A Brief History of Probiotics

It’s thought that the fermentation process was discovered by accident. However, the origin of fermented food goes back nearly 10,000 years. Legend has it that yogurt was discovered accidentally in the Middle East when people transported bags of milk from regions with low humidity to hotter areas.

Fermenting vegetables has been common practice in China since 300B.C. to increase the shelf life of food. 

Japan has also been fermenting soy products for thousands of years, and kimchi in the Korean peninsula is thought to have originated around the same time. People thousands of years ago understood that the fermentation process could help them store foods longer during extreme weather conditions, but people didn’t know about the health benefits until the last hundred years.

Elie Metchnikoff is the pioneer of probiotic research. In the early 1900s, he postulated that fermented milk could improve human health.

He also developed a theory that toxic gut bacteria cause aging. Around the same time, in 1905, a Bulgarian scientist named Stamen Grigorov discovered the primary strain of lactic acid bacteria used to produce yogurt that would later be named 

L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus after his home country.

Elie Metchnikoff took an interest in the relatively long lifespans of peasants in Bulgaria who consumed yogurt regularly.

He theorized that it was the bacteria in the yogurt that caused them to live longer than other groups. In the 1930s, the Japanese doctor Minoru Shirota went on to pose that healthy gut bacteria from eating foods like miso soup could reduce the incidence of gut disease.

Research on probiotics reached a dead end that wouldn’t be revisited seriously until the late 1900s. In 1974, researchers coined the first definition of probiotics. They defined probiotics as live organisms that contribute to the host of the gut health of a host animal.

Throughout the 1990s, researchers began finding the potential of probiotics to aid the immune system and ward off disease. By 2007, the global sales of probiotic ingredients and supplements increased to $14.9 billion in the U.S. By 2025, sales are anticipated to reach $71.9 billion.

Probiotic strains are further classified into subcategories, and each of these sub-species has a different effect on the body. We’ll identify these types followed by the subtypes.

Lactobacillus

This is perhaps the most common probiotic strain and is readily available in fermented foods, such as yogurt, miso soup and kimchi. Lactobacillus’ main function is to assist in digestion. Certain subtypes from this species assist in lactose digestion for those whose bodies normally struggle to absorb milk sugars. In this post, we list the most common sub-strains for lactobacillus. Still, we’re not biased toward this probiotic; we give it the most attention because it’s the most commonplace and documented species.

Some of the common lactobacillus subtypes include

Lactobacillus Acidophilus – This strain subtype is so common and useful that we dedicated an entire article to the benefits of L. Acidophilus. In short, L. Acidophilus treats diarrhea, lowers cholesterol and may even promote dental health. The mouth, after all, is another body part teeming with both good and bad bacteria.

Lactobacillus Reuteri – We also did an entire article on the benefits of L. Reuteri. This probiotic strain has health benefits you might not expect from a probiotic. For one, it improves thyroid function. It also improves sex drive and even prevents balding in men. Who would’ve thought?

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus – Studies suggest that this probiotic strain boosts immune health. Research shows that it increases phagocytic activity in the blood, meaning it protects the body from foreign cells, free radicals and dying cells.

Lactobacillus Plantarum – In a 2012 study, subjects that supplemented with L. Plantarum saw a greater reduction in abdominal pain and bloating compared to a placebo group. All subjects had been previously diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.

Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium is also found mainly in fermented foods and is a lactic acid bacterium. Its functions include breaking down foods, enhancing nutrient absorption and preventing invasion of pathogenic bacteria. This strain is also found in large quantities in the vaginal wall, making it a useful aid for treating vaginal infections. Bifidobacterium types include

Bifidobacterium Longum – This is known for anti-inflammatory properties and protects the mucous membrane wall. This probiotic strain breaks down carbs, including some cereal grains that the human body otherwise cannot digest. This also happens to be one of the ampler probiotics present in human breast milk.

Bifidobacterium breve – Some strains are also food for the brain. Studies show B. Breve may preserve cognitive function and offset Alzheimer’s disease in older men and women. Research also suggests it plays a role in skin health and preventing eczema.

Bifidobacterium Infantis – This probiotic is found in your gastrointestinal tracts as well as in the oral cavity. Studies suggest it may assist in a number of issues directly or indirectly related to digestion, including chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcerative colitis and psoriasis.

Saccharomyces

This is the strain colloquially known as baker’s or brewer’s yeast. The strain treats acute diarrhea that mainly affects children. It’s also useful for adults prone to traveler’s diarrhea or diarrhea caused by antibiotic use. It may also have use for alleviating lactose intolerance. Saccharomyces include

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae – The main functions of this sub-strain include treatment of diarrhea, most notably diarrhea from the rotavirus. Research suggests it may possibly be effective for treating acne. This probiotic is also referred to as S. Boulardii. To be more precise, S. Boulardii is actually a sub-strain of Cerevisiae. In other words, it’s a sub-strain of a sub-strain.

Saccharomyces Pastorianus – This strain helps to break down glucose and fructose. Combined with other Saccharomyces, studies show it may also offset colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Take the Different Types of Probiotics Together

As you can see, a lot of the probiotic types and their sub-strains have overlapping qualities. There is also raging debate regarding the efficacy of multi-strain probiotics versus those that contain a single strain. Is more necessarily better? While we certainly believe in quality over quantity, there is actually evidence to suggest that multiple strains may have a synergistic effect and increased potency.

Floracil50 is UMZU’s revolutionary probiotic supplement that offers eight different strains of probiotics, all of which have been scientifically researched and proven effective for stomach issues. 

Do you suffer from stomach discomfort, heartburn and other digestive issues after eating? Is it a mild problem or one you’ve been wrestling with for years? 

The truth is, it doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a diagnosed stomach issue or just general discomfort: probiotics can help.

The unique combination of probiotic strains found in Floracil50 is targeted specifically at minimizing stomach problems and supporting gut health. If you decide to buy Floracil50, don’t be surprised if you notice other benefits as well, such as better sleep, minimization of skin problems and general increase in emotional fulfillment and happiness.

Generally, those who are most likely to benefit from a supplement like Floracil50 are those with gut and digestive health issues. These problems can swing from mild issues like occasional bloating after eating to severe and long-term illnesses.

Those diagnosed with IBS, chronic constipation and other chronic digestive problems, for example, will often see a complete turn around in their lives when it comes to Floracil50’s benefits.

Because of its eight healthy strains of bacteria, Floracil50 ingredients can help treat issues such as:

• Bloating gas
• Poor digestion
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Cramps
• Sensitive stomach

And many more…

What’s more, you might be prepared for the ways in which the Floracil50 ingredients will improve your gut health, but did you know that gut health can help regulate your overall health too? In fact, people who take Floracil50 have seen a number of other benefits besides those for which they began taking the supplement in the first place, including:

• Better sleep
• Better moods
• Minimized feelings of anxiety and depression
• Stronger immune system
• Better memory
• Improved hormone production
• Better energy levels

Basically, all the functions in your body are associated with your gut health, and when this is more in tune, everything about your life can start to improve. We wouldn’t be surprised if you saw an increase in all of these areas simply because your body is getting the probiotic supplement it needs to thrive.

In order to get all the Floracil50 benefits, however, you have to use the product the right way. Brace yourself: this is tricky. (We’re kidding; it’s not.)

Just take one pill every day at the same time of day. It’s that easy!

We also recommend taking Floracil50 with meals, as the bacteria are better able to survive the stomach acids and to get to your digestive tract if you take the pill with some food in your stomach. Make sure to take it just before or with a meal, so that you aren’t letting all those effective probiotics go to waste.

