How To Take Probiotic Supplements
We cant stress enough that its a good idea to visit a doctor and/or a registered dietitian before taking something new to treat ulcerative colitis.
They may have some advice about which probiotic to take and what dosage might be right for you.
Probiotic dosage for ulcerative colitis is not an exact science. The dosages found to be effective in various studies usually range from 2 billion to 25 billion colony-forming units . The more bacteria, the merrier.
Check the expiration date and make sure to store them properly, refrigerating them if recommended on the packaging. These are living organisms that require a little TLC, and they die out over time if not used.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Lower The Risk Of Peptic Ulcers
The proton pump inhibitors used in the studies were lansoprazole , omeprazole and pantoprazole . The studies lasted up to six months. They showed that, compared to a placebo, all of these proton pump inhibitors clearly lowered the risk of getting peptic ulcers:
- Without a proton pump inhibitor, 36 out of 100 people developed an ulcer.
- With a proton pump inhibitor, 14 out of 100 people developed a peptic ulcer.
In other words: Proton pump inhibitors prevented the development of NSAID-related peptic ulcers in 22 out of 100 people.
Proton pump inhibitors may cause headaches, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain. Only a few people in the studies stopped their treatment early due to side effects.
But it’s not clear whether the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors is safe. It has been observed that hip fractures, spinal fractures and wrist fractures are more common in people over the age of 50 who have taken PPIs in a high dose or for longer than a year.
It is also thought that the long-term use of PPIs might increase the risk of intestinal infections and pulmonary infections or nephritis .
What Are Probiotics And Why Would You Need Them
Among the estimated 100 trillion microbes living in your gut, there are some really helpful bacteria. They break down stuff like fiber into nutrients that your body then uses for energy and as a weapon against everything from cardiovascular disease to cancer.
Bottom line
The pro in probiotics refers to good bacteria that you can ingest as food or in tablet form, among other methods. If the good bacteria survive the journey through your digestive system into your gut, they will settle in and colonize it, eventually driving out the bad guys.
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Causes Of Stomach Ulcers
One of the main causes of stomach ulcers is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , including ibuprofen and aspirin. People who take more than one type of NSAID or who take large amounts of NSAIDs on a regular basis are at risk for stomach ulcers. 4 Another main cause of stomach ulcers is a stomach infection caused by the bacterial strain Helicobacter pylori. 5 Although not everyone who gets this infection will show symptoms, your risk of the infection increases with age by age 60, 50 percent of people will be infected by H. pylori. 6 Stomach ulcers may also be caused or exacerbated by stress, smoking, and alcohol abuse.
H Pylori And Probiotics
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The combination of H pylori and probiotics for this gastrointestinal infection makes sense because both influence the body: the first with potential harm, and the latter with numerous benefits within and beyond the GI tract. In this article you will learn a brief introduction to the bacterium, traditional treatment for infections, and exciting research on probiotics that may help. |
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What Causes Stomach Ulcers
The internal lining of the stomach and intestines is covered with a mucus-like layer which protects it from stomach acid. When this lining recedes or is weakened, the acid starts damaging the sensitive parts of the organs, which leads to formation of ulcers. The major cause behind the formation of peptic ulcer is H. pylori. This bacteria depletes the lining of the stomach, and exposes it to the stomach acid, further causing ulcers. Apart from this, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, excess intake of alcohol, and radiation therapy are some of the other causes.
Bioschwartz 40 Billion Cfu Probiotic
This shelf-stable probiotic by BioSchwartz is the last and final on the list, its a bit cheaper than your average probiotic, but unfortunately, that does come with a price, since its not as potent as some other probiotics.
However if youre on a budget, this is a great choice as it has 40 Billion CFUs and a great patented capsule system that ensures all the bacteria make it to your gut.
The 40 billion CFUs unfortunately only come from 4 different probiotic strains, which is a bit of a bummer.
Another disadvantage is that a single serving is 2 capsules, which need to be taken once with breakfast and once in the afternoon, which is a bit annoying since theyre easy to forget.
Other than that, these capsules are free of soy, dairy and gluten, and a solid choice if youre on a tight budget. More info available here:
Visit our homepage for more probiotic reviews.
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Mastica Benefits For Stomach Ulcers:
One antibiotic alternative that we find works extremely well is known as mastica, or mastic gum. Mastica, derived from a Greek shrub, has been used since Roman times to treat stomach ailments of all kinds. Research shows that mastica supplements eliminate H. pylori, allowing patients to avoid the downsides of antibiotics, which include killing all stomach bacteria, including those that are absolutely necessary for good health. You can purchase mastica supplements at health food stores we recommend taking 500 mg twice daily, once in the morning and again in the evening for a minimum of 30 days. By then, the ulcer should be healed, but some people continue taking mastica just to be sure its gone.
