Types of Probiotics - What Probiotic Supplements To Choose

The Best Probiotics For You

All of the different types of probiotics can be confusing.

Probiotics have long names that are hard to say and hard to pronounce.

Bifantis?

Acidopholus?

Lactobacillus?

Even harder than saying the probiotic names, is choosing the best probiotic to take.

It helps to learn about the different types of probiotics.

Probiotic Groups
The two main groups of probiotics are:

lactobacillus (this lactic acid bacteria is found in our intestines)

and

bifidobacterium.

Probiotic Strains

The bacteria groups can be broken into species or strains. For example, a strain of the lactobacillus group is the well known probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus.

A Probiotic Goal

Our goal is to restore, replace and maintain bacteria in our intestines. Our intestinal bacteria is our first defense to prevent invasion and inflammation of our intestinal lining.

We want to keep our mucous coated intestinal lining strong.

We want it to act like a barrier or sieve to stop large molecules and toxins from getting into our systems.

Research determined that the main types of bacteria in our colon and digestive tracts are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

That's why, the best probiotics to take are the ones found in our human digestive systems already.

The Best Probiotic

The most common and well-known probiotic that is scientifically proven to be beneficial is...

This probiotic is especially helpful for treating chronic constipation. But, it also will benefit your overall intestinal health.

Other lactobacillus bacteria (a.k.a. - L bacteria when lactobacillus is abbreviated to L.) to look for are :

L. rhamnosus, L. GG, L. casei, L. johnsonii.

These lactobacillus bacterial strains really benefit our intestines and colon.

In general, the lactobacillus probiotic group has been found to:

1. help manage lactose intolerance
2. lower cholesterol
3. lower blood pressure
4. improve immune function and prevent infections
5. help with peptic ulcers causes by h. pylori
6. help combat antibiotic associated diarrhea
7. reduce inflammation and hypersensitivity responses (like with food allergies)
8. improve mineral absoption
9. deal with effects of stress
10. benefit ibs and colitis symptoms
11. help prevent colon cancer
12. help ward off Candida yeast overgrowth

Anything Else?

Many probiotic supplements have a combination of probiotics.

For instance, Bifidobacterium bifidus or B. bifidum (bifidobacterium is shortened to B.) is often used in combination with strains of lactobacillus.

For example, here is a comparison of 3 probiotic supplement brands.

Brand 1:

• L. rhamnosus
• L. acidophilus
• B bifidum

• L rhamnosus B
• L. rhamnosus A
• L. acidophilus
• L. plantarum
• L. casei
• L. bulgaricus,
• B. longum
• B. infantis
• B. breve

• L. acidophilus
• B. bifidum
• B. lactis

A Useful Probiotic For Candida and Yeast Infections

To restore and replenish good bacterial balance when fighting yeast infections, saccharomyces boulardii (SB) has been found to be a great match for Candida. It is the only probiotic yeast that you can get in supplement form.

Generally speaking, the best probiotic to choose for Candida and yeast infections is lactobacillus acidophilus and the best probiotic supplement to use is one with L. acidophilus in it.

If you have to take antibiotics, make sure you take acidophilus supplements for twice the time you took your antibiotics. For example, if the antibiotic treatment was for 10 days, take your acidophilus supplements for 20 days.

The Best Probiotic For Me:

I have had great success with HMF Super Powder . Its' high potency formula helps me keep any Candida Albicans overgrowth at arm's length. It is an important part of my treatment plan and long-term maintenance program.

Further information on types of probiotics... A more detailed listing of types of probiotics can be found at this link.
As well, check out this article on recent research findings: Medscape Article.
Alive Magazine - May 2010 issue

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