the process of passing that stool is often uncomfortable and even painful for many.

How to Spot Signs of Constipation

The thing about babies is that it’s pretty easy to tell when something’s wrong. But it’s hard to tell what exactly is wrong because they can’t really tell you what they feel. For that reason, you need to be vigilant and be on the watch for these signs:

Abnormal Bowel Movement Schedule

The bowel movement frequency can vary for each baby. It’s largely dependent on the milk or the foods they take in. Most breastfed babies may not pass a stool every day. Meanwhile, those on formula may have bowel movements multiple times each day.

Keep track of your baby’s bowel movement schedule. If they have not pooped for far longer than they usually do, it might be because they are having a hard time doing it.

Straining When Passing Stool

Does your baby get cranky and moody during bowel movements? Maybe it’s because they are straining to get the stool out.

When babies don’t get bowel movements at normal intervals, the stool can become hard and clay-like. That’s why your baby has to strain really hard to get it out.

Blood In The Stool

Your baby’s anal walls are still very weak. That’s why passing a hard stool can cause tiny tears on it. This manifests in the form of small bright red dots on your baby’s feces.

Unusually Large Feces

Abnormal bowel movement intervals often lead to unusually large stools. Check your baby’s diapers for black, hard, clay-like lumps.

Bloated Belly

The first thing you’ll notice in constipated babies is a bloated belly. You can usually tell this if their tummies are taut or too firm when touched.

Loss of Appetite

Constipation can also give your baby a great deal of discomfort. That’s why they easily get cranky and often refuse to eat food.

Common Causes of Infant Constipation

Change In Diet

A sudden change in diet can upset your baby’s stomach. A great example of this is when making the switch from milk to solid foods. Your baby’s digestive system may take time to adjust to the new foods.

Medications

Some medications such as high-dose iron supplements can cause constipation in babies too. This is also true for narcotic pain medicines. If your baby is taking these medications, talk to your doctor about other treatment options to avoid constipation.

Unhealthy Foods

When babies start eating solid foods, it’s advisable to steer them clear of certain foods that cause constipation. This includes processed foods, cheese, bagels, white bread, and meats.

Stress

Change in routine and being away from home in a new environment can cause stress to your baby. This can also upset their bowel movement schedules.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is an intestinal problem that we commonly refer to as “nervous stomach” or “spastic colon”. Its symptoms include cramps, gas, bloating, and constipation.

Holding Off Bathroom Time

Sometimes, babies will hold off on passing a stool even when the urge to go is great. Reasons can vary like refusing to use a public restroom, being distracted by a toy, or rebelling against potty training.

How Probiotics Can Help

Probiotics had long been associated with treating and preventing digestion issues. This applies to toddlers and infants too.

But first, what are probiotics?

Also referred to as the “good bacteria”, probiotics are living microorganisms that benefit our body. They help keep a healthy balance of both good and bad bacteria in our guts which creates a healthy intestinal flora. This improves and boosts our body’s digestive process.

Can they help with infant constipation?

Much research still has to be done to definitively prove the effect of probiotics on infant constipation. But several studies conducted in the past few years have yielded positive results.

A 2010 study in Italy subjected 44 infants with chronic constipation to a daily dose of probiotics and pureed high-fiber diet. After 8 weeks, they’ve shown significant improvement in bowel movement frequency. No adverse effects were recorded.

According to researchers, the results suggest that probiotics are a natural, safe, and well-tolerated treatment that may provide a simple and attractive way to treat infantile functional chronic constipation.

A medical review published in 2010 also examined six clinical trials conducted in different countries. All showed that probiotics improved bowel frequency in children. However, no significant changes in stool consistency were noted.

So where do I start giving probiotics to my baby?

First, you need to remember that there are thousands of probiotic strains. Each has different functions. Most probiotics supplements are made of strains targeted for a specific purpose.

Take Bionaze for example. It’s specially formulated with two cutting-edge strains, BLIS K12 and Bl-04, to target ear, nose, throat, and mouth issues.

