How we pick our products
Human gastrointestinal microbiota, also known as gut flora or gut microbiota, are the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract of humans. They maintain the proper functionality of the gastrointestinal system, and keep it in the best possible condition. Any imbalance in this delicate equilibrium will have negative repercussions for our health, in the short and long term. To help maintain your gut health, you need some support, which is why we recommend the probiotic bacterium lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Stress, illness and especially the use of antibiotics can be debilitating to your gastrointestinal health. Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic supplements will prevent the onset of symptoms derived from an imbalance in this system. Would you like to know more about this amazing bacterium? Keep reading!
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Our Selection: The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements on the Canadian Market
- 2.1 The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements for Bladder Health
- 2.2 The Best Probiotic with Prebiotics Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements
- 2.3 The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement With a Wide-Range of Bacteria
- 2.4 The Best Overall Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement
- 2.5 The Best Hypoallergenic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement
- 3 Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Should Know About Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- 3.1 What is a lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic?
- 3.2 What is the relationship between lactobacillus rhamnosus and gastrointestinal microbiota (also known as gut flora)?
- 3.3 Can antibiotics be harmful to my microbiota?
- 3.4 What symptoms are caused from the destruction of intestinal microbiota?
- 3.5 Can I restore my microbiota with a diet lactobacillus rhamnosus?
- 3.6 Can a lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic help to repopulate my microbiota?
- 3.7 How much do lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics cost?
- 3.8 How should a lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic be taken?
- 3.9 What contraindications do lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics have?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a probiotic bacterium which helps to improve gastrointestinal health, when taken regularly.
- Experts often recommend the use of lactobacillus rhamnosus to treat any type of imbalance in the intestinal tract, resulting from the use of antibiotics.
Our Selection: The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements on the Canadian Market
Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics are one of the most widely sold supplements these days. Unfortunately, most of the products on the market do not contain a sufficient quantity of the bacterium to be effective. Here we show you five products that are effective and popular with consumers. If you purchase one of the following probiotics, you definitely will not regret it.
- The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements for Bladder Health
- The Best Probiotic with Prebiotics Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements
- The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement With a Wide-Range of Bacteria
- The Best Overall Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement
- The Best Hypoallergenic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement
The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements for Bladder Health
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus from Swanson Probiotics will help replenish your levels of internal microbial allies. Probiotic bacteria affect everything from GI tract and bladder health to immune function and even emotional well-being. Swanson Probiotics packs 5 billion viable organisms into acid-resistant, designed-release vegetarian DRcaps that enable them to reach the lower GI tract intact. Also included is 100 mg of prebiotic NutraFlora short-chain fructooligosaccharides to help them thrive.
Users love this product from Swanson Probiotics and have reported great results after adding this supplement to their diet. It is great for weight loss, yeast infections, skin disorders, and to help reduce the negative effects of taking prescription antibiotics. The best part is that this is a cheap option and offers fantastic value for money.
The Best Probiotic with Prebiotics Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplements
This product from Intelegent Labs contains prebiotics for 10 times more survivability. Prebiotics are food for probiotics. Without prebiotics, probiotics will die, so it is important to take both of them together. They provide double protection against stomach acid along with the delayed-release capsule. That means the probiotics aren’t released until they get to your gut, where they are needed.
These capsule are super easy to take and store. They require no refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature. There is nothing artificial in this manufactureres probiotics and there are no fillers either.
The Best Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement With a Wide-Range of Bacteria
NOW Probiotic-10 offers a balanced spectrum of live organisms consisting of acid-resistant probiotic bacterial strains that are known to naturally colonise the human GI tract. Probiotic bacteria are critical for healthy digestion. They help maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining, support proper intestinal motility and participate in the detoxification process. Probiotic-10 utilises bacterial strains that have been clinically validated for their support of healthy immune system function.
This product is formulated to deliver a potency of at least 25 billion CFU. This moderately priced product is a one of the most popular on the market and is a great choice for people looking for a wide-range of bacteria from different strains. Users have reported great results using this supplement after taking medicinal antibiotics, and for other ailments such as insomnia, anxiety and depression.