Finally, don’t worry about cycling your Floracil50. You can always take one pill a day. If you have severe stomach or digestive issues and want to up your dosage to two pills a day, we recommend checking with a doctor to make sure this will be effective and safe for your needs. Just remember to always take the pill with a meal, so if you’re taking two, take one with breakfast and one with dinner.

Floracil50 ingredients are some of the best bacteria strains on the market in terms of a daily probiotic. Why? Well, for one thing, we sifted through all the independent research on probiotics and found the eight strains of bacteria most likely to create healthy effects in users.

When we chose the Floracil50 ingredients, we worked hard to find the best probiotic strains for gut health and for treating common stomach and digestive issues. In addition, we also made sure the CFUs were high enough to provide you with a worthwhile supplement full of bacteria that would actually make it to your gut.

In general, the bacteria that’s already in your body can sometimes get out of whack, which can lead to minor or mild conditions, like heartburn, or chronic conditions, like IBS, GERD or others. When you take a daily probiotic supplement, the bacteria inside it can help fight off the bad bacteria and repopulate the good, resetting your body’s bacterial count and changing it for the better.

The strains in Floracil50 have all been extensively researched and proven to be beneficial for both gut and overall health. These strains include:

• Lactobacillus reuteri - Lactobacillus reuteri helps to boost the immune system and is also often found in breast milk. It is effective for treating inflammation and the diseases and other issues it can cause.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus - Lactobacillus rhamnosus is effective for treating gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea. It can also improve immunity and sexual health.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus - Lactobacillus acidophilus can be used to build a stronger immune system, treat digestion and intestinal tract problems and treat liver problems.
• Lactobacillus casei - Lactobacillus casei can help increase testosterone levels, treat mouth problems like canker sores, minimize issues with diarrhea and treat digestive issues.
• Lactobacillus plantarum - Lactobacillus plantarum can maximize the number of compounds in the body that are used for regular bodily functions and boost immune functions. Like most other members of the lactobacillus family, it also promotes healthy digestion.
• Bifidobacterium longum - Bifidobacterium longum lowers stress and anxiety levels, treats lactose intolerance, minimizes inflammation and fights infection. It is also extremely effective at improving gut health like most other probiotic bacteria strains.
• Bifidobacterium breve - Bifidobacterium breve is an energy booster. It can also help one minimize weight gain, reduce skin issues and even manage allergies. Newborns are often given bifidobacterium breve in the hospital as a way to boost their immunities.
• Bifidobacterium infantis - Bifidobacterium infantis promotes digestive health and can often be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. 

As you can plainly see, each of these eight bacteria strains has its own scientifically backed and researched benefits that also work together to create better gut health as well as overall health.

The truth is that a daily probiotic supplement will improve your digestive health. But as a result, you will likely see improvements to your sleep patterns, your skin clarity, your moods and your overall life.

While you may be prepared for your digestive issues to begin disappearing, don’t be surprised if other problems start to fade away when you start taking Floracil50 too! This is even evidenced in the Floracil50 reviews. Let’s take a look at a couple of the heavy hitting strains in Floracil50!

The human body alone has about 500 probiotic strains residing mostly in the gut. Some have been more extensively studied than others. Lactobacillus acidophilus is among the few strains with the scientific research to back it up, hence why you see this probiotic in most digestive support supplements. What exactly are some of the acidophilus benefits as uncovered by research?

What Is Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

The probiotic acidophilus is a member of the lactobacillus genus, which consists of similarly functioning strains, such as: L. rhamnosus, L casei, L. reuteri and L. plantarum.

L. acidophilus is one of the few strains with enough studies behind it to warrant an entire post dedicated to it alone. This strain is also found abundantly in probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and other fermented edibles. It is one of the first identified probiotics, having been first studied in the 1890s by Nobel Prize winner Llya Metchnikoff.

The acidophilus probiotic can also be broken down further into sub-strains, which includes gasseri, gallinarum, crispatus and amylovarous, just to list a few. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll treat L. acidophilus as a single strain.

Aside from the gut, the probiotic acidophilus also resides inside the mouth and in the vaginal wall in women. The hundreds of available research show this strain has beneficial properties in all of these areas, which we will explore.

Acidophilus Improves Digestion

Most probiotic strains aid in the complex digestive process; acidophilus is no exception. Once food passes the digestive system, the probiotics aid in the food breakdown. Usable nutrients pass through the intestinal walls, while waste passes out the body through urine and bowel movements. Very few probiotics are involved in this intricate process because most do not survive the journey through the gastrointestinal tract. Acidophilus is one of the few strains that can successfully bypass the highly acidic stomach bile and gastric juices.

Studies consistently show acidophilus promotes gut health and also improves colon function. Research also reveals that acidophilus aids in the production of lactic acid. This lowers the body’s pH levels, making it slightly more acidic and uninhabitable for certain harmful pathogenic microbes.

Acidophilus Combats High Cholesterol

One of the touted benefits of acidophilus is its ability to lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Research suggests this strain, in particular, may keep LDL cholesterol at a safe level, which in turn lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Other studies, in fact, show that acidophilus and other strains in the lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus were beneficial for keeping heart disease at bay.

Acidophilus Treats Vaginal Infections

There is a reason this probiotic is often one of the strains listed in a women’s probiotic supplement. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when bad anaerobic bacteria crowds the vaginal walls and overruns the beneficial bacteria. This causes itching, odors, irregular discharge and burning during urination.

Since acidophilus is one of the good bacteria that resides inside the vagina, it makes sense to introduce more of this probiotic through your diet. Studies show acidophilus and other lactobacillus strains are beneficial as an antimicrobial treatment and preventing recurrences.

Acidophilus Treats Diarrhea

Another one of the acidophilus benefits is its ability to treat what is referred to as traveler’s diarrhea. An estimated 20 to 50 percent of travelers experience diarrhea at some point during their trip. The most common cause is exposure to foodborne bacteria. Travelers are especially vulnerable when traveling to underdeveloped nations with poor sanitation practices.

Studies confirm that acidophilus may hold validity as a treatment for acute diarrhea. With this in mind, it may be beneficial to keep a probiotic supplement in your luggage when journeying overseas.

What About Acidophilus and Dental Health?

Despite all of its benefits, some people have expressed concerns that this probiotic may also have a drawback. Some have suggested that too much acidophilus inside the mouth can lead to dental caries. This belief stems from the fact that the probiotic, as we mentioned, produces lactic acid. People reasoned that acidity can erode tooth enamel.

First of all, lactic acid is far less acidic than other forms of acid, such as phosphoric acid and carbonic acid, which are found in carbonated beverages. There is no evidence to suggest that lactic acid’s acidity poses danger to your teeth. Of course, you still need to regularly wash away acids of any kind by brushing daily.

In addition, recent research now suggests dental diseases may be more due to a microbiome imbalance in the mouth rather than the presence of a single culprit bacteria.

Acidophilus Side Effects

Does any one probiotic strain cause side effects when taken in excess? Reported side effects are relatively minor and mostly dissipate within a few days. Nevertheless, some sensitive users do notice adverse effects that we must point out.

The acidophilus side effects — in the rare instances they occur — are as follows:

• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Intestinal gas or bloating
• Hives (in severe cases)

An allergic reaction to probiotics in general is rare but not completely unheard of. It’s one of those unusual allergies. Fortunately, this also means it’s atypical, and 99 percent of the population have nothing to fear.

Acidophilus Dosage

While the benefits of acidophilus are aplenty, we believe you can benefit even more from taking a multi-strain probiotic formula. Therefore, you should pay attention to the dosage as a whole. It’s hard to pinpoint a specific acidophilus dosage whether taking the probiotic alone or with other strains. Ultimately, it comes down to your reason for taking the probiotic in the first place.