For constipation in babies, the Lactobacillus reuteri strain is often used. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before giving any probiotics to your baby.

Home Remedies

Here are some home remedies for infant constipation you can try before calling a doctor:

Introduce an iron-rich, high-fiber diet.
If your baby is formula-fed, you can try switching to other milk brands to see which will suit him or her best.
Puree your baby’s foods to encourage better digestion.
Give your baby a warm bath. It helps relax their abdominal muscles and prevents straining.
If your baby is already eating solid foods, increase their fluid intake by giving them more water or fruit juices.
Massages help prevent constipation too. Simple movements like holding their knees and feet together and pushing it gently toward the belly. You can also use your fingertip and stroke a clockwise circular motion in your baby’s tummy.
Physical activity helps ease bowel movement too. If your baby can’t walk yet, you can hold their feet and gently move them in a cycling motion.
Encourage bathroom time so they won’t get used to holding it in.
Sometimes, inserting a thermometer in your baby’s rectal area can help loosen the stool and usher in proper bowel movement.

When to Call The Doctor

Some cases of constipation need professional intervention. We recommend calling your doctor in the following instances:

When home remedies don’t work
Your baby shows signs of abdominal pain
There’s blood in your baby’s stool
Your baby develops a fever

The doctor will usually prescribe laxatives and suppositories. Although they are available over the counter, do not try to administer them yourself without a physician’s consent.

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Oral probiotics gives a happy and healthy pregnant woman a healthy living.

September 26 2022

Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant?

Judy Ponio Health, Probiotics

A happy and healthy pregnant woman who benefits from probiotics.

Published September 27, 2022

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting stages in a woman’s life. But it’s also when we are most vulnerable. Because of the plethora of changes the body goes through, there is a larger risk of developing health complications.

Unfortunately, taking medications can be complicated when you’re pregnant. Some medical treatments can be dangerous for your baby and may even cause miscarriage.

This is why many expecting mothers turn to alternative treatments like probiotics. But can you take probiotics while pregnant? To fully understand the implications of taking probiotics for pregnant individuals, let’s get to know what exactly probiotics are in the first place.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are often called the “beneficial bacteria” or “good bacteria” because of the health benefits we get from them.

You may not know it but our body hosts billions of living microorganisms in what we call our microbiome. These microorganisms can be both harmful and beneficial.

The probiotics’ main job is to keep a healthy balance of these microorganisms. In turn, this keeps the “‘bad bacteria” – the ones making you sick – from taking over your system.

Although they are mostly known for gut health, the health benefits of probiotics are wide and varied. From giving you healthy glowing skin to boosting your immune system, probiotics can benefit almost every part of your body.

Aside from being naturally present in our bodies, we can also get probiotic bacteria from the foods we eat. Probiotic supplements like Bionaze are also an option if you want faster results.

Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes. Not only are probiotics safe for pregnant women, but it’s also recommended for expecting mothers to take probiotics. And we’ve got the science to back it up.

Pregnant or not, probiotics are generally considered safe. According to clinical data, probiotic supplements are rarely systemically absorbed when used by healthy individuals. This makes them less likely to be transferred into the breast milk and thus are less likely to have any direct effect on pregnancy and lactation. They are also unlikely to cause any harm to the fetus since they are unlikely to reach the fetal circulation pathway.

A study conducted on pregnant women in their third trimester shows that there were no adverse effects related to probiotics. Another similar study reported no increased risk of malformations for pregnant women who were taking probiotics. A systematic review of various control trials published in 2009 also concluded that probiotics cause:

no increase in the risk of miscarriage
no significant difference in the C-section incidence rate
no significant difference in the child’s birth weight or gestational age

The Benefits of Probiotics For Pregnant Women

There’s an old saying that a pregnant woman always has one foot in the grave. This is because of the many complications that we can get during pregnancy. These include heartburn and acidity, constipation, miscarriages, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.

What’s even worse and scarier, is the risk of having preeclampsia which can result in death.

Fortunately, probiotics can help you reduce these unwanted and preventable complications.

