PROBIOTIC TALK- we’ve discussed the importance of probiotics in the diet for years. I still get so many questions about it, and number one is: what probiotic do I take. If you’ve been following for a while you know it’s JUST THRIVE.
So as always, let’s get very, VERY specific.
The One Supplement I Take Every Single Day: Probiotics
The benefits of a daily probiotic are major. If you don’t already take one and are interested be sure to consult your health care provider first.
MOVING ON: probiotics & I have been having a love affair for a long time now. The supplement, yes, but also kimchi, kombucha, saurkraut, you get it.
It all started YEARS AGO when I was on antibiotics for almost 6 weeks that I really understood the importance of a daily probiotic.
First of all, if you’re like me you get a yeast infection if you don’t take a probiotic while on an antibiotic- TMI? Never on this blog. Yeast infections are horrific. There’s nothing worse. The whole egg situation, legs spread, sweating (who knows what I mean here?) HA!
Well actually, maybe a UTI is worse? Who knows. They’re both horrid. Anyway, for me a probiotic is my preventative plan- I never get a yeast infection from antibiotics anymore because of my daily probiotic.
To really get into bacteria here: it mainly grows from stress, antibiotics, & chlorinated water. Probiotics (also known as an acidophilus) are beneficial bacteria & microorganism that live in the gut. AKA ‘good bacteria.’
They help with digestion & REALLY, REALLY help absorb nutrients from food. Which is great, because that’s a big reason why even eat food. Right? The healthy, good bacteria helps eliminate nasty shit in the gut like bad bacteria, chemicals, & toxins.
ALSO TO TAKE A TWIST- I think it’s important to understand the fundamental difference between an acidophilus & a probiotic: “Acidophilus is a form of a probiotic. It is mainly used to aid digestion and repopulate the digestive tract with good bacteria. Probiotics, those with a mix of acidophilus and other types of good bacteria, are considered broad-spectrum, meaning they work better when combined to aid more than one type of problem within the digestive tract. Probiotics that are most effective have a billion or more active organisms.” { via }
Tons of scientists and experts now know that SO many diseases/problems/issues start in the gut. When we fix our gut, insane results follow. Personally, when I take probiotics or eat kimchi I notice brighter eyes, clear skin, more energy, less bloating- the list goes on really.
SO WHY WOULDN’T I WANT TO TAKE A PROBIOTIC?
When you’re choosing the right probiotic for you- do your research. For me, Just Thrive is the best one I could find, that works for me. It actually lives as it goes through our body, and just so you know, most probiotics don’t. They don’t survive the trip from your mouth to your gut. And you don’t need to keep them in the fridge which makes them so easy to travel with (love these).
SOME OTHER BENEFITS?
Mood, Anxiety, & Depression:
95% of Serotonin ( the happy neurotransmitter ) originates from the gastrointestinal tract. When imbalances in bacteria are present this can lead to real alterations to our brains, causing brain fog, depression, mood swings, and anxiety.
Probiotics make positive changes to the gut by policing and restoring the growth of good microbes to your flora. Restoring a disrupted gut flora can help fight anxiety & depression.
Metabolism & Weight Loss:
The body typically responds to food in one of two ways, it will either burn it for energy or store it as fat. The secret for this decision is short-chain fatty acids ( SCFAs ), the more your body produces SCFAs the more fat and food it will burn.
Sugar & Hunger Cravings:
The bad bacteria in your gut love sugar and will actually signal your brain to eat more sugar. This “gut brain connection” is what causes those powerful sugar cravings. Meanwhile, poor nutrient absorption causes your body to keep signaling for more food so it can get the nutrients it needs.
We want to replace the bad bacteria in your gut with good bacteria, stopping the sugar cravings all while helping your body to more effectively break down and absorb nutrients. Better nutrient absorption means your body will be satisfied with much less food!
The founders of Just Thrive have been on The Skinny Confidential HIM & HER Show twice and these episodes are loading with information on why probiotics are so important. Their most recent appearance was last week and here are some of the top takeaways:
How dopamine works in the brain and gut:
Dopamine is a chemical made in the gut and brain, and is meant to give your focus or attention to positive responses. When we’re constantly distracted or constantly seeking dopamine rushes (constantly checking your phone, eating unhealthy foods etc.), we develop a resistance to it, which leads to more and more distractions and higher stress.
The link between inflammation and stress:
Things that stimulate your nervous system (stress, cortisol and other chemicals), lead to your fight or flight response being activated, which turns off your digestive system, rest response, and repair response, leading to inflammation in the body.
Things you can do to eliminate stress, enhance your focus, and manage your life better:
Stress can be internal or external, but the effects of it are led by your gut and your brain. Taking a daily probiotic and practicing mental health activities like meditation will help you learn how to reduce your stress and manage your focus.
Be sure to listen to the whole episode if you’re interested in improving your memory, focus, mood and overall health, this is the episode for you. And while we’re here if you’ve recently taken antibiotics here is an entire protocol from Dr. Daryl Gioffre on how to heal your gut afterwards. I’ve had to take antibiotics a couple times over the last 2 years, unfortunately so this protocol has been a lifesaver.