Researchers suggest a daily acidophilus dosage of one to 15 billion CFUs, if taking for general digestive health. In any case, follow the dosage instructions on the supplement label, and you’ll be fine.

The Acidophilus Benefits Are a Vitality Contributor

Being that acidophilus is one of the most widely studied probiotics, it makes sense to use a supplement that contains the strain. This is precisely what you will find in Floracil50, along with other well-documented probiotics in the lactobacillus reuteri. Repopulating your gut with probiotics helps restore digestive function to its peak “factory” setting.

Lactobacillus reuteri, or L. reuteri for short, is one of the more extensively studied probiotic strains with numerous health benefits.

In layman’s terms, L. reuteri is a lactic acid strain that lives in the intestine, with smaller traces found in the stomach.

L. reuteri itself is categorized into smaller sub-strains. 

The L. reuteri strain Primadophilus reuteri, for instance, is known for supporting healthy digestion and strong immune system.

What Are the Benefits of L. Reuteri?

Probiotics in general are known for digestive health, but what are some of the benefits specific to the L. reuteri strain? Various independent studies suggest this probiotic may hold a multitude of benefits for men and women.

1. L. Reuteri Improves Sex Drive

A 2014 study published in the PLoS One journal revealed a link between L. reuteri and testosterone. 

Laboratory mice that ingested L. reuteri-fortified water exhibited higher levels of serum testosterone levels as well as an offset in gonadal aging.

More testosterone means a higher sex drive in bed, along with improved body composition and motivation. 

Furthermore, the probiotic is also known to increase the hormone oxytocin. 

This has been colloquially known as the “feel good” or “love hormone” and has been shown to intensify orgasms. Those – especially men – who took oxytocin before intercourse reported greater pleasure in contentment after sex.

2. L. Reuteri Stops Balding And Improves Hair Quality

While the bald look can certainly be appealing, most people would prefer the choice to be bald rather than being forced by nature.

Luckily, L. reuteri is known to reduce hair thinning, stimulate follicle development, and accelerate hair growth.

Something women specifically might find appealing is that the probiotic increases hair acidic pH. This improves hair moisture retention and creates that silky hair look you often see in shampoo commercials.

3. L. Reuteri Promotes Thyroid Health

You may have heard stories of celebrity weight gain and some of them attributing the extra pounds to a chemical imbalance in the thyroid. 

The thyroid is a section of the brain that regulates various bodily functions, including body weight and most importantly, metabolism. 

Because thyroid controls how your cells produce energy, which underlies all areas of your health, thyroid dysfunction has been linked to other aspects of the body going haywire. This includes brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, high stress levels, and poor sleep.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy showed that mice given L. reuteri through their water exhibited healthier thyroid function. Consequently, the mice were also thinner compared to the control mice. 

In this sense, the strain may indirectly promote weight loss. This leads us to the next benefit.

4. L Reuteri Makes You Fit in Skinny Jeans

No, supplementing with probiotics doesn’t mean you can get sloppy with your diet. 

However, when combined with exercise and diet, probiotics may help you trim down. 

In laboratory studies, mice given probiotics exhibited less weight gain even when fed a western diet. 

Lower fat levels were also observed in the liver. Too much fat in the liver causes scarring in the organ and increase risk of diabetes.

5. L. Reuteri Promotes a Cavity-Free Mouth

While it’s not a replacement for seeing a dentist, you may partially combat cavities by supplementing with L. reuteri.

There isn’t a whole lot of studies in this area, since most of probiotic research focuses on gut health, but there is one study that suggests some degree of correlation between oral health and certain probiotic strains. 

Given all the other benefits of the L. reuteri strain, it makes sense that you might notice improvements in oral health as well.

While many foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha have naturally occurring probiotics in them, these foods don’t necessarily have the specific bacteria strains, like L. reuteri, that you really want. 

Not to mention these foods can be a bit strange and uncommon, making them hard to include regularly.

Men, women, and children all benefit from a healthy digestive tract. This is why everyone across genders and all age ranges should take probiotics, either through food or supplement. Probiotics for men are especially important for reasons that go beyond digestion and better times at the loo. We’ll outline some male-specific benefits and list the best probiotics for men based on the latest research.

Probiotics Raise Testosterone

If you’re a regular UMZU follower or follow other fitness sites, then you probably know that minerals like zinc and magnesium are natural testosterone boosters. Natural T enhancers, though, go beyond minerals and vitamins. Research shows probiotics also elevate male hormones. In turn, this increases sex drive, which we discuss in the next section.

One study showed that probiotics sustain youthful testosterone levels in aging mice. Another study revealed that probiotics reduces cortisol levels. The implications here are equally relevant. Cortisol, as you may know, is a stress hormone and a major testosterone killer. For a more in-depth look, visit our post on the relationship between probiotics and testosterone.

Probiotics Increase Sex Drive

Are you not performing up to par in the bedroom? Like testosterone, one may not equate probiotics with libido, but studies3 reveal a link between inflammatory bowel disease and sexual dysfunction.

The main function of probiotics is to improve gut health and eliminate bloating and gas by promoting better digestion. This affects other areas of your health, including your libido. How so?

Recently, scientists have begun referring to the gut as the second brain. Much like the brain between our ears, the gut contains millions of neurons that affect our emotional response. The network of nerves within the gut is known as the enteric nervous system. This system is believed to be the part that regulates the emotional response, which in turn regulates sexual urges.

A study published in the Columbia Alumni Association revealed that the probiotic found in yogurt not only enhanced libido but also increased testosterone and reduced risk of autoimmune disease.

Probiotics Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. This is another area where probiotics may prove to be extremely beneficial for men.

Research suggests probiotics may treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or what’s more commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate. BPH also has a strong correlation with urinary tract infections.

The American Prostatitis Association recommends the probiotic strains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Both have strong lactic acid properties that enable them to survive the stomach’s high acidic environment.

Best Probiotics for Men

The strains we list are just as beneficial for women and children. However, these are especially good for the guys due to their ability to reverse ailments that especially affect men. These strains, by the way, are all found in our own probiotic supplement Floracil50.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

L. rhamnosus is a top probiotic for men due to its ability to improve sperm motility and potentially induce weight loss, according to studies4. Another study5 revealed that this probiotic may be effective as a pain reliever. This makes it a great option for muscle heads who hit the gym hard and feel the aftereffects of the grind.

Lactobacillus Reuteri

We can’t mention the best probiotics for men without bringing up the L. reuteri strain. In the aforementioned testosterone study with the aging mice, researchers administered the L. reuteri probiotic. Other research shows this strain may also combat hair loss and preserve hair follicles.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

The acidophilus probiotic is one of the more extensively studied strains. This is a common strain found in Women’s probiotics due to its ability to prevent vaginal infections. However, guys can benefit just as much. Evidence suggests the acidophilus probiotic may lower LDL cholesterol levels. This is a biggie because men over the age of 45 are the biggest demographic at risk for high cholesterol. Studies also show promise in this probiotic’s role in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Bifidobacterium Infantis

Despite its name, this probiotic is just as good for adults as it is for infants. This is another one of the good probiotics for men due to its ability to treat kidney stones. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the condition is more prevalent in men than women. While researchers are still not entirely clear why, they suspect it’s because men tend to consume more protein and salt. Studies show that the B. infantis strain may nullify the effects of urinary stones.

Probiotics for Men Are an Overall Health Enhancer

The health benefits of probiotics go far beyond what it does for your gut. When you have better digestion, all other parts of your health naturally follow. The gut, after all, is the center of the body and interconnected to all other areas, from the brain to the immune system. It’s not hard to see why probiotics play such a pivotal role in men’s health. Probiotics are the precursor for male hormones.

