Many people suffer from gas, bloating, stomach cramping, and diahhrea along with a host of other ailments. The problem many times can be fixed by simply cutting something out of your diet, like hamburgers, hot dogs or beer…sounds like the ball game to me. At any rate, see your doctor first and ask he / she about probiotics for your ailing gut.
Probiotics are used for Dyspiosis or an imbalance of the bodies intestinal flora. This imbalance of delicate intestinal “good” bacteria is important for many functions in the body, especially immune health. The two most common ones used in supplements and other foods fall into the following categories, Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria. There are so many versions out there of each, that people don’t have an idea about which one to get, especially since you need an english degree to pronounce some of them. So I’m going to start out by introducing a few you may see in some products and what each particular one does for your body.
1.) BiofidoBacterium Bifidum- Enhances assimulation of minerals, ie. Calcium, Magnesium etc.
2.) BiofidoBacterium Longum- Helps reduce diahhrea from antibiotic usage. It’s also among the first to colonise the sterile digestive tract of newborns and predominates in breast-fed infants.
3.) Lactobacillus Acidophilus- A natural antibiotic and has been used to treat or prevent vaginal yeast infections, yeast infections of the mouth, or diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics.
4.) Lactobacillus Bulgaricus- This particular substance is transient and needs to be continually supplied because it won’t colonize in your intestines. It’s mostly used to help regulate PH and It is often helpful to sufferers of lactose intolerance because it helps ferment lactose. While fermenting milk, it produces acetaldehyde, which is one of the main components of yogurts aroma.
5.) Lactobacillus Plantarum- Helps to synthesize L-Lysine which is used to prevent cold sores. It also assists in making N.O. (Nitric Oxide)
6.) Lactobacillus Rhamnosus- Helps colonise the geneto-urinary tract to help prevent infections.
7.) Lactobacillus Salivarius- Helps to protect the teeth from cavities and sweetens the breath.
Probiotics are best taken with take with Fructo Oligosaccharide. A fiber which is food for the bacteria to help them grow.
Also, be sure to get an enteric coated version. This will allow the supplement to bipass the stomach acids and reach your intestines for maximum utilization.
Caution: if you are pregnant, immune suppressed or have any disease or condition that you are under the care of a physician, nutritionist, dietitian or other health care professional, always seek their advise before taking probiotics. It is advisable to get your doctors permission before taking any supplements as you may also encounter dangerous drug interactions or complications you may not be aware of.
The information obtained here was was from various web sites and a TLN television program- “Your Health”, with Dr. Richard and Cindy Becker, a great show on daily.
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John Turk
I have been in the fitness industry as a Chicago Personal Trainer for over 20 years.
I have also become a familiar face in the fitness industry as a Chicago personal trainer and have appeared on the cover of such magazines as Muscle & Fitness, Physical and Planet Muscle.
My Specialties:
Instruction in Plyometrics as well as sport specific activities, Body Building, Nutritional guidance, Kickboxing and Self-defense. Over-all toning and weight loss instruction. 
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There are no known contraindications with probiotics and medication, but it is always best to get the advice of a health care practitioner when starting new supplements. Great article on specific probiotic strains!
Thanks for replying Anna. I always error on the side of caution and let people know to check with their doctor before taking any supplement. You never know what there circumstances are, especially since the supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA.
Super dumb question: I usually have a YoPlus yogurt every morning along with my banana & then I run in the mornings & some juiced Watermelon when I get back as a treat. Is this enough Probiotic? + should I be eating anything else (quick to eat) for running? I’m not giving up my Watermelon unless there is a compelling reason. I’m addicted to it.
Hi Leah, thanks for stopping in. As far as the YoPlus having enough probiotics in it I’m not sure. I went onto their web site and they don’t list specifically what ones are in it. This is why I take a supplement form to be sure I’m getting what I need. When eating yogurt, I tend to prefer the greek version. They usually are more power packed with protein and thicker.
As far as your watermelon goes, you’re eating it at the right time which is right after your run. That is the time when the body replenishes it’s glycogen stores the fastest. I would save your banana for then as well and stick with the yogurt before the run. Just be sure not to overeat before hand as too much blood pushed toward the gut during digestion can rob your muscles of energy they need. In addition, a full stomach can cause cramping (Side stitch) from the diaphragm having to work harder to breath with a full stomach.