Yeast Probiotic Versus Bacterial Probiotic Florastor provides benefits of a friendly yeast-based probiotic2. Florastor differs from bacterial probiotics for the following reasons:
Yeast cells are bigger than bacterial cells, so yeast can provide increased gut coverage and further protect the intestinal tract.
- Yeast can withstand the harsh environment of the stomach, while many bacteria are destroyed by acids in the
- stomach before they even reach the intestines2.
- The body naturally eliminates the yeast in Florastor within 5 to 7 days after stopping use2.
- Yeast probiotics, unlike bacterial probiotics, are not compromised by antibiotic use2.
Side Effects Since 1984 when worldwide tracking began, more than 13 billion doses of Saccharomyces boulardii lyo from Biocodex have been adsministered. With only rare instances of side effects, (less than 1%) patients reported constipation or thirst.
What does Saccharomyces do in the body? Saccharomyces is a single celled yeast fungus. It is an organism that belongs to the Brewer's Yeast family and is not of the group to which Candida belongs. Though not a permanent resident of the intestine, taken orally it quickly becomes established and "blooms" soon after supplementation has begun. As it blooms, it produces lactic acid and some B vitamins, and has an overall probiotic effect. S. Boulardii is eliminated shortly after supplementation is discontinued. S. Boulardii has been shown to increase secretory IgA and protect gastrointestinal tract against outgrowth of pathogens during use of antibiotics.
What are Probiotics? Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, are called probiotics. Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection.
[1 2] People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.
[3 4] Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compoundssuch as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acidthat increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria.
[5 6] Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.
[7] What are some food sources of Probiotics? Beneficial bacteria present in fermented dairy foodsnamely live culture yogurthave been used as a folk remedy for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Yogurt is the traditional source of beneficial bacteria. However, different brands of yogurt can vary greatly in their bacteria strain and potency. Some (particularly frozen) yogurts do not contain any live bacteria. Supplements in powder, liquid extract, capsule, or tablet form containing beneficial bacteria are other sources of probiotics.
Immune Support In a double-blind trial, it was found that BID supplementation with Bifidobacterium lactis significantly enhanced various aspects of immune function in a group of healthy elderly people.8 Benefits were apparent after only six weeks of supplementation.
Yeast Infections Regular ingestion of probiotic bacteria may help prevent vaginal yeast infection.
[10 11] A review of the research concluded that both topical and oral use of acidophilus can prevent yeast infection caused by Candida overgrowth.
[12] Florastor, a non-pathogenic yeast, will not exacerbate or cause a vaginal yeast infection of Candida origin.
Diarrhea Saccharomyces boulardii, has prevented diarrhea in several human trials.
[16] Double-blind research studying critically ill patients found this strain of yeast to prevent diarrhea when 500 mg is taken QID.
[17] Diarrhea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Replenishing the beneficial bacteria with probiotic supplements can help prevent new infections. The incidence of travelers diarrhea, caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods, can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.
[13] Removal of Toxins Most people know L. acidophilus, the most popular species in this group of probiotic bacteria. However, research shows that other Lactobacillus species may be beneficial as well. For example, L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum appear to be protective intestinal bacteria. They are involved in the production of several gut nutrients, such as short-chain fatty acids, and the amino acids, arginine, cysteine and glutamine.
[14] These beneficial bacteria may also help remove toxins from the gut and exert a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels.
[15] Antibiotics Probiotics are important in re-colonizing the intestine during and after antibiotic use. Probiotic supplements replenish the beneficial bacteria, preventing up to 50% of discomfort and ailments occurring from antibiotic use.
[18] Aids in Digestion Probiotics also promote healthy digestion. Enzymes secreted by probiotic bacteria aid digestion. Acidophilus is a source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar, which is lacking in those who are lactose-intolerant.
[19]