Most people are familiar with probiotics and have a general gist of why they need more of the good bacteria in their diet. However, not all probiotic strains are created equal. Depending on specific health issues, some people may benefit from certain types of strains. With that in mind, the top probiotics for women may not necessarily be the same as what would be recommended for men or children. Of course, the probiotics we list below are also beneficial for men and kids alike, but women will especially find them useful for alleviating issues specific to their gender.

1. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Lactobacillus Reuteri

The lactobacillus probiotic is one of the more extensively studied strains and is found in most probiotic supplements. The bacteria reside in the intestines and break down milk sugar into lactic acid. Studies show the lactobacillus probiotic — and specifically lactobacillus rhamnosus — may offset the effects of Crohn’s disease.

So, what makes lactobacillus one of the best probiotics for women? In women, the strain resides largely in the urogenital tract, which consists of the urinary and vaginal tract. This area is especially prone to yeast and other pathogenic bacterial infection.

The probiotic may be helpful in treating bacterial vaginosis, thrush and cystitis. Clinical trials show both lactobacillus rhamnosus and reuteri are able to survive the journey through the gut and colonize the vagina.

2. Bifidobacterium Longum

Constipation is not a gender-specific problem by any means. However, two-thirds of the 4.5 million Americans who suffer from chronic bloating and gas are female. While the reason is not entirely understood, some doctors believe this is due to the difference in pelvic shape and size. In any case, most individuals suffering from indigestion tend to be women.

The probiotic bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) is a good choice for treating constipation due to its ability to proliferate the colon. Studies have also confirmed the probiotic’s ability to alleviate the effects of chronic bloating.

The ramifications of indigestion are far-reaching. Aside from gas, it can also lead to hormonal disturbances. One of the liver’s many functions is to discard spent hormones through fecal matter. However, when you’re constipated, the fecal matter remains in the colon where some of the old hormones are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. This makes B. lactis all the more important as a women’s probiotic.

3. Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Probiotics for women definitely should include lactobacillus acidophilus. This has a very similar effect as rhamnosus and reuteri. This strain colonizes the vagina and cervix where it produces healthy organic acids that neutralize pathogenic microbes. Studies hint that this particular strain may ward off yeast infections.

It may also combat against a number of other harmful pathogens, such as salmonella and staphylococcus, both common culprits of food poisoning. It may also treat the dreaded Montezuma’s Revenge, a bad case of diarrhea caused by E. coli.

4. Bifidobacterium Breve

Human breast milk contains over 600 strains of bacteria. Though we list B. breve here, this is just one of the many probiotics present in raw milk.

It was previously thought that probiotics reside solely in the gut. However, new research suggests this is far from the case. One study showed that mothers who took a women’s probiotic supplement before and after giving birth had significantly higher concentrations of probiotic strains and cytokines in their breast milk. Furthermore, their infants also had higher levels of the antibody sIgA, which protects against harmful pathogens. The babies also experienced fewer digestive problems and fewer instances of regurgitation.

As mentioned, B. breve is one of the strains found in breast milk. It also includes others in the Bifidobacterium family, such as B. bifidum, B. dentium, B. adolescentis and the aforementioned B. Longum.

What About Probiotic Supplements for Women?

You may notice a proliferation of various probiotic supplements intended specifically for females. Do the formulas in these brands contain the best probiotics for women? In most cases, they do. However, we believe probiotics geared towards women are mostly a marketing gimmick. The probiotics listed above are already present in most general probiotic supplements. After all, they’re beneficial for men as well.

The important thing is to scout for a formula with multiple strains. If it contains the ones we listed, then you’ll benefit from it regardless of whether it’s made specifically for women. Our very own Floracil50 is optimized with the most studied and research-verified strains. Women and men alike will benefit equally.

Probiotics for Women Promote Health

As you can see, there are some major perks of taking probiotics that are specific to a woman’s needs. With the different strains, it’s also important that you don’t merely aim for any product with a probiotic label. Be mindful of the specific strains. While many share overlapping functions, studies show some strains may be more beneficial for treating specific ailments.

Neither women nor men can go wrong with a multi-strain probiotic like Floracil50. Its formula is designed to optimize gut function, which ultimately and indirectly benefits other areas of health.

Are probiotics bad for you if you have existing immune problems? The opposite appears to be the case. Studies suggest a possible link between digestive probiotics and greater immune support.

However, there are rare circumstances in this instance in which probiotics can be counterproductive. In one case, a 24-year-old female patient about to undergo aortic valve replacement developed sepsis after being given probiotics as part of a pre-operation procedure. Further analysis revealed a specific lactobacillus strain to be the causative agent.

This case suggests that probiotics may pose health risks for anyone with an immunocompromised status. The same goes for patients with a history of organ failure. In healthy individuals, though, probiotics appear to prevent sepsis. One study shows that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus Plantarum may lower risk of sepsis in infants.

Acne is a teenager’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, for some people, pimple breakouts continue well into adulthood.  Many acne sufferers are so desperate to get rid of their condition that they even resort to popping zits with a fingernail; we never recommend this. Perhaps there’s a better solution. The latest research shows that probiotics may play a role. Can you really take probiotics for acne? What’s the correlation between gut bacteria and the dime-sized zit on your forehead?

What Causes Acne?

Before discussing the probiotics and acne connection, let’s talk a bit about how acne occurs in the first place. There is no single cause; it’s an accumulation of multiple factors. Genetics, for the most part, determines whether you are acne-prone or not.

The other factor is hormones. A rise in androgen hormone levels causes the subcutaneous glands under the skin to enlarge. This leads to increased sebum (skin oil) production. In turn, this causes the pores of the skin cell walls to rupture and create a breeding ground for the P. acnes bacteria. The bacteria attach to the sebum as it tries to break out of the pore, leading to a blockage that ultimately leads to acne formation. The rise in hormones explains why acne is so common among adolescent boys and girls. Adolescence means puberty, and puberty means major hormonal shifts.

The Role of Probiotics for Acne Treatment

Probiotics and acne do have a link, even if an indirect one. The connection has to do with your immune system. Good gut bacteria do far more than just regulate digestion and general intestinal health. It also regulates the immune system. Research shows that probiotics do have a positive effect on immune homeostasis.

Unbeknownst to most people, the skin itself is an organ. Not only that, it’s considered an active immune organ. Like the gut, the skin also has its own microbiome of living microorganisms that fend off pathogenic bacteria. This immune organ is inextricably linked to the immune system that fights off the common cold or other infection.

The gut, immune system, and skin are all interconnected. None of these function as an isolated entity. This is known as the gut-skin-axis.

When the gut microbiome is disturbed, perhaps due to antibiotics or years of eating crappy foods, foreign bacteria comes in and disrupts the intestinal lining. As a result, some of the substances that you normally digest reach the bloodstream. This sets off a chain reaction that sends your immune system scrambling. The immune system, in response, induces dermal inflammation, which may manifest in the form of redness, rashes and even acne.

Does Taking Probiotics Reduce Acne?

Alright, we just covered the science behind probiotics and acne. Certainly, there is a connection. However, is there actual proof that taking probiotics leads to decreased breakouts? According to one study, probiotics may directly inhibit the P. acnes bacteria through the production of antibacterial proteins.

In another study, the probiotic strains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were shown to have a positive effect on chronic inflammatory skin conditions, including acne and atopic dermatitis.

That’s not all; one other study suggests probiotics may be useful for treating skin diseases like acne, eczema, allergy-induced inflammation and skin damage from UV-rays.

