Americans spend more than $2.5 billion on probiotic supplements every year. It makes sense, because probiotics offer a wide range of health benefits – from digestion and immune support to weight loss. Probiotics are primarily responsible for maintaining a healthy body balance. When you get sick, the bad bacteria in your body increases and causes an imbalance. The good bacteria fights off the bad bacteria, restoring balance in your body and making you feel better. These bacteria also help to digest food and breakdown medications, so that they can be absorbed. Some experts warn, however, that some of these benefits may not be available to us because we believe common myths.
Probiotics or good bacteria are responsible for maintaining a healthy body balance.
There are many types of probiotics that can benefit your health. However, there is a lot confusion about them because they come in so many strains and varieties. You should educate yourself to reap the benefits of probiotics.
What you should know before selecting a probiotic
Despite the fact that probiotics have become very popular, there are many misconceptions surrounding them. Here are some common myths about probiotics.
Myth # 1: Fermented foods and yogurt are enough probiotic sources. These foods are a good base for your diet. You’re unlikely to consume enough probiotics for you to reap the full benefits. It’s difficult to determine how many probiotics are in your diet. Many yogurts don’t list the number of cultures because they are unstable. Avoid yogurts with added sugar because it destroys beneficial bacteria.
Fermented foods are the best natural source of probiotics. Probiotics are found in fermented foods. Fermentation transforms one food into another. Soybeans become miso and soybeans can be turned into sauerkraut. Milk can also be transformed into yogurt, cheeses and sourcream. Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir kombucha sauerkraut pickles miso tempeh kimchi sourdough, and cheeses.
You can also feed your beneficial bacteria soluble prebiotic fibre if you want to increase your intake of probiotics through your diet. Beans, bananas and Artichokes are good sources.
Myth # 2: A higher probiotic count on a product’s label means a better product. Many people think that extra strength means better. It’s rare that probiotics are as good as they claim to be, since so many factors influence their quality. From the strains used, the manufacturing process, and the packaging, to shelf stability and shelf life. Labels are not always accurate. Probiotics are often over-added by manufacturers because they know that the strains used may not survive the shelf life and expiration date. They can also be destroyed in the gut. Even if the probiotics are “supersized”, there may not be any benefit.
Select a brand whose claims are independently verified. Follow the instructions for storage on the label, as probiotics can be affected by temperature, humidity and light. Store them away from your bathroom, or your windowsill.
Freshness is important. Brands such as Hyperbiotics offer subscription programs. This will ensure that you always have access to fresh batches.
Myth # 3: Probiotic strains all have the same benefits. Each probiotic strain offers different benefits, so you need to compare what it does with your goals. Keep it simple, is my advice. You should look for products that target your needs, rather than single-strain products. Hyperbiotics, for example, has several formulas that are designed for mothers, children, weight loss or people over 50.
Myth #4: Probiotics that are most effective must be kept in the refrigerator. This used to be true, but no longer. Many probiotics that are refrigerated now have a poorer or inferior stability. Also, refrigeration isn’t convenient.
Myth #5: The safety of probiotics is questionable. This is simply not true. Microbes that are used in probiotics exist naturally within your body. Probiotic foods and supplements, on the whole, are considered safe. Probiotics are beneficial to both kids and adults. Probiotics can reduce symptoms in children who are on antibiotics for an illness. Probiotics are also used to relieve children’s constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux and eczema.
Certain people should be cautious when taking probiotics. Some people are at risk of infection. Discuss your situation with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
Choose supplements that are made with only clean ingredients. Remember: If the strain is not right or if it doesn’t survive, then it’s probably not right for you. For more information on the health benefits of targeted probiotics, visit www.hyperbiotics.com.
Alternative Medicine Magazine published the first article on Probiotics Tips and Tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicines?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on surgery and drugs as the primary treatment. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy, on one hand, can be used to complement traditional medical practices. It treats the whole person, including mind and soul. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. However, naturopaths tend to emphasize lifestyle changes over prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths can prescribe medication when necessary.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- The provincial licensing boards for Naturopathic physicians regulate Naturopathic physicians, while CAM practitioners can be self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists are trained to provide individualized care based on each patient’s unique needs.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issues licenses for Naturopaths.
- Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
- Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency grants licenses to homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a method of health care, considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional, and environmental aspects. It recognizes that each illness must have multiple causes, and therefore requires a combination or several treatments to be most effective.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They identify the root causes of disease and help prevent it from happening again. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They commonly refer to the entire person as “the body”.
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
What does holistic really mean?
Holistic is a holistic approach. Holistic is a way to look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
Most people think only in terms of white and black. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.
Try to look at everything from different perspectives when you work on a project. It is important to see it from all angles.
Consider how the whole thing fits together. Is there a way for its elements to interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. And don’t forget to consider the impact of any change you make.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People who are worried about side effects of chemotherapy should consider natural remedies for first-line treatment.
Is holistic medicine safe to use?
Holistic Medicine isn’t as dangerous as it seems, but there are still risks when you use this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects should be understood and balanced against the benefits associated with alternative treatments like acupuncture.
However, holistic medicines have not been linked to any deaths.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Why is holistic medicine better?
Holistic health care is about treating the whole person, not individual symptoms. This involves looking at the person’s feelings, food, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient’s lives. It treats them all as one complete package. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (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)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
doi.org
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field holistic medicine is expanding at an unimaginable rate. You have many options for this career path. If you want to be a part of this profession, however, returning to school may be the best option.
Many schools offer programs in holistic medicine. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. A number of programs are offered specifically for medical professionals interested in entering the field.