The Best Overall Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement
Vitamin Bounty’s Pro 50 offers a potent, 50 Billion organisms per serving, making it one of the most effective probiotics with prebiotics on the market. Pro-50 has 13 probiotic strains, ensuring you will get the support you need for your overall digestive health.
Users have reported positive results for a wide-range of ailments such as psoriasis, IBS, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and many others.
The Best Hypoallergenic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Supplement
This hypoallergenic product is made without any of the following common allergens: milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, gluten, and soybeans. It contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. It contains lactobacillus rhamnosus, 20 billion CFU per capsule in an inulin base.
Consumers of this product report it to be very effective in treating ailments such as food intolerances, allergies, migraines, body aches, chronic fatigue and even depression and anxiety.
Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Should Know About Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Did you know that there are hundreds of thousands of microorganisms in the human body? The microbiota of the human body is comprised of these tiny organisms. Various factors, such as food or the use of antibiotics can affect the microbiota (especially of the intestines) and have adverse consequences for your health.
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What is a lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic?
- Safety: The supplement must be safe for human consumption and not provoke any unwanted side effects, even at high doses.
- Vitality: It is essential that the supplement contains a sufficient amount of live microorganisms.
- Longevity: In order for the supplement to be considered effective, the bacteria must be able to survive in the digestive tract.
- Stability: The microorganisms contained in the supplements must be kept alive for the product to remain effective.
- Correct strain: There are different varieties (or strains) of the same bacteria, it is necessary to check which strain has been used in the supplement you are thinking about buying. For example, lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
- Scientific evidence: It is essential that you rely on some kind of scientific study or test that corroborates the effectiveness of the probiotic.
- Labeling: It is expected that the probiotic should be correctly labeled, and that the instructions for use are clear and easy to understand.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is one of the most studied and widely used probiotics. As long as the above criteria are met, it can be isolated and distributed as a supplement by the pharmaceutical and food industries. You can find enriched lactobacillus rhamnosus in fermented foods and in probiotic capsules.
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What is the relationship between lactobacillus rhamnosus and gastrointestinal microbiota (also known as gut flora)?
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a bacterium, or more precisely a bacillus, which is found in the normal microbiota of healthy people. Although this microorganism is usually only found temporarily in the intestines, it has been shown that the ingestion of this bacterium helps the growth of other beneficial bacteria and inhibits the production of pathogens.
Thanks to the fact that lactobacillus rhamnosus is resistant to gastric acids, it is suitable to be used as a probiotic supplement. This is because it is able to survive during its passage through the digestive tract. This probiotic is used as a treatment for a wide-range of illnesses, including:
- Food allergies
- Diarrhoea associated with gastroenteritis
- Diarrhoea associated with the use of antibiotics
- Respiratory tract infection (RTI)
- Skin conditions (such as dermatitis, eczema)
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Irritable gut syndrome
- Obesity
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Asperger’s syndrome (AS)
- Anxiety
The only application for which lactobacillus rhamnosus has been clinically proven to be effective, is for the treatment of diarrhoea associated with the use of antibiotics. In this case it has been demonstrated that the ingestion of this probiotic significantly reduces the duration of diarrhoea resulting from this type of medical treatment.
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Can antibiotics be harmful to my microbiota?
The loss of these beneficial bacteria (dysbiosis) results in a series of negative effects in the body. Depending on the age of the individual affected, the repercussions will be less or more severe. In the following table, we show you the effects associated with the apparition of dysbiosis, depending on the age of the person affected:
| Age | Important life event | Consequence of dysbiosis |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years old | Birth | Colonisation of germs resistant to antibiotics.
Increase in the prevalence of infections, asthma, allergies and type 1 diabetes. Increase in the risk of developing infant obesity. |
| 1 year old | Breastfeeding – First steps | Colonisation of germs resistant to antibiotics.