Here are some other examples of how taking probiotics during pregnancy can benefit women:

Reduced Heartburn and Acid Reflux

For starters, heartburn and acid reflux are two different things but are somehow related. Acid reflux is a disease that causes heartburn.

Contrary to its name, heartburn isn’t connected with the heart. It’s just a burning sensation in your chest similar to a heart attack.

During pregnancy, the hormones called progesterone are usually high. This leads to the relaxation of your muscle tissues like the valve between your stomach and esophagus.

When the valve is relaxed due to high progesterone, it will be unable to stop the acid reflux from your stomach. Thus the heartburn.

In general, this can be addressed with antacids. But for some reason, doctors don’t prescribe antacids for pregnant women. That’s why the best alternative for this is probiotics. Studies have shown that taking antacids with probiotics is more effective in relieving heartburn.

Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract

There are a lot of gastrointestinal problems that can occur during pregnancy. Examples of these are constipation, nausea and vomiting, and gallstone formation.

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause your digestive system to go haywire. Probiotics keep your gut flora healthy which, in turn, can help prevent gastrointestinal problems. Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt are excellent sources of probiotics.

Though you might need to avoid yogurt if you have gallstone problems. Dairy products are known to trigger gallbladder pain. But all in all, probiotics help in keeping your stomach and intestines healthy.

Lower Risk of Vaginal Infection

Vaginal infections are common during pregnancy. Changes in hormones can increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. This can be irritating since it can be itchy and have an unpleasant odor.

Probiotics can prevent those unwanted infections since it helps in fighting off those “bad bacteria” in our body.

Lesser Risk of Miscarriage

Infections are the leading cause of miscarriage. As mentioned, vaginal infections are often seen in pregnant women. Preventing infections through probiotics can also help lower the risk of pregnancy loss.

Prevents Gestational Diabetes

Prevention of gestational diabetes is important for expecting mothers. This disease can greatly affect you and your developing baby.

If diabetes occurs during your pregnancy, your baby can grow larger than normal. Problems might arise with this such as injuries to the baby since delivering a large baby can be hard.

There are only a few studies about the relativity of probiotics and gestational diabetes. But most of it shows that probiotics help in reducing your risk of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Reduced Risk of Preterm Birth and Preeclampsia

Of all the pregnancy complications, preterm birth and preeclampsia are the complications you don’t want to get.

Preterm birth is one of the many things that your doctor wants to avoid. Premature babies are much more susceptible to health problems because they aren’t yet fully developed.

Aside from preterm birth, preeclampsia also needs to be prevented because it often results in death.

The usual symptoms of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, the presence of protein in the urine, and sometimes organ damage.

One study shows that probiotics help in lowering your chances of preterm birth and preeclampsia.

In fact, researchers said that recommending probiotics would be a “promising public health measure” to reduce these pregnancy complications.

Prevents Eczema in Babies

As mentioned, probiotics can be good for your skin too. But in the case of pregnant women, probiotics are proven to prevent infant eczema.

A study in 2009 showed that giving lactobacillus acidophilus together with other probiotic strains can help reduce the incidence of eczema by up to 22% by the time the child reaches a year old.

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An image of probiotics strains in microscope

September 26 2022

How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Work?

Judy Ponio Probiotics

Published September 27, 2022

Unlike medication, probiotics don’t work overnight or for a couple of days.

In fact, figuring out how long does it take for probiotics to work can be a bit complicated. Remember, they’re not prescription drugs. Therefore, there is no set amount of time for them to take effect.

So how do you know when to expect results when taking probiotics? To answer that, let’s dig a bit deeper into how probiotics affect our bodies.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial to your health. They are dubbed as the “good bacteria” because they help fight their harmful counterparts.

You can find them in your body, mostly in your gut. Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, dairy products, and supplements are great sources of probiotics too.

How Do Probiotics Work?

Your body has millions of microorganisms living in it. Yet, not all of them are good for you. Some can even make you sick. That’s where probiotics enter the picture. They repopulate your gut with beneficial microorganisms that push out the bad bacteria.

