"Probiotic Potency: Top Choices for Optimal Gut Health" Probiotics and Gut Health The balance between bad and good bacteria that reside in your gut may be upset through emotional stress or physical tension or using antibiotics -- which are known to destroy bacteria. Probiotics may tip the balance back to beneficial bacteria. They can also enhance your immunity, help fight inflammation, and provide relief from digestive pain due to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) (IBS) or infective diarrhea. Which probiotics can you incorporate into your diet? Foods typically contain probiotics. They are also available as supplements for your diet. Food. Most foods contain beneficial bacteria. However, these bacteria don't always survive strong stomach acids and aren't always able to add to the health of your gut. Other foods have probiotic strains which can withstand the digestive process and enter the digestive tract. The probiotics in a food can be determined through three factors including the amount of good bacteria that is present after food is consumed and also the ability of good bacteria to live through the stomach passage and the type of bacteria's capacity to boost your health. There are several food items that are a great source of probiotics: • Other legumes and dried beans • garlic • asparagus • Below are some examples of how to use • leeks • certain artichokes • Green bananas • wheat Dietary supplements. Probiotics are also available as capsules, powders, liquids, and more. The wide variety of available items can make it challenging to determine which ones offer health benefits based on science. The best probiotic strains for health are: Lactobacillus acidophilus. Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to control harmful bacteria that can otherwise be able to grow in your gut as a result of an illness or antibiotics. Lactobacillus Fermentum. Lactobacillus fermentationum strengthens your immune system and can help prevent upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. RELATED: Hearing Aids Then and Now Lactobacillus paracasei. Lactobacillus paracasei can help treat inflammatory bowel disorders (a condition that can cause abdominal cramping, pain, bloating and gas, along with diarrhea and constipation). Lactobacillus plantarum. Lactobacillus plantarum stimulates your digestive system, fights bacteria that cause illness, and also helps your body produce vitamins. Lactobacillus Reuteri. Lactobacillus reuteri supports heart health by helping to regulate cholesterol levels. It eliminates the bacteria that cause ulcers, and promotes female urinary and vaginal tract health. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus is a common bacterium used to produce yogurt. It can aid in digestion, decrease diarrhea and relieve symptoms of IBS. Lactobacillus rhamnosus. This bacteria is found naturally in the gut. You can supplement your diet or eat certain food items to enhance its advantages. It is helpful in easing IBS symptoms and diarrhea, as well as strengthening your gut health, as well as safeguarding against cavities. Bifidobacterium longum ssp. Longum. This strain of bacteria could help in preventing inflammation as well as provide protection against colon cancer, intestinal inflammation, inflammatory bowel diseases, and even depression. Bifidobacterium longum ssp. Infantis. This strain of bacteria is used to treat intestinal disorders like eczema, vaginal yeast and infection. It is also used to treat lactose intolerance with urinary tract infections and the condition of eczema. Bifidobacterium Bifidum. Bifidobacterium Bifidum helps to manage your digestive system, and can help improve IBS. Additionally, it enhances your immune system. Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis. Lactis is a strain of bacteria that helps in preventing infection. It makes essential vitamins and chemicals that are present in your body. Probiotics Benefits for older adults In addition to balancing the good and bad bacteria, probiotics provide numerous benefits to older adults. • They can decrease the frequency and length of diarrhea. • Some strains can help improve heart health. • They can assist in relieving lactose intolerance - the inability to digest sugars in dairy products. • They can aid in relieving various food and skin allergies. • Vaginal inflammation is caused by bacteria overgrowth is decreased. • They can improve unpleasant breath odor. Helpful Considerations to Remember Prior to taking probiotics, there are some things that are helpful to remember. In general, probiotics are considered to be safe. They may be harmful if your immune system is weak. Your physician can guide you to what probiotics are best for you. Sometimes it takes a while to discover a probiotic that will work for you. Try something else if you haven't seen any improvement after using the product for a few months. Different probiotic products will carry different strains of bacteria, and will interact with your body in various ways. It's about figuring out what's the best for you. Certain probiotics can trigger gas and bloating and changes in your bowel movements. These are all signs that the probiotic is working, however in case you are concerned, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. [Best Probiotics](https://www.jpost.com/brandblend/article-790314) [Probiotics For Women](https://www.jpost.com/brandblend/article-790314) [probiotic for Gut Health](https://www.jpost.com/brandblend/article-790314) https://www.jpost.com/brandblend/article-790314