How to Take Probiotics for Acne

We don’t believe it’s necessary to take probiotics for the specific cause of reducing acne. It’s the same way we believe you shouldn’t take probiotics specifically for weight loss, even though studies show a positive correlation. We believe the best approach is to take probiotics for digestive and overall health. Any other secondary benefits, whether it be acne reduction or weight loss, will naturally follow. With that being said, we don’t believe it’s productive to constantly look at yourself in the mirror to see if the acne is going away. It’s a gradual process; please be patient and allow time for the probiotics to restore immune balance.

You can consume probiotics from food, use a supplement like Floracil50, or incorporate a combination of the two. If going the supplement route, always follow dosage recommendations. We also suggest aiming for a multi-strain supplement with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These two were the strains one of the aforementioned studies showed as having beneficial skin properties.

Other Ways to Reduce Acne

If you’re seriously trying to prevent your face from turning into zit city, then incorporate these additional measures into your daily routine:

• Regularly wash your face with warm water and apply a non comedogenic and fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Limit cosmetic makeups; stick to oil-free products without heavy foundations.
• Drink water; dehydration signals the skin’s oil glands to produce more oil.
• If you use topical acne creams, use a product formulated for your specific skin type. Some people have oily skin, others have dry skin, while others have combination skin (have both oily and dry areas).

Probiotics Promote Clear Skin

As you can see, probiotic uses and benefits are diverse. When you make a conscious effort to get more probiotics, you’ll not only feel better but your skin complexion will also reflect the inner changes. The dermal benefits alone are all the more reason to take a supplement like Floracil50 a daily part of a healthy lifestyle.

An estimated four million Americans report frequent constipation. It can be irritating or even downright debilitating when you experience symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. As a natural remedy, we recommend taking probiotics for constipation before turning to that bottle of laxative. What do the studies show regarding probiotics and constipation?

What Is Constipation?

First, let’s define what constipation is. A lot of people use the word synonymously with similar terms like diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion.

Constipation is a medical condition that leads to infrequent and oftentimes difficult bowel movements.

If this occurs regularly and lasts for weeks, then you suffer from constipation. With infrequent bowel movements come symptoms like bloating and gas.

Constipation itself is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or more specifically, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). This is an intestinal disorder that leads to abnormal colon contractions. Aside from stubborn stools, you may also experience stomachaches and cramping.

If you experience any of the following on a frequent or even intermittent interval, then you likely have constipation:

• Infrequent bowel movement (less than once a day)
• Rough stools
• Straining and/or pain during bowel movement
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after defecation

Do Probiotics Help with Constipation?

Let’s explore the probiotics constipation connection. Rough stools are often a sign that your body lacks digestive bacteria. The gut is home to a microbiome of good bacteria numbering in the trillions. Factors like a poor diet and exposure to airborne pollutants can upset the balance of good to bad bacteria ratio.

The goal, then, is to introduce more probiotics into the gut by taking a probiotic supplement, eating probiotic-rich foods, or a combination of both.

This outline seems logical, but does it really pan out when held under scientific scrutiny? Let’s find out.

In a meta-analysis published under the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers examined a compilation of 14 studies on the effects of probiotics on constipation. They discovered that subjects in the trial experienced an average of 1.3x more bowel movements compared to a placebo group. The probiotics also slowed gut transit time, allowing for greater food breakdown.

This suggests that the use of probiotics may lead to digestive relief and less straining during bowel movements.

How Probiotics Aid in Constipation

Do you know how stools form in the first place? As food enters your digestive tracts, the saliva and stomach acids break down the protein, fat and carbs. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestines. Any waste and unusable components are transported to the large intestines. This is where stools are formed with the aid of probiotics.

The intestines also extract water from the waste to produce solid waste material. The stools you see in the toilet bowl are remnants of digested food, mucus, cellular linings, bile salts and dead bacteria (both good and bad).

What’s the Best Probiotic for Constipation?

The aforementioned meta-analysis also determined that the Bifidobacterium strain appeared to be the most effective for treating constipation. There are numerous studies corroborating this. One study showed that Bifidobacterium was especially effective for acute constipation. Another study in China found that Bifidobacterium in fermented milk effectively alleviated functional constipation in women.

Bifidobacterium, though, shouldn’t get all the glory. Another study found that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri was useful against irritable bowel syndrome and colic in infants.

There is no single best probiotic for constipation. We believe strains like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus work best in the presence of other strains. Studies4 suggest multi-strains may have a synergistic effect and be more effective than a single strain probiotic.

UMZU’s Floracil50 is a multi-strain probiotic that contains several sub-strains belonging to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium family.

Can Probiotics Cause Constipation?

Is it possible that probiotics can have the opposite effect and actually induce constipation instead? Even some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are known to cause the symptoms they’re intended to cure. Probiotics are no exception. Of course, this is only often the case when taken in excess.

Some people have indeed reported constipation as a side effect. However, this usually only occurs in two instances. It only arises among first-time users and those who exceed dosage recommendations. For first-time users, the symptoms almost always go away after the first day or two. In the initial phase, however, some people may experience nausea, bloating, heartburn, and stomach cramps.

Probiotics for Constipation: Our Final Thoughts

An increasing body of research now suggests that the gut is linked to other areas of health in one way or another. This includes your mental faculties. Constipation is a dead giveaway that something is not right with your gut health. As such, the rest of your health is probably not functioning at its peak either. Probiotics restore the gut microbiome balance, thereby directly and indirectly benefiting your health as a whole.

Everyone feels down from time to time. We can’t be happy campers 24/7. However, it’s not natural either to be depressed for half of your waking hours. Is there anything going on with your physiology that may be contributing to your blues? Do probiotics, which normally benefits the gut, play a role?

According to the latest studies, you can actually take probiotics for depression and feel a bit better.

Depression at a Glance

Depression is normal. If you get dumped by your significant other or if your beloved cat dies, you’re going to be depressed for a while. Depression caused by external factors, though, is temporary. Depression becomes problematic when it’s chronic, triggered by minor situations, or seemingly arises for no reason. This is when it becomes a medical issue. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression afflicts 40 million American adults. Roughly half of people with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

What Causes Depression?

What causes depression at the physiological level? Most doctors say it’s a chemical imbalance. This is somewhat true, but also an overgeneralization. The mechanisms that take place in the brain are extremely complex and medical science is just beginning to understand the relationship between body and mood.

The hippocampus on average is slightly smaller among people diagnosed with depression. Stress can also take its toll by suppressing neurogenesis, or the release of new neurons in the hippocampus.

Other regions in the brain include the amygdala, which shows heightened activity when a subject is clinically depressed. Another is the thalamus, which bridges the connection between sensory input and pleasant/unpleasant feelings.

Probiotics and Depression: What’s the Correlation?

On the surface, probiotics appear to be totally unrelated to our mental state. While probiotics are located throughout the body, the majority reside in the gut. How could microbiota activity in the stomach affect what’s taking place in the brain?

Let’s explore the available medical research. In one study, 44 patients with irritable bowel syndrome and mild bouts of depression went on a 10-week probiotic supplementation regimen. The group took evaluations to determine their general mood and well-being. Over 60 percent of the subjects from the probiotic group reduced their depression scores, compared to 32 percent for the placebo group.

Another noteworthy study is one from the Leiden University Institute for Psychological Research in Holland. Forty non-depressed subjects were given either a multi-strain probiotic or placebo before being subjected to a series of stressful situations. The probiotic group subsequently scored lower than the placebo group on the Leiden Index of Depression and Sensitivity (LEIDS). LEIDS measures cognitive reactivity to certain external stressors.

How Do Probiotics Alleviate Depression?

Probiotics for depression works; that much we can tell from the studies. Researchers are also looking into the gut-brain connection, as an increasing body of research suggests a direct link. In other words, what goes on in your gut influences brain activity and vice versa.