In the process, it creates a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut microbiome. This helps your digestive tract to function properly which, in turn, does wonders for your digestion.

What many don’t know is that there are a lot of probiotic strains out there. And each of them has specific health benefits. So you have to take probiotic supplements with strains targeted to your specific needs.

Take Bionaze for example. It is specially formulated with two cutting-edge strains Bl-04 and BLIS K12 to target nose, ear, throat, and mouth infections.

This is why it’s hard to predict how long it takes for probiotics to work. If you’re taking in the wrong type of probiotic strain, you might not get the health benefits you were hoping for.

You also need to consider the number of probiotic bacteria you’re taking in.

Remember that for these microorganisms to work, they must reach your guts alive. Yet almost half of the strains you take in get wiped out by the acid in your stomach. If you take probiotics in small amounts, there’s a possibility that no live strain is reaching your gut which certainly defeats the purpose of probiotics.

Probiotics’ Effects On Your Body

People waiting for probiotics to work for them.

They are mostly known for keeping our digestive system healthy. But the health benefits of probiotics go beyond healthy digestion. Recent studies have proven that it is also responsible for regulating other bodily functions.

Probiotics’ Effect on Skin

Many dermatologists agree that probiotics can do wonders for your skin. It holds great potential in the treatment and prevention of several skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, and skin hypersensitivity.

When it comes to skin diseases, experts usually recommend topical probiotics. Eating probiotic-rich foods helps too. How long until you can feel its effects depend on a lot of factors including the severity of your condition.

Probiotics’ Effect on Immune System

One of the most important health benefits of probiotics is boosting your immune system. It regulates your body’s immune responses thus preventing allergies. This usually requires long-term probiotic therapy.

Probiotics’ Effect on Diarrhea

Since it promotes good digestion, probiotics are also great for preventing diarrhea. But if you’re looking for immediate effect or if your diarrhea is caused by a virus, you better take proper medication.

Probiotics’ Effect on Blood Sugar

A recent study in Canada demonstrated the probiotics’ role in lowering the body’s blood sugar level. Eighty people were given a probiotic-rich diet, and 15 of them had prediabetes. After three months, they exhibited a significant reduction in blood sugar levels.

Probiotics’ Effect on Cholesterol

Lactobacillus, one of the most common probiotic strains, has recently been proven to reduce bad cholesterol. In one study, 127 people with high cholesterol were administered lactobacilli strains. Their total cholesterol dropped by 9% with bad cholesterol decreasing by as much as 12% after nine weeks.

Probiotics’ Effect on Hormones

More than just keeping our gut bacteria population in check, probiotics keep our hormones in balance too. It metabolizes the hormones our body produces such as estrogen and phytoestrogen. This leads to regular menstrual cycles and less drastic mood swings. This usually requires long-term probiotic therapy too.

How Safe Are Probiotics?

Even if they’re not classified as medications, people are still wondering if it’s safe to take probiotics every day.

Since probiotic bacterias already exist in our body, probiotic supplements are generally safe. However, too much of it may cause side effects like mild upset stomach, allergies, flatulence, and bloating.

But how much is too much?

It varies from one person to another. Most people who experience side effects usually adjust to it after a few days especially if they’re in good shape. However, for those with auto-immune diseases like AIDS and HIV, probiotics may cause serious infections. It can also exacerbate other medical conditions. Certain probiotic strains are not advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women too. So it’s always best to talk with your doctor before taking any probiotic supplements.

Signs That Probiotics Are Working

There really is no exact answer to this. Each person responds differently to probiotics. In general, a healthy gut flora brings about significant changes. You may notice a better overall feeling with lesser mood swings and food cravings.

Some conditions get worse before it gets better. Such is the case for skin outbreaks and chronic diarrhea. The onslaught of good bacteria can create turbulence in your gut and it usually takes time for your body to adjust. During this period of adjustment, you may experience worsening symptoms. This usually takes around two weeks. After this, the symptoms gradually ease until it’s completely healed. If it doesn’t get better by then, you should see a doctor to know if you’re taking the right probiotic strain.