Increase in the risk of developing infant obesity. Increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. |
| 2- 10 years old | First steps – Eating solid foods | Colonisation of germs resistant to antibiotics.
Increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. |
| 11 – 16 years old | Puberty | Colonisation of germs resistant to antibiotics.
Increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Increase in the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). |
| 16 – 40 years old | Reproduction | Colonisation of germs resistant to antibiotics.
Increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Increase in the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). |
| + 40 years old | Ageing and loss of mobility |
Colonization of germs resistant to antibiotics. Increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Increase in the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). |
Babies and small children are the most at risk of suffering from the deterioration of the microbiota resulting from the use of antibiotics. However, the consequences of dysbiosis in adults can be just as severe, as in the case of infection from the aggressive pathogen Clostridium difficile.
What symptoms are caused from the destruction of intestinal microbiota?
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal swelling
- Inexplicable fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Depression
You must have noticed several symptoms on the list which are normally categorised as “neurological” or “psychological” ailments. How is it possible that an imbalance of the intestinal system could affect our mental state? What is certain is that the microbiota works to produce and regulate neurotransmitters that affect the state of our mental health.
If any of the previously mentioned symptoms appear, especially during or after completing an antibiotic treatment, it is possible that the quality of your intestinal microbiota has been affected. We recommend that you follow our advice, so that you can restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract.
Can I restore my microbiota with a diet lactobacillus rhamnosus?
If you wish to specifically increase your intake of lactobacillus rhamnosus through your diet, look for products containing this microorganism. From milk and yogurt, to seeds (chia and flax) supplemented with lactobacillus rhamnosus, there are countless ways to introduce this bacillus into your diet.
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Finally, we recommend that you avoid tobacco, alcohol and sweeteners. It has been proven that these products negatively affect the state of your microbiota, increasing the likelihood of dysbiosis. Reducing stress can also be something worth considering, if you wish to encourage the growth of beneficial hormones.
Can a lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic help to repopulate my microbiota?
This probiotic has been used to treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in both children and adults. Although it has also been used as a remedy for food intolerance, infections and irritable bowel syndrome. Where this product really works, is in the management of diarrhoea resulting from the use of antibiotics.
The presence of lactobacillus rhamnosus in the digestive tract of a person can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and help the colonisation of beneficial microorganisms. From improving the state of the microbiota, the following positive effects can be seen:
- Improved digestion
- Reduced abdominal swelling
- Reduction of the intensity and severity of diarrhoea
- Relief from constipation
- Reduced insomnia
- Less severe symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Increased population of microorganisms that produce vitamins
- Protection against infections and diseases such as Clostridium difficile
How much do lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics cost?
In this case, it can be more economical to look for a supplement rich in less expensive strains of bacteria (like Bifidobacterium), which you can combine with lactobacillus rhamnosus to increase the effects of the bacteria. This will mean you can improve you intestinal health in a much more cost-effective way.
How should a lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic be taken?
How is it taken? Avoid taking the supplement with hot liquids or acids (such as coffee). Substances of this type can kill probiotics. In the same way, it is recommended that you do not take the supplement within three hours of taking any prescribed medication (especially if you are taking a course of antibiotics).
When should it be taken? We recommend that you take your lactobacillus rhamnosus supplement at the same time each day. If you know that you are going to start taking antibiotics, or if you are heading to a country that has a high incidence of traveler’s diarrhoea (TD), begin taking your supplement a few days beforehand.
What contraindications do lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics have?
Under normal conditions, the human body is perfectly capable of regulating lactobacillus rhamnosus, not allowing it to grow in an uncontrolled manner. However, in individuals with a debilitated immune system (people with AIDS, transplant recipients and babies) this microorganism can cause dangerous infections.
Adverse effects from the use of this product have not been seen in pregnant women. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before beginning a probiotic treatment if you are pregnant, to evaluate the real necessity of supplementation during gestation against any possible risks.
