4 Digestion-Saving Essentials to Look for in Probiotics

Probiotics might be your new best friends. After all, you’ve probably heard about the bounty of health benefits that can come from taking probiotics on a regular basis.

From better digestion to less stress, immune enhancement and much more, research on probiotics gives us plenty of reasons to incorporate more friendly flora into our daily health rituals.

But do regular pill-based probiotics actually work as promised?

Maybe not, according to some reports. For example, one clinical study showed that up to 40% of patients taking a pill-based probiotic saw no benefits. These results reflect what we hear a lot in the industry: Regular probiotics don’t seem to work for many people.

And there’s a reason why. Beneficial bacteria, the kind in most probiotic formulas, need a few very specific elements in order to be truly effective for digestive health, immune enhancement, and beyond. But once these bases are covered, people often see rapid results—including relief from long-standing digestive issues.

The Benefits of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Processed foods that are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, unhealthy trans fats, and chemical additives set off a cascade of inflammation and oxidative stress in your body that damages cells and DNA, and promotes premature aging, immune imbalances, and chronic illness. An anti-inflammatory diet consists of nutritious whole foods that are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that cool inflammation in the body, allowing your natural health and healing abilities to take over and reduce risks of inflammation and long-term impacts to your health.

Like the Mediterranean diet, an anti-inflammatory diet is often a balance of healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vegetables, beans and legumes, and avoids foods heavy in carbs, sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods.

Why An Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle Matters

By prioritizing an anti-inflammatory diet, inflammation support supplements, and healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce inflammation and support healthy inflammation responses. An anti-inflammatory lifestyle gives you the benefits of healthy aging and feeling your best long-term, with more energy to do what makes you feel good.

So what are these 4 must-haves for a probiotic formula to be truly effective? Let’s take a look.

4 Digestive-Saving Must-Haves for Probiotics

Proper acid pH—In order for healthy bacteria to thrive in your digestive environment, you need to have the ideal pH…which, believe it or not, means more acid than alkaline. Optimal gut pH is between 1.5-3.5 acidity. When your gut pH is outside this range, it can allow bad bacteria to thrive…while harming good bacteria.

Prebiotic Nutrients—Prebiotics are fibers that aren’t digestible by your body but can help good bacteria grow in your gut. Since your body doesn’t digest these plant fibers, they travel to your lower digestive tract to be a food source for the healthy bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics are not the same as probiotics, which are helpful bacteria, although both are important to your digestive system.

Not all dietary fibers qualify as prebiotics. Established prebiotics include inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). Incorporating prebiotics in your daily diet may help promote helpful bacteria in your gut, boost your immune system, and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Herbal Digestive Support—In the “old days”, herbal digestive bitters were popular health tonics. And for good reason. Digestive-supporting herbs create a healthy GI environment, fend off bad bacteria while supporting good bacteria, and promote proper movement through the digestive tract.

Live Clinically Studied Beneficial Bacteria—Last but not least, of course, are specific strains of healthy, viable beneficial bacteria that your body needs to maintain a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. Microbiome diversity, with a variety of beneficial microbes, is becoming a key marker of health and longevity.

While this may seem like a lot to cover, there’s some good news. These four essential elements are now available within a fast-acting fermented formula called ecoProbiotic— featuring 19 organic digestive herbs, organic berry juice, prebiotic nutrients and 8 live probiotic strains.

ecoProbiotic offers rapid relief and long-term digestive support, in a best in class liquid delivery system. Because it’s a fermented digestive elixir, it works quickly and comprehensively—delivering optimal digestive benefits where other formulas often fail. ecoProbiotic harnesses the power of fermentation to balance your gut pH to the ideal levels, unlock powerful herbal nutrients, and promote optimal digestive health.

If you’re still looking for effective digestive and overall health support—or if your current probiotics simply aren’t living up to their claims—it may be time to try something new…

Something that gives your digestive system the broad-spectrum, multi-faceted support you need.

The post 4 Digestion-Saving Essentials to Look for in Probiotics appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses holistic healing?

Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. It considers both the mental, and physical aspects.

Holistic medicine encompasses acupuncture and massage therapy, chiropractic treatment as well as nutritional counseling, yoga and other complementary therapies.

Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.

What’s the difference between holistic medicine, traditional medicine, and holistic?

Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.

Traditional medicine treats only a few organs or system (such as the mind), while holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the human body. It also examines the effects of lifestyle choices on overall wellbeing.

How safe is holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.

They have been shown to cure many illnesses, such as arthritis, chronic pain, asthma, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, infertility, etc.

Millions of people suffer from various illnesses use holistic medicines. These include homeopathy and acupuncture as well as chiropractic care, massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal treatments, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, nutrition counseling, physical exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.