Illnesses like urinary tract infections, yeast, acne, and fungal infections mostly respond to probiotics immediately. Complete healing takes time but you will likely notice changes in the first few days. The pain slowly subsides and the redness instantly begins to fade.

Some effects might be too subtle to notice though so you need to be more observant.

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How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Work?

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August 31 2022

When is the Best Time to Take Probiotics?

Publisher Probiotics best time of day to take probiotics, when is the best time to take probiotics

Published Aug. 31, 2022

They say that there’s a time for everything. Apparently, this also applies to taking probiotics.

Unlike prescription medicines, there are no grave health consequences if you fail to take probiotics at the prescribed time. But taking them at a certain time of the day helps maximize their benefits.

So, when should you take probiotics? First, let us take a look at the science of probiotics.

How Probiotics Work

You may not be aware of it, but billions of bacteria reside within our bodies. However, contrary to popular belief, not all bacteria are bad. Some of them are actually beneficial to our bodies. These species of “good bacteria” are what we come to know today as probiotics.

When there is an imbalance in our body’s bacterial population (microbiome), chaos ensues. The harmful ones will take over and slowly tear down your immune defenses. Due to that, once you come in contact with pathogens, your body will not be able to fight them, resulting in infections and diseases.

Probiotics restore a healthy balance to your microbiome. It replenishes the beneficial bacteria and kicks out the bad ones. Because of that, your immune system gets strengthened.

For the past decades, scientists have been eyeing its potential in preventing diseases. Studies have proven that probiotics play a significant role in various bodily functions.

Although they’re famous for improving gut health and boosting your immune system, various studies have also shown that they can improve mental, oral, reproductive, and skin health.

For probiotics to reach their full potential, they must reach your stomach alive in large numbers. Think of it as your body’s soldiers. The more there are of them, the better their fighting chance against the enemy – the harmful bacteria that cause infections, diseases, and other problems.

When Should You Take Probiotics?

Before we can answer this question, we first need to understand how stomach acid affects probiotic effectiveness. You see, your stomach acid not only helps you digest food. As aforementioned, it also gets rid of most of the bacteria that are present in your food.

Unfortunately, it also kills beneficial microorganisms like probiotics. For that reason, many of the live microorganisms that enter your body are wiped out before they even reach your gut. Thus, to maximize the effects of probiotics, you need to make sure they’ll survive your stomach acid.

A handful of experts agree that the best time to take probiotics is in the morning, around 15 to 30 minutes before your first meal. Since you just woke up and haven’t eaten for several hours, your digestive system is moving at a slow pace.

During this time, your stomach does not produce much acid making it safer for the probiotics to pass through. Taking them with water also helps them bypass the stomach acid and make it all the way to your gut.

However, this should not be taken as a sweeping conclusion. There are many factors that affect probiotic viability. For one, some probiotic strains are much more tolerant of stomach acid.

Some supplements also come in enteric-coated packages specially designed to resist the harsh environment in your stomach. In general, the most ideal time depends on the type of probiotics you’re taking.

Live-Strain Probiotics

Live-strain probiotics are usually taken in powder or beverage form.

They don’t have any protective coatings which makes them more vulnerable to stomach acid. As such, they will be more effective if taken first thing in the morning or right before bedtime.

Soil-Based Probiotics

As the name implies, soil-based probiotics are microorganisms that are naturally found in soil, unlike other probiotics that are obtained from raw and fermented fruits and vegetables. Some probiotic supplements are also made of soil-based probiotic strains.

Since they usually live in harsh environments, these types of bacteria are usually resistant to stomach acid. Taking them with food increases their chance of survival.

Can You Consume Probiotics Following A Heavy Meal?

Contrary to popular belief, the stomach is a very sophisticated organ. The more food you eat, the more acid and digestive enzymes it releases. Also, food moves a lot slower in a stomach that’s full rather than an empty one.

We don’t recommend consuming probiotics on a full stomach because the likelihood of them reaching your colon decreases. How come? The probiotics will have to withstand your stomach’s acidic and inhospitable environment longer than they would normally.