Shopping Criteria
If you would like to make an informed and educated choice when purchasing a lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic, you should keep certain criteria in mind that will help you to distinguish between a good supplement and one of inferior quality. We recommend that when you are making your final choice, you should pay special attention to the following characteristics:
- Vegan or Vegetarian Friendly
- Intolerances and Allergies
- Bacterial Strains
- Packaging and Preservation
- Quantity of CFU
- Value for Money
Vegan or Vegetarian Friendly
Lactobacillus rhamnosus grows extremely well on crops used to make plant milk and its derivatives. Vegans and vegetarians should be very careful when buying probiotic supplements of this type, and be sure to look for a vegan quality stamp. This will ensure that the product has been manufactured without the use of any animal-based products.
Additionally, people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet should always pay attention to the composition of the capsules in which the supplement is packaged. It is common for the capsules of these types of products to be manufactured from gelatin sourced from cows or pigs. However, don’t panic because capsules made from vegetable cellulose do exist and are widely available.
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Intolerances and Allergies
These types of supplements are often manufactured in laboratories that also process lactose, gluten, nuts, seafood or fish. If you have an intolerance to any of these ingredients, remember to carefully check the label of the product to ensure you are purchasing a probiotic completely free of any allergens.
In very rare cases, there have been reports of allergic reactions to lactobacillus rhamnosus. If you are allergic to any other type of probiotic microorganism, consult your doctor before you start taking a supplement containing this bacterium. If you experience fever, diarrhoea or abdominal pain after taking this probiotic, consult you health practitioner as soon as possible.
Bacterial Strains
There are different types of lactobacillus rhamnosus, known as “strains”. The most comprehensively researched strain, with the most proven beneficial effects, is lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Although less well-studied, there are many other bacterial strains that are also highly beneficial.
The following table contains information about the most relevant strains and their functions:
| Strain | Principal function |
|---|---|
| GG | Prevention and treatment of diarrhoea (especially resulting from the use of antibiotics). Alleviates abdominal swelling. |
| CGMCC1.3724 | Weight loss in obese people. |
| GR-1 | Prevents of recurring urinary tract infections in women. |
| HN001 | Alleviates the symptoms of postnatal depression. |
| ACTT 7469 | Prevents gastrointestinal infections such as E. Coli |
Although lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is definitely the most effective strain according to experts, any of the previously mentioned probiotics will help to improve the health of your intestinal microbiota. If you are looking for a particular type of benefit, we advise you to choose a product with a specific strain.
Packaging and Preservation
Remember that probiotics contain living microorganisms, which will die and lose their effectiveness after a certain amount of time. This is why you should pay special attention to the expiration date of the product. Keep in mind that three months after the expiry date, there will not be a sufficient amount of active bacteria remaining to produce any kind of positive benefit.
If you want to preserve the life of your lactobacillus rhamnosus supplement for as long as possible, we advise you to store it in the fridge (but do not ever put it in the freezer). Low temperatures will paralyze the metabolism of microorganisms, which will increase their lifespan. Exposure to heat will have the opposite effect, quickly killing the bacteria.
Quantity of CFU
Remember that the recommended dose of this supplement is two billion bacteria or (2 x 109 CFU). However, we suggest that you chose a supplement with a slightly higher dose per capsule. This will ensure that you are not affected by the inevitable death of some of the bacteria during the packaging, transport and delivery process.
Value for Money
Keep in mind that the majority of probiotics will need to be used continuously for a minimum of two months, before any beneficial effects will be noticed. If possible, choose a product with lactobacillus rhamnosus that contains at least sixty capsules, so that you will be able to use the supplement over several months, and at a more economical price.
Summary
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is the probiotic most highly recommended by experts. There are countless studies that have corroborated the effectiveness of this bacterium in treating various illnesses – in particular for the treatment of diarrhoea resulting from the use of antibiotics.
Remember to take your supplement a few hours before or after antibiotics, to ensure that the lactobacillus rhamnosus can perform its protective function. If you follow our advice and use this probiotic correctly, the intestinal discomfort associated with pharmaceutical antibiotics will be a thing of the past.
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