Probiotics produce various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). As the gut secretes these neurotransmitters, it triggers cells within the gut lining to signal certain brain functions, mood and behavior.

That’s not all; studies also show that probiotics may alter activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Dysfunction in this part of the brain has been linked to a spike in stress-related hormones, such as cortisol.

In past posts, we talked a lot about the dangers of inflammation in the body. Here’s something else to consider: inflammation also occurs in the brain, albeit at the microscopic level.  Studies also show a link between general inflammation and depression. It stands to reason then that by reducing inflammation you also reduce depression as a natural consequence. Studies have long shown probiotics to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

It’s All About Psychobiotics

The studies show such a strong link between probiotics and depression that researchers are beginning to coin the term “psychobiotics” to describe the effects of probiotics for treating mood disorders. The term psychobiotics, though, doesn’t just describe probiotics in general. More specifically, it refers to a specific set of strains proven in studies to have a positive effect on mood and cognition. The strains mostly include those in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium family, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.

Studies show that psychobiotics exert some form of manipulation in gut-brain signaling. In another clinical trial, patients went on an eight-week supplementation of psychobiotics or a placebo. At the conclusion of the trial, subjects in the psychobiotics group scored significantly lower on the Beck Depression Inventory, used to measure the severity of depressive symptoms. No statistical significance was observed for the placebo group.

Probiotics for Depression Warrants Further Consideration

We’re not suggesting that taking probiotics will make you as happy as a clam. However, evidence strongly hints that it may help you ease anxiety and deal with stressful situations. This is where a supplement like Floracil50 comes in. It has strains that make it a psychobiotic product. You’ll strengthen the gut-brain connection, thereby reducing inflammation while improving mood.

Indigestion sucks; constantly passing gas and extended trips to the loo are not pleasant experiences. Unfortunately, IBS is actually quite prevalent, affecting 10 to 15 percent of the global population, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. About one in four people with IBS classify their condition as severe. One natural solution is taking a probiotic supplement. What exactly are the best probiotics for IBS?

Not All Probiotics Are Created Equal

If you have IBS or just tend to pass a lot of gas after a heavy meal, please read this post in its entirety before heading to Walgreens to pick up a probiotic supplement. Probiotic products differ widely in their application. Yes, most treat indigestion, but others may be more geared towards other ailments, such as vaginal tract infections or correcting poor immune health.

There are an estimated 500 probiotic strains, many of which have very little research behind them and can be further broken down to sub-strains. A few, however, have shown tremendous promise for alleviating symptoms associated with IBS.

We’ll list some of the best probiotics for IBS based on verified independent research. First, though, let’s explore the connection between probiotics and IBS.

What’s the Connection?

According to one study, 84 percent of IBS patients had abnormally high concentrations of pathogenic bacteria in their small intestines. Furthermore, another study found patients that had below-normal levels of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium also had higher levels of the harmful pathogens E. coli and Streptococcus.

Research also suggests these two probiotic strains attenuate the onset of colitis, which in turn reduces the release of inflammation-inducing cytokine proteins. Inflammation is a precursor of IBS.

While researchers are always hesitant to draw definitive conclusions, it does appear that IBS is largely influenced by the ratio of good to bad bacteria. Low probiotic levels weaken the gut’s protective mechanisms, enabling foreign bacterial invaders to penetrate the body’s weakened defense.

The Top IBS Probiotics

We don’t believe there is a single best probiotic for IBS. However, some strains are certainly more geared towards fighting bacteria that cause stomach upset.

We just identified Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as two strains known for fighting indigestion. However, as we mentioned, strains are broken down into sub-strains, so we also have to look at these sub-classes and pinpoint which ones exhibit positive effects for IBS patients.

In one study, patients with IBS were given a multi-strain probiotic for 90 days. It should be noted that subjects had both IBS-C and IBS-D. This is IBS with constipation and IBS with diarrhea, respectively. After the trial, researchers estimated that 66 to 90 percent of the patients responded favorably to the supplementation. This contrasts with a six to 36 percent favorable response for the placebo group.

That’s not all; the probiotic group maintained a healthy good-to-bad bacteria ratio for 30 days after discontinuing the supplement.

What were the strains in the probiotic mixture? It included these sub-classes of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium animalis

Are These the Top Probiotics for IBS?

We believe this is the list of the best IBS probiotics according to the research currently available. We must strongly emphasize, though, that probiotic research is still fairly limited. Remember that there are an estimated 500 strains, not counting the sub-strains. Many of these have received little to no clinical evaluation. In the future, the list may expand or be modified. For now, research suggests these are the strains to aim for.

Floracil50 has a profile strain very similar to the list above. Our researchers selected the strains based on studies like the ones we mentioned. We believe the formula is ideal for treating mild to severe IBS as well as improving general well-being.

We should also point out that the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are also available in whole foods. They’re particularly found in high concentrations in yogurt and other cultured dairy products.

Single-Strain Vs. Multi-Strain Probiotics

Probiotic supplements may come with multiple strains, as is the case with Floracil50, or they may include a single probiotic strain. Are more strains better? Studies in this area are limited. One study, however, does compare the effects of a single strain formula vs a multi-strain mixture. The results showed that the multi-strain outperformed the singular strain in the areas of IBS, atopic diseases, and respiratory tract infections.

Does this show that multiple strains create a synergistic effect? Again, the researchers are hesitant to say so, though the evidence does point in that direction. With this in mind, perhaps it’s not about the top probiotic for IBS. Rather it’s about a series of proven probiotics that work at their peak when operating as a cohesive unit.

Improve Gut Health with the Best Probiotics for IBS

We recommend aiming for a multi-strain formula with at least some of the strains we listed, though it doesn’t have to be an exact match. A lot of probiotics, after all, do appear to overlap in function. If treating IBS is your aim, then bet on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which incidentally also happen to be the more common strains readily available in food.

Can you guess which room in your home contains the most bacteria? If you guessed the bathroom, guess again.

Some of the most bacteria-dense surfaces in your house are your kitchen dish rags, cutting boards, and countertops. Most of us actively try to avoid bacteria for good reason. Bacteria like E. coli or salmonella can cause severe gastric problems. However, not all bacteria are harmful to you, and some of the good bacteria are probably already living in your groceries.

Bacteria that aids digestion is known as probiotics. There are hundreds of different strains of probiotics living in your gut that help to break down certain types of fiber and support your immune system. Foods that are fermented such as yogurt and sauerkraut are among the foods with the highest amounts of probiotics.

In fact, research shows that these healthy bacteria may even reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer, which is one of the four most common types of cancer along with prostate, breast, and lung cancer.

Research shows that including prebiotics in your diet may also be beneficial.

Benefits of Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Problems

Research shows that probiotics can help with several gastrointestinal disorders including lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Lactose intolerance is caused by a genetic deficiency in the enzymes that breakdown lactose into the sugars glucose and galactose. It usually causes symptoms of gastric distress including diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas. Studies show that including yogurts with the specific strains of bacteria S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii ssp. Bulgaricus may improve lactose metabolism.

First off, you’re going to want to take Floracil50 every day at the same time of the day — and to take two capsules if you have severe stomach problems. Next, make sure you talk to your doctor about the product and how it can help you. Finally, you’re going to need to help yourself or else Floracil50 won’t be able to help you. This means eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and generally having a healthy lifestyle. After you begin to help yourself, these tips can help make Floracil50 even better. 

Prebiotics: The Food for Your Food

We’ve discussed the benefits of probiotics at length, but there’s another biotic you should be aware of: prebiotics. The definition of prebiotic has undergone several changes since they were first defined in 1995.