When Timing Doesn’t Matter

As mentioned, there are probiotics that are highly tolerant of stomach acid. As such, it doesn’t matter when you’ll take them as long as you take them regularly.

Enteric-coated and delayed-release probiotics are examples of this. An enteric coating is a type of protective barrier that is specially designed to resist stomach acid. It’s mostly used in tablets, pellets, and capsules.

Some probiotic strains, particularly those belonging to the Lactobacillus specie, are naturally found in the gut. Thus, they are inherently resistant to stomach acid. This is why when taking probiotic strains like the Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04, timing doesn’t matter.

Splitting Up Your Dose

Though probiotics rarely have severe side effects, your body may need time to adjust to them. So if you’re still testing the waters, splitting up your probiotic dose might be a good idea.

For example, if the label suggests taking at least three capsules a day, you can take them at different times of the day. One before breakfast, another after lunch, and the last one before going to bed.

This helps prevent the probiotics from overwhelming your gut. It also allows you to assess your reaction to them as well as determine what time of the day it is most effective.

Taking Probiotics At Night

a hand holding a probiotic capsule with a night background

The best time to take probiotics at night is 2 to 3 hours after dinner. Why? During this time, it’s a lot easier for the probiotics you’re taking to travel through your digestive system.

Needless to say, not all probiotics are the same. Due to that, it’s best to read the instructions on the label before you take any given supplement. That way, you can get the most out of it.

How To Make The Most Out Of Probiotics

Below are some tips that’ll help you make the most out of your probiotics:

Read the recommended dosage instructions on the label of your supplement.
Store your probiotics in the correct environment so they won’t die.
Only consume your probiotic supplements at the right time.
Select a high-quality supplement that contains multiple probiotic strains.
Opt for a probiotic that best suits your needs and is backed by research.

In Conclusion

Keep in mind that many determining factors contribute to when is the best time for you to take probiotics. However, the general consensus is that it’s best to take probiotics 15 to 20 minutes before your first meal of the day. Alternatively, you may also consume them 2 to 3 hours once you’ve finished dinner.

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When is the Best Time to Take Probiotics?

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a woman on constipation sitting on a bowl, trying to poop

August 31 2022

Probiotics for Constipation: What You Need to Know

Publisher Health, Probiotics

Published Aug 31, 2022

While they have lots of benefits, probiotics have always been associated with gut health – and for good reason. Many studies have proven its efficacy in diarrhea and other digestive issues. However, the all-important question that’s on your mind right now is: will it treat constipation?

While the evidence remains inconclusive, several studies prove that probiotics can help ease constipation.

A study published in 2014 shows that probiotics can improve stool consistency and increase its frequency by up to 1.3 bowel movements a week. It also found that some probiotic strains help reduce intestinal transit time.

Harvard even evaluated this review and agreed with most of its findings.

So What Does This All Mean?

3 question marks inside each box in a pink background

Intestinal transit time refers to how long it takes for the gut to digest the foods you eat. Those suffering from constipation often have longer intestinal transit times than healthy people.

Constipated people also suffer from hard, lumpy stools that are difficult to pass. Improving the stool’s consistency shall make defecating easier and less painful. It can also lead to improved stool consistency and a more regular bowel movement.

Conditions That Lead To Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common digestive health issues in the world. However, most of the time, it is brought about by an underlying condition. Determining what’s causing your constipation can greatly assist you with addressing it more effectively.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Aside from stomach pain and bloating, people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also experience constipation.

Pregnancy

It’s estimated that up to 38% of pregnant women experience constipation mostly due to the hormonal changes that the body goes through during pregnancy.

A pregnant woman’s colon also tends to absorb more liquid, which makes stool harder. Vitamin supplements and an enlarged uterus also play a role in the slowing of the movement of feces.

Childhood Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common conditions that plague growing children. It’s linked with various factors such as genetics, diet, psychological issues, and even allergies.

Ongoing Medication

Medication for certain illnesses also tends to cause constipation. Medical trials have long documented this in people going through therapy.