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Chronic Inflammation Decoded
In addition, be prepared to make some lifestyle changes. Smoking and drinking alcohol are off limits for ulcer patients, as are standard pain-relieving medications. Fortunately, there are far more healthy pain-relieving substitutes. White willow bark supplements are one option we suggest to our readers white willow bark is the original source of salicylic acid, the primary ingredient originally used in aspirin. But todays aspirin is made from synthetic ingredients and can cause serious stomach problems if taken on a daily basis, even at low doses. You can find white willow supplements in health food stores. We recommend one to two 400 mg capsules as often as needed.
Take good care.
Risks Or Side Effects Of Using Probiotics For Gastritis
As such, there are no grave risks of using probiotics however, in some cases, probiotics could cause mild digestive issues like gas and bloat. Nevertheless, first, consult your doctor to get knowledge of your situation and what kind of treatment should be taken. Untreated gastritis problems could lead to some severe health issues like ulcer and stomach bleeding.
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What Is A Good Probiotic For Horses
There are a number of different strains of probiotic bacteria that are fed to horses to support gut health, help balance gut microflora and support digestion. Five popular strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecium.
Are Probiotics Effective
Probiotics have been shown to help with digestive discomfort, such as diarrhea and inflammation, according to the NCCIH. Individuals with gastritis often experience imbalance within the microbiome of organisms in the digestive tract due to the pathogenic effects of H. pylori, such as a decrease in the population of Lactobacillus bacteria.
The Gastroenterology Research and Practice review, which assessed the use of probiotics to treat H. pylori, states that probiotics alone don’t eradicate the H. pylori but can reduce the colonization to a level that inflammation decreases. In general, the addition of probiotics to triple therapy or antibiotics may increase the rate of eradication of H. pylori compared with medication alone. Researchers also note that some specific strains of probiotics may be more effective for treating gastritis than others.
According to the NCCIH, probiotics have been shown to improve immune health by triggering an immune response to pathogens. A strong probiotic population in the GI tract can have an anti-inflammatory effect, which may improve the symptoms of gastritis. Probiotics also help boost the number of “good” bacteria that may be killed off by antibiotics used to treat H. pylori.
Read more:Probiotics vs. Acidophilus
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How Probiotics Can Help
The reduced efficacy of standard pharmaceutical therapies for treating H. pylori has prompted the exploration of other complementary treatments to eradicate this infection. One current method of treatment includes the use of probiotics for gastritis. The journal Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology notes that probiotics can help eradicate H. pylori infection, especially when used in conjunction with other medical therapies.
Probiotics are beneficial strains of live bacteria that aid in digestion and work with the immune system to combat pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, improving overall gut health.
These beneficial bacteria may help with some of the side effects that can occur when taking antibiotics, such as abdominal upset or diarrhea, notes the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health . They may also aid in recolonizing gut bacteria that have been destroyed by infection or antibiotics. Bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus and the genus Bifidobacterium are widely used probiotics for improving health.
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Making A Decision And Considering Alternative Options
All three types of stomach-protecting medication can lower the risk of getting peptic ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers appear to be very well tolerated. But it is important to make sure the dose of H2 blockers is high enough. H2 blockers can become less effective over time because your body gets used to them. This doesn’t seem to be a problem when taking proton pump inhibitors.
The risk of stomach and bowel problems can be reduced by taking the lowest possible dose of painkillers, and only taking them for as long as necessary. Acetaminophen may sometimes be an alternative to NSAIDs. It doesn’t increase the risk of peptic ulcers and is often just as effective. But it has side effects too: For instance, it may cause liver damage if the dose is too high or if you take it regularly.
It’s best to talk to a doctor about how high your own personal risk of getting a peptic ulcer is, as well as what medications you could take to protect your stomach.
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Avoid Caffeine Alcohol And Smoking
If this isnât already obvious, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine can make the symptoms of stomach ulcers worse. 13 If possible, quit tobacco use as soon as possible. Smoking increases your risk for stomach ulcers and also slows your recovery time. 14 Cut down on the amount of caffeine or alcohol you consume, especially if you notice more stomach pain after consumption.
How To Take Probiotics
When you take probiotics for UC, there are two key things to know.
To keep up the benefits, you have to keep taking them. If you stop, the balance of bacteria in your colon will change and a flare-up may occur. Talk to your doctor about a long-term probiotic plan.
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Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated probiotic is available in 2 editions, one for men and the other for women. Both contain 50 billion CFUs per capsule, coming from 15 different probiotic strains combined to provide you with an immune system boost.