Another amazing supplement that Michael got me on to is Athletic Greens. It has your daily vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics in one scoop. So along with AG1, Just Thrive probiotics, Dr. Daryl’s protocol (and minerals), and probiotic foods, I feel confident I’m getting all the probiotics I need. And you know we’ve got codes for you to shop:
Just Thrive – SKINNY for 15% off
AG1 – SKINNY for 1 year supply of d3 and k2, plus 5 free travel packs
Get Off Your Acid – SKINNY for 20% off your first purchase
Do you take a probiotic? What’s your favorite way to get them in?
x, Lauryn
+ The best foods for lymphatic drainage.
++ Everything I eat in a day.
YES! Been taking probiotics for decades now (no lie) – so vital.
Agreed, I can’t live without them. x
I always take mine at dinner all day every day ! I tried a lot but I honestky prefer Bio Kult, they have all the important strains and are not expensive…it’s a win-win!
Yes a daily probiotic is a must for me. You should try Asprega from a company called ScimeraMD. Physician formulated. It has a delayed released vegetarian capsule that resists the destruction from the stomach acid like you mentioned. It has 17 strains plus saccharomyces boulardii. 35 billion CFU’s. It also has prebiotic which helps maintain the effectiveness of the probiotic. A must try!!
I take this amazing core integration yoga class & it is all about gut health. Its so amazing what improving your gut can do for your whole life!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/passion-fruit-colada/
I would love to try a class like that!
I’ve found the best, cheapest source of probiotics is sauerkraut and fermented veggies. I used to take an expensive supplement, but there was no guarantee the probiotics were even alive, and it was the most expensive bottle in my regime. Now I eat a few big spoonfuls of raw sauerkraut in the morning, usually with eggs. I buy a different brand or style (kimchi, carrots, cabbage, etc) every week or two to make sure I’m getting a variety of different probiotics. Its delicious, fresh, and natural!
YUM! What brand is it?
I love a good probiotic – thanks for the in-depth explanation and this one sounds like a really good option.
Same Margot. x
Love this post! I have a terrible gut, and need to get it under control! I’ve tried other probiotics and didn’t notice a difference, so I’m happy to hear that you need to find the right one FOR YOU. Thanks for your advice Lauryn! xoxo, Sarah
http://www.sarahgrossdesign.com
Hmm maybe you need to do a cleanse to reset. Thanks for the support Sarah! x
This blog post could not come at a better time for me! I stopped taking the birth control pill about 3 months ago and my skin has decided to go crazy with breakouts:( I am 35 and feel like I have the skin of a 15 year old. I have been doing a lot of research and what I am finding is that a lot of skin issues stem from the digestive tract and probiotics are being recommend over and over again to clear the skin. Is there a certain type or brand of probiotic that you would recommend to combat acne? Thank you so much! xoxo
P.S. LOVE your blog and podcast. You’re a friend in my head ?
You are so sweet Kelly! Made my day. I love this one I would suggest using tea tree oil mixed with rosehip oil, & vitamin E on your skin. x
Thank you love!
Love love love all this!! Quick side note- probiotics with spores actually don’t mean they’re “activated” in the right environment, but rather have sort of an extra layer that allows them to survive in the highly acidic conditions present in the stomach and GI tract!! Super cool and very useful 🙂
I’m just gonna ask, does it make you poop? Like if I pop one and then head out for a date night or something is it going to create an awkward sitch? ??
It helps but you can take it whenever. x
I’ve been using Kimberly Snyder’s vegan probiotics for years, but lately I’ve been finding my body responding to them differently (aka not really responding at all). I’m currently researching new brands, does this on in particular need refrigeration?
I’m soooooo intrigued. I have been using one from a well known essential oil company but I never really did the research. Thank you so much for this blog post!!!! I seriously can’t get enough of all your content. You’re doing amazing things! Ok so my question is are you taking this specific probiotic once a day? After each meal? At night? Or literally taking it when ever you remember to? Thanks Lauryn!!!
XOXO
IG: chit_chat_with_kat
I take a probiotic called GutPro by CoOrganics. I am trying to heal my leaky gut that was caused by many years of taking strong antibiotics for Lyme Disease. The leaky gut led to histamine intolerance which is causing me to have an anaphlactic reaction to foods. So far the probiotic has halted my food histamine reactions to foods. I am hoping to heal completely with time using the probiotic and strict AIP Paleo diet. I only wish I knee a probiotic who help me in this way sooner!
Hi, Just wondering which probiotic you are taking? I know a month earlier you did a master list and this probiotic is not on there. Can’t seem to find the best one! Thanks!
Hi, Just wondering which probiotic you are taking? I know a month earlier you did a master list and this probiotic is not on there. Can’t seem to find the best one! Thanks!
I’m just gonna ask, does it make you poop? Like if I pop one and then head out for a date night or something is it going to create an awkward sitch? ??
Yes, It is quite important to take probiotics daily for every individual, i am taking it from a long time and i don’t have any issue in taking it.
I couldn’t agree more! I love my probiotics and honestly, I just feel better overall when i take them. Better digestion, mood, and immune system! I have them for my kids as well.
right! thank u for reading
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