Statistically, it has been found that around 16% of people who take certain medications suffer from constipation. Furthermore, a greater number of them have shown improvement with passing their stool following a monitored clinical study of regular probiotic consumption.

Aging

The older we get, the more often we will experience functional constipation. The reason why is mostly because our intestine’s microbial population (microbiota) changes with aging.

How Probiotics Can Help

a PROBIOTICS word, font colored yellow in a black background with white marks

Laxatives have been traditionally used to address constipation. Unfortunately, laxatives are not always effective. As such, many experts are placing their hopes on probiotics.

As mentioned, constipation is caused by a lot of factors and underlying conditions. With that said, the two things they have in common are:

A delayed gut transit time.
Increased water absorption in the intestine which dries out the stool making it hard and lumpy.

All of these point to a messed-up digestive process that alters the gut microbiota.

In short, if your digestive system is working well, you can avoid most types of constipation. And this is where probiotics enter the picture.

Experts believe that probiotics have certain benefits that can help with constipation such as:

Modifying the intestinal microbiota.
Altering gut function including sensation and motility.
Increasing the production of lactate and short-chain fatty acids, which helps shorten the overall gut transit time.

Aside from these, probiotics also help bring back a healthy balance of microorganisms in your gut. And it’s been proven that a balanced microbiota leads to a healthy digestive system.

Best Probiotic Strains For Constipation

a mix of instestine and cells with the sorrounding probiotic capsules

To maximize the effects of probiotics, it’s important to take the right strain. You see, there are hundreds (possibly thousands) of probiotic strains.

Each of them has different functions and benefits. If you take a strain that’s intended for acne, for example, don’t expect it to be effective against constipation.

Below are the probiotic strains that you should look for when addressing constipation:

Bifidobacterium lactis

Multiple studies have proven the effectiveness of B. lactis versus constipation. In Brazil, 30 women suffering from constipation participated in a randomized controlled trial. They were divided into two groups.

One group was given fresh cheese enriched with B. lactis for 30 days. The other served as a control group. Results showed that the women who were given probiotics experienced noticeable beneficial effects against the adverse symptoms of constipation.

While in China, 135 constipated women were given fermented milk with B. lactis.

Following two weeks, the beneficial effects of probiotics are starting to show. Subjects noticed improved stool consistency, frequency, and defecation condition.

Lactobacillus casei

A clinical trial conducted in chronically constipated patients showed how L. casei can help ease the symptoms of constipation. The trial lasted for 4 weeks during which the patients were given a probiotic beverage containing L. casei shirota.

In the second week of the trial, the patients have already reported improved stool consistency and constipation symptoms. At the end of the trial, 89% of patients reported positive results.

Lactobacillus plantarum

Interestingly, this kind of probiotic is a mainstay in the gut of almost everyone. Similar to other probiotics, it comes in a wide variety of strains. One of these strains is known as Lactobacillus plantarum 299v.

What makes this strain unique is its effectiveness in combating stomach pain and bloating. As a matter of fact, a study conducted on rats has proven that it can reduce bloating by up to 50%. If anything, this makes this probiotic an excellent remedy for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Upon consuming this strain of probiotic, you’ll be introducing “friendly” bacteria to your gut. It’ll help with absorbing vitamins, breaking down food, and combating harmful bacteria.

On top of that, Lactobacillus acidophilus promotes the production of lactic acid. Moreover, the probiotic helps reduce the symptoms of IBS and constipation. That said, the way it does this continues to remain a mystery due to the lack of research on this particular probiotic strain.

Streptococcus thermophilus

Streptococcus thermophilus or simply S. thermopilus is yet another praiseworthy probiotic with good effects on gut health. Like the other strains we’ve discussed, it too helps with the absorption and breaking down of food and vitamins. Also, it kills bad gut bacteria.

You can most commonly find this probiotic strain in fermented foods like yogurt. However, it can also be obtained by taking certain supplements that are available in health stores.

The Takeaway

How probiotics help with constipation and related complications isn’t fully understood. Needless to say, the consensus among experts is that probiotics are indeed beneficial for those who’ve got issues with passing stool. The reason why is because they alter your gut’s microbiota to assist with food absorption and the elimination of bad bacteria which causes constipation.

