The digestive system is a complicated machine that runs on the microbes in your gut. Ideally, these microbes are the good kind – probiotics. But when it comes to stomach acid and probiotics, you need to know more than just what will be helpful for probiotic growth.
Gut bacteria and probiotics
Probiotics are supplements that provide beneficial, disease-resistant microbes to an animal or human. They are similar to prebiotics in that they create a consistent environment for probiotic bacteria to grow in. Prebiotics are healthy foods (such as whole grains and leafy greens) that encourage good bacteria growth. Gut health is important because it provides many key services to the body, including:
1) immune system strengthening
2) digestion
3) muscle health
4) brain function
5) energy production
6) hormone regulation
7) detoxification
8) mood stabilisation
9). Probiotic supplements and foods can be widely different as each company has their own way of making and packaging probiotics. It is important to find a supplement that meets the needs of you and your pet.
Probiotics are generally defined as live cultures of bacteria or yeasts that are beneficial (not harmful) to human or animal health. There are many types of probiotics that include: bacteria, yeast, and viruses. The probiotic supplements we take, such as acidophilus, contain a mixture of these microorganisms. Different types of probiotic supplements have different purposes, including improving digestive health and immunity as well as building immunity from vaccines and diseases in animals. Probiotics help with digestion by keeping the digestive tract healthy by fighting off harmful bacteria.
Probiotics for babies
In infants, probiotics can be especially helpful because their bodies are not yet equipped with the microbes that they need. Studies have found that baby probiotics can help with allergies and immune issues. A study done in 2012 looked at the effect of probiotics on children who had eczema. The study suggested that probiotic supplementation and organic formula could reduce symptoms of eczema.
Also, probiotics are sometimes used for babies with colic. This is a common problem for babies, where abdominal pain and crying is the main symptom. It is not completely understood what causes this discomfort, but probiotics may help relieve it.
Probiotics for dogs and cats
Similar to humans, probiotics in dogs and cats can help aid in digestion. Dogs tend to be very active animals that need special diets to maintain their health. Raw food diets are especially beneficial as they provide healthy probiotic options for dogs and cats. Dogs that live outdoors may also require probiotic supplements as they have less chance of getting good bacteria from their environment.
Conclusion
Probiotics can help with digestive problems, but you need to know more about the different types and how they work than just taking a pill. When choosing a probiotic for your pet make sure to find one that is low calorie and low fat. This will ensure that you are getting enough energy for your pet but not too much fat. Probiotic supplements can be found at any pet store or online and are relatively inexpensive.