Graceful Aging with Probiotics

Aging can feel like a slow decline in your abilities. One of life’s greatest challenges can be learning to adapt to these changes and how to be your best self in spite of them. But, it turns out that clear and quick brain function may not be something you have to accept as a part … Read more

Which Probiotics Benefit Women the Most?

A wave of new studies and meta-analyses shed light on why probiotics have so many health benefits for women and which strains have the benefits you’re looking for. Many of these benefits aren’t limited by your age and general health – but there are probiotic strains which may specifically be beneficial for pre or post-menopausal … Read more

Will Probiotics Help With Bloating?

Have you ever had that dreadful feeling when you sit down that your belly is pushing against your waistband – or worse; about to pop your pants button? Maybe you remember it better as embarrassing gas accompanied by a painfully distended gut. Waiting for the feeling to pass can be unbearable, but one modern solution … Read more

Lactobacillus Gasseri

Image of a bowl of miso soup, which can contain the probiotic lactobacillus gasseri

While bacteria are often associated with sickness, infection, and a host of other health issues, they are an essential part of a healthy GI system. The gut microbiome, consisting of countless bacteria found mostly in the large intestine, has been known to contribute to the overall health of an individual. Probiotics are live bacteria that … Read more

Bifidobacterium Longum: A Probiotic Bacteria

Image of a woman holding a glass of water taking probiotic supplement bifidobacterium longum in a pill

Bifidobacterium longum is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive, anaerboic bacterium strain in the Bifidobacterium genus of the phylum Actinobacteria (1,2). Bifidobacteria are prokaryotes, which mean that they are unicellular organisms that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, or membrane-bound organelle (3). These bacteria are considered obligate anaerobes, which have a very low oxygen tolerance and die … Read more

Lactobacillus Casei

Image of yogurt on a table from above, which can contain lactobacillus casei

Lactobacillus casei is a rod-shaped, gram-positive, non-spore forming bacterium strain in the Lactobacilli genus (1). It is found in many strains in lactic acid fermented food products such as sauerkraut, fermented meat and fish, sourdough, pickled vegetables, and wine as well as in beets and dairy products such as Mozzarella cheese (1,2). The bacterium Lactobacillus … Read more

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Image of yogurt, fruit and granola in a bowl on a table, which can contain the probiotic lactobacillus rhamnosus

What is Lactobacillus rhamnosus? Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a form of naturally occurring bacteria that is commonly found in the genital and urinary tract of human females. It is one of the most widely used probiotic strains, and is often used to prevent or treat gastro-intestinal infections and diarrhea, and to stimulate immune responses that … Read more

Lactobacillus Salivarius

Image of two glass jars full of yogurt and fruit

Lactobacillus salivarius is a form of naturally occurring bacteria that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of most humans. L. salivarius is one of 25 species in the L. salivarius clade (group of organisms with a common ancestor) of the genus Lactobacillus. The name Lactobacillus salivarius comes from the properties of the saliva in … Read more

What Are Probiotics? A Guide to Probiotic Foods, Supplements & Benefits

Cover image of fruit for article about 'what are probiotics?"

Medically reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. What are probiotics? The World Health Organization(WHO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.[1] Probiotics provide these health benefits in several ways: Probiotics support a healthy immune system They produce vitamins and enzymes They reduce serum cholesterol They … Read more

Probiotics for Digestive Problems

Image of a person with digestive problems holding their stomach with a heating pad

Medically Reviewed by: Chris Duncombe, M.D. In a time when society is burdened by high-stress work environments, low-quality fast food, fatigue, and an obsession with antibiotics, natural gut flora is under attack. Our digestive systems are deprived of their natural, health-promoting microorganisms, and bacteria that causes illness takes over. Probiotics, which have received significant attention … Read more