Now if you want to treat constipation with probiotics, then it’s best to consult your doctor. He or she will be able to determine what type of strain will work best for you. In addition to that, your physician may also be able to recommend the right probiotic supplement for you to consume.

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Probiotics for Constipation: What You Need to Know

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A man experiencing sinus headache at night.

July 26 2022

Why Do You Get Worse Sinus Headaches At Night?

Judy Ponio Probiotics

Published July 26, 2022

Have you ever gotten a sinus headache at night?

If so, then you’ve probably noticed that they’re much more painful. Often, they’re painful enough to prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Because of that, you’ll become less productive and because of fatigued the next day.

This article is your comprehensive guide regarding sinus headaches at night.

Here, I’ll explain the reason why sinus headaches are worse at nite. Furthermore, I’m going to go over how to deal with these painful headaches whenever you get them.

A man wondering about sinus headache at night.

Why Do My Sinuses Get Worse In The Evening?

At present, there’s no definitive consensus as to why a sinus headache is worse at night. With that said, scientists believe that there are any intermingling factors that come into play when it comes to why nighttime sinus headaches feel much worse.

Let’s talk about each one of these factors below:

Sleeping Conditions

Your sleeping conditions are very important. If you hit the hay in an uncomfortable setting, you’ll be more prone to getting a bad sinus headache.

Do you sleep with your pets and have the slightest of allergies? Does your room have enough humidity? Ask yourself these questions as they greatly affect your sleeping conditions.

Quality Of Your Sleep

Sleeping conditions aren’t the only factor that comes into play when it comes to getting a night of good sleep.

In some instances, you may sleep for a full eight hours and still not feel well-rested upon waking up. The reason for that is that you don’t fall into a deep sleep.

The quality of your sleep can be affected by many things. However, the primary reason people fail to get a good night’s rest is that they don’t consume the right foods before heading to bed. On top of that, they also might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which both reduce sleep quality.

Gravity

Unbeknownst to many, gravity impacts your sinuses every time you lie down on your bed. How so? It promotes easier blood circulation to your head.

While increased blood flow to your brain for eight hours or more is good, it also might lead to the congestion of your sinuses. Moreover, as you lie down, gravity works to drain your sinuses. As a result, you wake up with a wet cough or soar throat.

Hydration

Staying hydrated throughout the day has a plethora of health benefits. Among them include the improvement of overall sleep quality and the alleviation of sinus pressure, congestion, and pain.

You see, when you’re properly hydrated, your body moisturizes its sinuses more efficiently. Due to that, any clogs that are there and tightness get loosened.

Waking Up With Sinus Headaches

Waking up in the middle of the night with a sinus headache can be a harrowing experience to say the least. Besides that, getting back to sleep can be next to impossible. Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help you deal with sinus headaches.

Effective OTC medications for sinus headaches include:

Decongestants

To put it simply, decongestants narrow your blood vessels to reduce the inflammation along with swelling that’s caused by sinus congestion. Decongestants are available in many forms.

You’ve got the option to administer them nasally, via liquid, or by taking a capsule. Examples of OTC decongestants include Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline) and Sudafed (phenylephrine).

Pain Relievers

Pain relievers work by killing the pain caused by your sinus headache. The most common OTC options include Tylenol (paracetamol) along with Advil (ibuprofen).

With that being said, caution should be taken when using painkillers as they can be dangerous when taken inappropriately.

The Bottom Line

Waking up with sinus headaches can be very difficult.

Luckily, there are several ways that you can prevent them from occurring. Besides that, if you ever do get a nighttime sinus headache, there are many over-the-counter remedies that can alleviate the pain and get back to sleep.

Needless to say, if you ever experience constant sinus headaches, it would be wise to consult a medical professional.

That way, you can determine the underlying cause of the problem and address it properly. Moreover, you’ll be able to avoid any possible further complications.

Why Do You Get Worse Sinus Headaches At Night?

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