The best current definition would be an indigestible compound metabolized by the microorganisms in the gut of an animal that benefits the animal. Essentially, including prebiotics allows more healthy bacteria to grow in your gut.

Prebiotics provide healthy bacteria with food. Including prebiotics in your diet is kind of like feeding pigeons in the park. At first, there might be three or four pigeons pecking at your feet, but once you start throwing bread crumbs on the ground, every pigeon in the state is flocking towards you.

One of the main types of prebiotics is called inulin. Inulin is a soluble form of fiber found in a wide variety of plant foods. It’s made up of chains of fructose molecules arranged in a way that your body can’t digest. Research shows that including prebiotic food in your diet can do the following:

• Increase the amount of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in your gut
• Increase your calcium absorption
• Decrease protein fermentation
• Decrease allergy symptoms
• Improve gut health
• Improve your immune system

Like most of the research on probiotics, many of the studies on prebiotics are lab and animal studies. However, early research26 shows that prebiotics may also help reduce cancer risk.

A literature review published in the British Journal of Nutrition reviewed 12 animal studies that found that prebiotic consumption was linked to reductions in precancerous colon growths. Here is a list of foods high in prebiotics:

• Chicory Root
• Dandelion Greens
• Garlic
• Onions
• Leeks
• Bananas
• Apples
• Cocoa
• Seaweed

Potential Benefits of Polyphenols for Healthy Bacteria

Polyphenols are a group of bioactive compounds that benefit human health and metabolism28 Research29 shows that dietary polyphenols help with the maintenance of healthy bacteria in your gut. Here are some foods that are high in polyphenols.

• Cloves
• Chestnut
• Dark Chocolate
• Celery Seeds
• Star Anise
• Cocoa Powder

How to Optimize Your Gut Bacteria

Including bacteria in your diet doesn’t give you permission to eat the Chinese take-out that’s been in your refrigerator for the past six weeks. There are millions of types of bacteria, and only a few types are good for you.

1. Eat Fermented Foods

If you want to benefit from the anti-carcinogen effects of probiotics, you should make an effort to make fermented foods a regular part of your diet. You can either buy fermented foods at the grocery store to include more healthy gut bacteria in your diet or you can make them on your own.

2. Eat Prebiotic-Rich Foods to Feed Probiotic Bacteria

As well as including probiotics in your diet, you can also eat foods that support the health of the healthy bacteria in your gut. Make sure to include prebiotic foods in your diet as well to maintain the health of these bacteria. If you’re already eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, you’re likely already getting plenty of prebiotics.

3. Eat Polyphenol-Rich Foods to Support Probiotic Health

Do you go weak at the knees when you smell chocolate? Including dark chocolate and other polyphenol-rich foods in your diet can also support healthy bacteria in your gut.

4. Supplement With ACV+ Prebiotics

Nourish your healthy gut bacteria with our Apple Cider Vinegar and Prebiotics supplement.

It feeds your healthy bacteria with essential prebiotic fibers and apple cider vinegar to help your “good bacteria” thrive in your gut while getting rid of “bad bacteria” safely and naturally. By taking ACV + Prebiotics daily, you begin to support:

• Healthy Bacteria Regulation
• Cut Down on Bloating
• Clean Your Gut
• Hunger Regulation
• Improve Gut Wall Permeability
• Boost Your Immune System

Is it those who suffer from mild to chronic digestive issues? Is it those who want to sleep better and feel better? Is it those who need a boost in their immunity or who struggle with skin issues they just can’t seem to get clear?

In truth, all of these people will see the health benefits of Floracil50 when they begin taking the supplement every day. After all, we can’t tell you exactly what is most important to you about your own health.

Most people who start taking this supplement are those with mild to severe digestive issues and gut health problems. These individuals usually reach out to us, seeking a solution for these problems. Through the Floracil50 benefits, they experience relief for these issues as well as more problems with which they may not have even known they needed help.

That’s the truth about Floracil50: this supplement is filled with effective probiotics that take on all the issues of your health through improving your gut health.

Everybody is different, so sometimes what works for most people may not work as well for you.  

Particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may have some challenges when you add a potent supplement to your regimen.

If you are taking a prescription drug, we strongly recommend that you consult your prescribing medical professional before introducing a new supplement.  

We can’t tell you how a drug might interact with a supplement, beyond saying that sometimes the drug or your underlying condition contraindicate the use of one or more ingredients in a supplement, and it’s important to consult your prescribing physician to make sure everything will work well together to support your health.

Another thing to consider is your overall sensitivity to foods and supplements, as well as your body weight.  If you know you’re quite sensitive or you are petite, start out slowly with a lower dose and work up to our recommended serving size, paying attention to how you feel, and dial it back if you find that your body isn’t tolerating the ‘whole enchilada’ – maybe you’re happiest with half an enchilada.  

Know that efficacy is proven at the recommended serving size, but again, that’s a general rule and you may still be able to experience the benefits with a lower dose!

Our Suggested Use instructions call for 1 capsule, 1 time per day with meals.  

This works very well for the vast majority of our customers. However, if you’re one of the few who have the following concerns, you might try a lower dose and see how that goes, rather than jumping in at the full serving size.

Can Probiotics Make You Sick?

As we have mentioned in the past, probiotics may initially cause side effects among some first-time users. This includes minor symptoms like stomach cramping, nausea and diarrhea. In this sense, yes, probiotics can make you mildly ill. However, symptoms almost always go away after the first day or two. We also believe the side effects are a good sign that the probiotics are having a positive effect on your body. It’s just that your system may initially respond in a not-so-desirable way.

Of course, we’re talking about unpleasant side effects. However, some people have enquired whether probiotics pose any serious health risks for people with existing medical issues. Let’s explore this further.

Are Probiotics Bad for Your Heart?

This is one of the questions we get more often. Are digestive probiotics safe for people at risk for heart disease? We have not found any scientific literature that suggests probiotics may negatively impact heart health in any way. With that said, though, a small number of users have reported heart palpitations. This is often the body’s natural biochemical response to an unfamiliar substance. As such, you may feel a jolt in the heart, a few skipped beats, or a few abnormally fast beats. Heart palpitations are generally no cause for alarm, but we do suggest you see a doctor if symptoms persist.

Also, if you get your probiotics from food, then it may be something in the food other than the probiotics causing the heart anomaly. Sugar is a stimulant and is known to cause palpitations. This may arise if you consume yogurt with added sugars. The same goes for fermented and pickled foods, which are often sky-high in salt. Sodium is another common cause of irregular heartbeats.

We want to stress that, by and large, probiotics are heart-healthy. A study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine revealed that probiotics reduce hypertension. High blood pressure greatly elevates risk of heart disease and stroke.

Are Probiotics Bad for You?

We believe the benefits of probiotics drastically outweigh any possible negative reactions. This isn’t to say that probiotics are universally safe. There are exceptions in which some people may be at risk and should consult a doctor before going on a probiotic supplementation. However, this is always the exception in people with certain pre-existing medical conditions and never the norm.

How does UMZU’s Money-back guarantee work?

We take full responsibility for your purchase if you aren’t satisfied for whatever reason. If you want to return Floracil50, we’ll give you your money back hassle-free within 60 days. You can return up to one open bottle of Floracil50. If you bought more than one bottle, the other bottles need to be unopened to be returned.

You can contact us at help@umzu.com.

Who Should Take Floracil50?

People who notice they often have stomach or digestive problems are the best candidates for Floracil50. These individuals might also have an ongoing stomach issue like IBS, IBD or acid reflux. But you might also be a good candidate for this supplement if you simply don’t feel your best. You might feel that something is off, and it’s very likely that this feeling could be caused by your gut health.

How Do I Know When I Need to Take Floracil50?

