probiotics | Health Topics | NutritionFacts.org

22 videos

Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Randy

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts, and may be beneficial to our health, especially our gastrointestinal tracts. Probiotics may reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections and help boost the immune system. They may also help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and speed recovery from acute gastroenteritis. One study found that a month of probiotics can significantly decrease anxiety, depression, anger and hostility symptoms. Lactobacillus probiotics may help with childhood asthma.

Probiotic bacterial survival is likely best when provided within 30 minutes before or simultaneously with a meal or beverage that has some fat. While taking probiotic supplements may boost beneficial bacteria, eating a plant-based diet will do so as well.

The information on this page has been compiled from the research presented in the videos listed. Sources for each video can be found by going to the video’s page and clicking on the Sources Cited tab.

Image Credit: AnnaMariaThor / Thinkstock. This image has been modified.

All Videos for Probiotics

Gloved hand holding dental mirror to inspect teeth

Effects of Tongue Scraping on Plaque, Gingivitis, and Cavities

Tongue scraping and tongue brushing have been practiced for centuries in many continents around the world, but do they do anything?

a pile of fresh foods on a grey counter

How to Keep Your Microbiome Healthy with Prebiotic Foods

We co-evolved a symbiosis with our good gut bacteria, but we are not holding up our end of the bargain.

Best Foods for Colon Cancer Prevention

Best Foods for Colon Cancer Prevention

A low-fiber diet is a key driver of microbiome depletion, the disappearance of diversity in our good gut flora.

Benefit of Dates for Colon Health

Benefit of Dates for Colon Health

Seven dates a day for three weeks are put to the test in a randomized controlled trial.

illustration of cells

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Autism

What role do antibiotics play in the development and treatment of autism spectrum disorder?

Benefits of Blueberries for Artery Function

Benefits of Blueberries for Artery Function

What is the optimum dose of wild blueberries to eat at a meal?

How to Convert Into an Equol Producer

How to Convert Into an Equol Producer

Certain gut bacteria can supercharge the benefits of soy foods, resulting in even more bone protection, better control of menopausal symptoms, and lower prostate cancer risk, but how can we foster the growth of these good bacteria?

Culture Shock-Questioning the Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics

Culture Shock – Questioning the Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics

In certain medical conditions, probiotic supplements may actually make things worse.

How to Reduce Your TMAO Levels

How to Reduce Your TMAO Levels

Should we be concerned about high-choline plant foods, such as broccoli, producing the same toxic TMAO that results from eating high-choline animal foods, such as eggs?

How to Treat Heart Failure and Kidney Failure with Diet

How to Treat Heart Failure & Kidney Failure with Diet

One way a diet rich in animal-sourced foods like meat, eggs, and cheese may contribute to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and death is through the production of toxin called TMAO.

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis with Vaginal Vitamin C

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis with Vaginal Vitamin C

Vitamin C is pitted head-to-head against antibiotics for bacterial vaginal infections.

How to Become a Fecal Transplant Super Donor

How to Become a Fecal Transplant Super Donor

What’s more important: probiotics or prebiotics? And where can we best get them?

Garlic and Raisins to Prevent Premature Birth

Garlic & Raisins to Prevent Premature Birth

Consumption of even small amounts of garlic or raisins are associated with significantly lower risk of pregnant women going into premature labor or having their water break too soon.

Gluten-Free Diets: Separating the Wheat from the Chat

How common is gluten sensitivity? Are there benefits of gluten? Why does the medical profession explicitly advise against people who suspect they might be gluten intolerant from just going on a gluten-free diet?

inhaler and medications

Preventing Asthma with Fruits and Vegetables

A study involving more than a million kids suggests the striking worldwide variation in childhood rates of allergies, asthma, and eczema is related to diet.

Gut Feelings: Probiotics & Mental Health

We’ve known our mental state can affect our gut flora, but might our good bacteria be affecting our mental state?

probiotics on a table

Should Probiotics Be Taken Before, During, or After Meals?

Proper timing of probiotic supplements may improve their survival.

Preventing the Common Cold with Probiotics?

Though prebiotics may be preferable, probiotics may reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections.

Preventing & Treating Diarrhea with Probiotics

Probiotics may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and appear to speed recovery from acute gastroenteritis.

Tipping Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes

Tipping Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes

Certain phytonutrients may tip the balance of healthy gut bacteria in favor of flora associated with improved weight control.

Boosting Good Bacteria in the Colon Without Probiotics

Boosting Good Bacteria in the Colon Without Probiotics

Certain good bacteria in our gut can turn the fiber we eat into an anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer compound—called butyrate—that we absorb back into our system. We may be able to boost the number of butyrate-producing bacteria by eating a plant-based diet.

Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death

Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death

Death in America is largely a foodborne illness. Focusing on studies published just over the last year in peer-reviewed scientific medical journals, Dr. Greger offers practical advice on how best to feed ourselves and our families to prevent, treat, and even reverse many of the top 15 killers in the United States.

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