What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?

There are five alternatives to traditional medicine: Ayurveda and Ayurveda; homeopathy; energy healing; aromatherapy; and Ayurveda.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi (energy) throughout the entire body.

Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health care based on balancing the three humors – air, fire, and water. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe in natural causes for all diseases, but not necessarily symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.

Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based upon the belief that all of us are connected to a universal force of life called Ki. When this Ki flows freely through us, we feel well. To restore harmony and balance between our spiritual, physical, and emotional selves, energy healers use touch and intention.

Aromatherapy uses essential herbs extracted from plants to provide therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapists believe certain smells can have a positive effect on mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.

What are the advantages of holistic medicine over traditional medicine?

Many religions, cultures, and nations have used holistic remedies for thousands upon thousands of years. They were based on ancient wisdom and experience.

These medicines are safe and effective. They also come at a reasonable price. The side effects are minimal compared to those of pharmaceutical drugs.

They are also beneficial for your overall health and well-being.

They can prevent you from getting sick and boost your overall well being.

They might even cure cancer, diabetes or heart disease.

There are hundreds of traditional medicines in the world. Each has its own benefits.

According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people rely on traditional treatments for injury or illness.

It was reported that about half a billion people rely on traditional herbal remedies for primary healthcare.

The global market for complementary therapies is estimated to reach $22.2 billion by 2020.

To avoid side effects from conventional treatments, people are turning to alternative methods of medical care.

When other treatments fail, many people resort to complementary therapies. They may also attempt them before resorting or taking medication.

There are several reasons why people choose complementary therapies:

To improve quality of our lives
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To relieve pain
To enhance immunity
Help with managing serious illnesses
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To deal with chronic conditions

What does holistic refer to?

Holistic is a holistic approach. Holistic means seeing the whole picture and not just parts of it. This can be hard because we are used seeing things as parts.

Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. In reality, there are infinite shades of grey.

It is important to consider all angles when working on a project. You should look at it from all sides.

Consider how the whole thing fits together. How do its various elements interact with each other?

If you do find a problem, try to figure out why. Make sure to take into account the impact of every change you make.

Statistics

In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

What are the main 4 categories of complementary and/or alternative medicine?

The four major categories of CAM are natural products, energy healing, manipulation therapies, mind-body medicine and natural products. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.

CAM is an umbrella term for various health practices outside traditional Western medical models. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners can also do diagnostic testing (e.g., blood test) and prescribe medication. Some do both.

These four categories are not the only ones. There are many subcategories within each one. There are many subcategories within mind-body medicines, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness training. Natural products can include nutritional supplements and botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies as well as essential oils, botanical medicines, essential oils, nutraceuticals herbal preparations, medicinal herbs, and teas. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. There are spiritual healing modalities such as prayer and faith healing within energy healing.

Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.

There are many different reasons people use the CAM.

To improve their overall well being.
To manage a particular condition.
To relieve pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief system.

Because it gives them more control than traditional medicine, some people choose CAM. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Still, others prefer not to take pharmaceuticals if possible. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM feel that they need to be certain about their work before trying new things. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely more on word of mouth recommendations from their family members and friends.

Although CAM is sometimes viewed negatively in society, many users have positive feelings about it. People who use CAM are generally happier and healthier than people who don’t. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. 95% of adults use CAM at least once in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.

According to the NCCIH, 10 percent of Americans use chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists.3 This compares with only 2 percent who use medical doctors.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It acknowledged that integrative medicine should be integrated into the clinical practice of physicians to best meet the needs and expectations of patients.

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark 2007 report called “Relating Constraints” that concluded that there was no evidence to support the claim that any particular CAM intervention can prevent, treat, cure, or cure cancer.

Despite this conclusion, CAM continues to grow in popularity. The number of CAM practitioners grew by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.

A recent study found that almost half of the respondents reported using CAM as part of their primary healthcare regimen.

CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily to relieve pain, but they also have many other benefits like relaxation, improved mood and better sleep.

Acupuncture can, for example help with chronic back pain, anxiety and depression, improve immune function as well as promote weight loss.

Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for instance, originated over 5,000 years ago. This practice has been in China since antiquity.

TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.

Today, it’s estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.

Yoga is another popular CAM therapy. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can help ease stress, enhance flexibility and increase strength while improving cardiovascular fitness and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Yoga has been shown to improve sleep33, even though there is not much scientific evidence. It may also be beneficial for insomnia sufferers.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

Herbal medicine is one the most commonly used types of CAM.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

They are often considered safer options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8 percent of those individuals had discussed this with their doctors.

This communication gap between conventional medical providers, CAM users and traditional doctors is a major problem in healthcare delivery.

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