Consider these questions below. If you answer yes to any of them, our probiotic supplement with its strains of lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus reuteri and bifidobacterium longum could help.

• Do you experience stomach issues often?
• Have you tried almost all the over-the-counter remedies to no avail?
• Have you noticed your skin looking less healthy or breaking out more often?
• Is your mood suffering from your lack of appetite?
• Do you toss and turn at night because your stomach is always churning?

Floracil50 can help with all of these issues and more. Your gut health is essential to the health of the rest of your body, which is why Floracil50 can benefit your skin, immunity, sleep and moods. Some people think the idea of ingesting bacteria is weird, but the truth is, your body is already filled with it! The meaning of probiotics is pro-life because the bacteria are alive. Their main job is to help you promote the kind of healthy bodily functions that will allow you to feel better every day.

What Is the Best Time to Take Floracil50?

People sometimes worry about the effects of probiotics, and whether or not the time of day they take them matters. Here’s what we’ve discovered: Probiotics tend to work best and to survive the acid in your stomach more easily if you take your supplement during or just before a meal. It’s a good idea to still take them at the same time every day, however, so make sure it’s a mealtime that has some consistency like the lunch hour you take at work.

Also, you might need to take two supplements a day if you have severe stomach issues. This will ensure the probiotics really start working on the problem. We recommend you check with a doctor if you’re thinking of doubling up your dose, and if you do, we suggest taking one in the morning and one at night (but still with food).

Are There Other UMZU Supplements I Can Pair with Floracil50?

Floracil50 is soy, sugar, pesticide, preservative, gluten and egg-free, so it should be able to pair with just about any of our supplements as well as any medicines. However, you should still check with your doctor to make sure it’s an effective choice for you and that it won’t cause any problematic side effects when taken with other medicines.

Does the Floracil50 Probiotic Supplement Really Work?

People all over the world are discovering probiotics, and it’s about time! Frustrating, long-term stomach problems with no solution can finally be a thing of the past with the use of natural, living bacteria found in our scientifically studied strains. Those who didn’t even know their problems were related to their gut health also found fantastic results with Floracil50.

Still on the fence? Just check out some of these incredible reviews from real customers like you!

What Is the Daily Value of Each of the Floracil50 Ingredients?

There is no designated daily value of the healthy bacteria strains provided in Floracil50, and the other ingredients are included in such small amounts that they do not count against your DV in other areas.

Does Floracil50 Contain Any Allergens that Could Mess With My Overall Health?

Floracil50 is preservative-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, pesticide-free, egg-free and soy-free. This makes it extremely safe for most individuals’ use. Because of the probiotics, it does contain milk products, but this will be helpful toward your gut health, such as eating yogurt would be. The difference is simply that Floracil50 makes getting your daily probiotic intake easier and more efficient.

Bifidobacterium Longum

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in inflammatory bowel disease.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25525379

Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri PA 16/8, Bifidobacterium longum SP 07/3, B. bifidum MF 20/5 on common cold episodes: a double blind, randomized, controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16054520

Effect of multispecies probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23829297

The effect of a multispecies probiotic mixture on the symptoms and fecal microbiota in diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22157240

Bifidobacterium Breve

Effect of a multispecies probiotic supplement on quantity of irritable bowel syndrome-related intestinal microbial phylotypes.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20849659

Is Bifidobacterium breve effective in the treatment of childhood constipation? Results from a pilot study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048518/

The role of probiotic lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and other related diseases: a systematic review of randomized human clinical trials.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25793197

The effect of a multispecies probiotic mixture on the symptoms and fecal microbiota in diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22157240

Bifidobacterium Infantis Complex

The genome sequence of Bifidobacterium longum reflects its adaptation to the human gastrointestinal tract.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12381787

Bifidobacterium longum as a delivery system for cancer gene therapy: selective localization and growth in hypoxic tumors.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10770636

Effects of milk products fermented by Bifidobacterium longum on blood lipids in rats and healthy adult male volunteers.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12906063

Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri PA 16/8, Bifidobacterium longum SP 07/3, B. bifidum MF 20/5 on common cold episodes: a double blind, randomized, controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16054520

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactic acid bacteria as probiotics.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16875422

Drugs and Supplements: Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acidophilus/evidence/hrb-20058615

Microorganisms with Claimed Probiotic Properties: An Overview of Recent Literature

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4053917/

Invited review: the scientific basis of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM functionality as a probiotic.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11233016

A metagenomic approach to characterization of the vaginal microbiome signature in pregnancy.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22719832

Vaginal microbiota and viral sexually transmitted diseases.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24048183

Probiotics in critically ill children.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27081478

Effect of multispecies probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23829297

The effect of a multispecies probiotic mixture on the symptoms and fecal microbiota in diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22157240

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Administration of a probiotic with peanut oral immunotherapy: A randomized trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25592987

Lactobacillus supplementation for diarrhoea related to chemotherapy of colorectal cancer: a randomised study.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17895895

Probiotics for treatment of acute diarrhoea in children: randomised clinical trial of five different preparations.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17690340

Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10547243

Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in children who attend day care centers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19896252

Effect of long term consumption of probiotic milk on infections in children attending day care centres: double blind, randomised trial

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC32161/

Selection of lactobacillus strains for urogenital probiotic applications.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11171021

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG culture supernatant ameliorates acute alcohol-induced intestinal permeability and liver injury.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22538402

Lactobacillus GG treatment ameliorates alcohol-induced intestinal oxidative stress, gut leakiness, and liver injury in a rat model of alcoholic steatohepatitis.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19251117

Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21876150

Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 supplementation on weight loss and maintenance in obese men and women.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299712

Effect of multispecies probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23829297

The effect of a multispecies probiotic mixture on the symptoms and fecal microbiota in diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22157240

Lactobacillus Casei

Effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota ingestion on common cold infection and herpes virus antibodies in endurance athletes: a placebo-controlled, randomized trial

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4943997/

A human Lactobacillus strain (Lactobacillus casei sp strain GG) promotes recovery from acute diarrhea in children.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1905394

Lactobacillus casei prevents impaired barrier function in intestinal epithelial cells.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21143526

Lactobacillus Reuteri Complex

Chemical characterization of an antimicrobial substance produced by Lactobacillus reuteri.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC172512/

Validation of the Probiotic Concept: Lactobacillus reuteri Confers Broad-spectrum Protection against Disease in Humans and Animals

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08910600050216246-1

INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN INFANTS SUPPLEMENTED WITH THE PROBIOTIC BACTERIUM LACTOBACILLUS REUTERI: PN1-17

http://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Fulltext/2005/05000/Intestinal_Microbiota_in_Infants_Supplemented_With.232.aspx

Bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus reuteri in rotavirus gastroenteritis.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9427453

Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for diarrhoeal diseases in children.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26991503

Meta-analysis: Lactobacillus reuteri strain DSM 17938 (and the original strain ATCC 55730) for treating acute gastroenteritis in children.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24463209

Probiotics for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26940647

Infant Colic-What works: A Systematic Review of Interventions for Breast-fed Infants.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26655941

Lactobacillus reuteri in bovine milk fermented decreases the oral carriage of mutans streptococci.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15282133

Human-Derived Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri Demonstrate Antimicrobial Activities Targeting Diverse Enteric Bacterial Pathogens

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2494590/

Lactobacillus Plantarum

Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and mental health: from Metchnikoff to modern advances: Part I – autointoxication revisited.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23506618

Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and mental health: from Metchnikoff to modern advances: Part II – contemporary contextual research.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23497633

Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and mental health: from Metchnikoff to modern advances: part III – convergence toward clinical trials.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23497650

The effect of a multispecies probiotic mixture on the symptoms and fecal microbiota in diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22157240