These shelf-stable capsules are great because theres no refrigeration required and in addition theyre also a great travel probiotic.
The recommended dosage according to instruction is a single capsule daily before breakfast with a lot of water.
In terms of potential allergens, this probiotic is 100% dairy, gluten and soy-free, as well as certified vegetarian. For more info, read our Dr. Formulated Probiotic review.
The Story Of Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter pylori, as the name suggests, is a helical- or spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacterium. It can survive with tiny amounts of air. In addition to the helical shape, it also has flagella, whip-like appendages, which allow it to move about. If it doesn’t like one area, it can move to the next. It is generally considered to be a pathogen.The bacterium has strong enzyme activity to neutralize your stomach acid that allows it to survive and drill into in your stomach lining. When numbers reach an amount to cause a detectable infection, the infection triggers your immune system to attempt to kill it. Unfortunately, your immune system attempt causes collateral damage by damaging the gastric epithelial lining, which then allows H. pylori to flourish. As it flourishes, you experience symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and are a target for other pathogens to establish themselves farther down the GI tract.
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What About Prebiotics For Ulcerative Colitis
Think of probiotics as the flowers youre planting in the garden of your gut, and prebiotics as the fertilizer that encourages those flowers to grow.
Prebiotics are soluble fibers, the kind our bodies cant digest without the support of good gut bacteria to ferment it and break it down into useful short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate, and propionate.
Prebiotics work together with probiotics to encourage the growth of good gut bacteria.
The Best Probiotic Foods
“The gut microbiome is literally and figuratively the core of overall health, so eating foods that are good for the microbiome is good for your health,” Del Coro says.
Probiotics naturally occur in some fermented foods, but, they can also be added to foods. “Different groups of probiotic bacteria and yeasts you may see on food labels include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces boulardii,” Del Coro says.
These foods have naturally occurring probiotics:
Some easy ways to incorporate these foods in your diet are to use yogurt instead of mayo for homemade tuna or chicken salads, throw sauerkraut or kimchi on top of grain bowls and salads and add miso to salad dressings and sauces, Del Coro says.
“Just remember to consume probiotics raw,” Del Coro says. “The cooking process kills the live beneficial bacteria in these foods.”
One more thing: If probiotics are new to you, start slow. “If you aren’t used to eating a lot of fiber and then load up on foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, you may experience increased gas or bloating,” Del Coro notes. Those with digestive issues like Crohn’s or IBS may also have trouble tolerating probiotic-rich foods.
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Alternative Remedies And Natural Ulcer Treatments For Horses
Many equine owners turn to herbal or alternative remedies such as aloe vera juice, marshmallow root, slippery elm, etc., in order to treat ulcers in their horses, and while some of these remedies do have gut-soothing properties, most of them are better suited for prevention, rather than treatment purposes.
Ive been in barns where the trainers have done everything they can to try to keep horses off medication, and theyre really making all the right moves in the way that they feed, supplement, and manage the horses, says Franklin. Even so, after scoping, we have found that unfortunately, those horses still have a very high incidence of developing gastric ulcers.
Because of this, Franklin recommends that horse owners focus on healing the condition first and foremost, and then trying to prevent them from coming back by using certain supplements–those that are backed by science.
Buyer Beware For Probiotics Users
In the U.S., probiotics are marketed as dietary supplements, so they havent gone through the same rigorous FDA testing as drugs.
This means we have no way of knowing for certain if a product has the bacterial strains or the concentration of bacteria that its label claims.
The higher-ups at the FDA are hoping to change this soon, but for now, we have to go by our own experience and hope for the best.
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Symptoms And Standard Treatments
People with gastritis typically experience pain in the upper abdominal area, nausea and vomiting, according to the NIDDK. Other symptoms include burning stomach pain, loss of appetite and burping. Erosion of the stomach lining due to gastritis can lead to bleeding and symptoms of blood loss, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, paleness, fainting and blood in vomit or stool.
Gastritis treatment typically involves managing acid production in the stomach with hydrogen blockers and proton-pump inhibitors to cut down on inflammation and eradicating the H. pylori population with antibiotics. Some patients also rely on antacid tablets to help neutralize stomach acid. The “triple therapy” combo of H2 blocker or PPI plus two antibiotics was the preferred course of treatment for the past 20-plus years, as noted in the Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology review.
The wide-spread use of antibiotics to fight H. pylori has resulted in an increase in antibiotic resistance for some of the drugs commonly prescribed. When bacteria become resistant to medication, the treatment is less effective. According to the journal Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, the success rate for treatment with antibiotics may be as low as 70 percent.