Online universities offer holistic health classes. One such program is the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to enroll in a traditional four-year college. Many colleges now offer holistic courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
A nutrition course is recommended if you intend to pursue a career involving holistic medicine. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine requires that people who are interested in it understand how to assess different types of illnesses from a nutritional perspective.
According to the NCCM, nutritionists often collaborate with doctors to offer dietary advice to patients. Some will even suggest supplements or diets based on the patient’s specific condition.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. It can also include identifying nutritional deficiencies or other problems that might be causing them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some focus mainly on herbal treatments, while others concentrate solely on acupuncture. Others combine both of these approaches into one treatment.
The majority of holistic practitioners advise a diet high in fruits, vegetables nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They recommend avoiding fast food and processed foods. They recommend that people eat as much organic produce as possible.
A balanced diet is a key factor in preventing disease, which holistic practitioners all agree on. There are however some things they disagree on. For example, they do not believe that gluten causes celiac. Instead, they believe that a shortage of nutrients is the cause.
However, they do acknowledge that some foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can also be caused by peanuts or shellfish. They also caution against excessive caffeine intake.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. They feel such drugs only mask the problem rather than solve it. Because of this, they prefer to use natural remedies whenever possible.
Holistic practitioners may offer many alternative therapies. However, they also tend to use complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. This is believed to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms.
- Herbal therapy – In addition to acupuncture, holistic practitioners commonly use herbs to treat various disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, is based on the principle that like cures. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. In that case, you should seek a remedy that contains the same ingredients found in the original substance.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapies to promote relaxation. They also claim that it helps improve blood circulation, increase energy levels and ease muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. A nutritionist who has a degree will be able to provide nutritional counseling. If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and the American Association of Oriental Medicine, (AAOM), certification is available.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about holistic care. To find out what services your insurance covers, you might also want to consult with your doctor.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Probiotics tips and tricks
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/gut-health/everyone-know-taking-probiotic/
Published Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:31:48 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicines?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on surgery and drugs as the primary treatment. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy, on one hand, can be used to complement traditional medical practices. It treats the whole person, including mind and soul. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. However, naturopaths tend to emphasize lifestyle changes over prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths can prescribe medication when necessary.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- The provincial licensing boards for Naturopathic physicians regulate Naturopathic physicians, while CAM practitioners can be self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists are trained to provide individualized care based on each patient’s unique needs.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issues licenses for Naturopaths.
- Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
- Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency grants licenses to homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a method of health care, considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional, and environmental aspects. It recognizes that each illness must have multiple causes, and therefore requires a combination or several treatments to be most effective.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They identify the root causes of disease and help prevent it from happening again. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They commonly refer to the entire person as “the body”.
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
What does holistic really mean?
Holistic is a holistic approach. Holistic is a way to look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
Most people think only in terms of white and black. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.
Try to look at everything from different perspectives when you work on a project. It is important to see it from all angles.
Consider how the whole thing fits together. Is there a way for its elements to interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. And don’t forget to consider the impact of any change you make.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may feel pain, nausea or fatigue. They might also experience loss of strength, lack of appetite, or feeling helpless.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People who are worried about side effects of chemotherapy should consider natural remedies for first-line treatment.
Is holistic medicine safe to use?
Holistic Medicine isn’t as dangerous as it seems, but there are still risks when you use this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects should be understood and balanced against the benefits associated with alternative treatments like acupuncture.
However, holistic medicines have not been linked to any deaths.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Why is holistic medicine better?
Holistic health care is about treating the whole person, not individual symptoms. This involves looking at the person’s feelings, food, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.
Holistic medicine is holistic and considers all aspects a patient’s lives. It treats them all as one complete package. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (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)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
doi.org
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field holistic medicine is expanding at an unimaginable rate. You have many options for this career path. If you want to be a part of this profession, however, returning to school may be the best option.
Many schools offer programs in holistic medicine. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. A number of programs are offered specifically for medical professionals interested in entering the field.
Online universities offer holistic health classes. One such program is the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to enroll in a traditional four-year college. Many colleges now offer holistic courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
A nutrition course is recommended if you intend to pursue a career involving holistic medicine. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine requires that people who are interested in it understand how to assess different types of illnesses from a nutritional perspective.
According to the NCCM, nutritionists often collaborate with doctors to offer dietary advice to patients. Some will even suggest supplements or diets based on the patient’s specific condition.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. It can also include identifying nutritional deficiencies or other problems that might be causing them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some focus mainly on herbal treatments, while others concentrate solely on acupuncture. Others combine both of these approaches into one treatment.
The majority of holistic practitioners advise a diet high in fruits, vegetables nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They recommend avoiding fast food and processed foods. They recommend that people eat as much organic produce as possible.
A balanced diet is a key factor in preventing disease, which holistic practitioners all agree on. There are however some things they disagree on. For example, they do not believe that gluten causes celiac. Instead, they believe that a shortage of nutrients is the cause.
However, they do acknowledge that some foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can also be caused by peanuts or shellfish. They also caution against excessive caffeine intake.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. They feel such drugs only mask the problem rather than solve it. Because of this, they prefer to use natural remedies whenever possible.
Holistic practitioners may offer many alternative therapies. However, they also tend to use complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. This is believed to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms.
- Herbal therapy – In addition to acupuncture, holistic practitioners commonly use herbs to treat various disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, is based on the principle that like cures. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. In that case, you should seek a remedy that contains the same ingredients found in the original substance.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapies to promote relaxation. They also claim that it helps improve blood circulation, increase energy levels and ease muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. A nutritionist who has a degree will be able to provide nutritional counseling. If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and the American Association of Oriental Medicine, (AAOM), certification is available.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about holistic care. To find out what services your insurance covers, you might also want to consult with your doctor.
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