Probiotic brands information - what's good for what condition ?

Hundreds of Millions of people around the world are now taking probiotics on a regular basis for specific health conditions, and at certain times when the bowel is under increased stress. Below we list conditions, with our opinion of the best brands for that condition, based on the studies we mention in our Health Benefits page, and links to online retailers of those brands.

TRAVELLERS TUMMY / DIARRHOEA
Probiotics help fight off potential infections and also help reduces the ability of the infection to take control of the gut. It is worth taking a suitable probiotic before and during your holiday to help keep the risk of food poisoning or parasitic infection to a minimum. Probiotics can also help to ease the upset stomach often associated with anti-malaria tablets. Best brands:- Optibac Probiotics for travelling abroad

IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
With the inflammation IBS causes to the gut linings, levels of good bacteria and flora in the intestine decline. Taking a probiotic prevents the good bacteria reducing to levels which allow infections to develop, and also helps to reduce inflammation and intestinal damage. Best brands VSL#3 and Udo's Choice Super 8

BOWEL CANCER PROTECTION
Bowel cancer is diagnosed in over 30,000 people in the UK each year. Probiotic bacteria produce immunity boosting substances which are known to protect bowel cells from becoming cancerous. Best Brands: - HealthAid ImmuProbio and Udo's Choice Super 8

PROBIOTICS AND CYSTITIS
Cystitis is often caused by E.coli moving from the bowel to the genito-urinary tract. Taking probiotics helps to reduce levels of bowel E.coli, so reducing the risk of cystitis. HealthAid CranProbio

PROBIOTIC AND CONSTIPATION
Probiotics, especially if taken along with prebiotics, help to relieve constipation by increasing the water content of stools, adding bulk and softening them. Softer stools help to ensure correct intestinal muscular contractions, increasing the speed at which stool is passed through the gut, and so reduces straining with bowel movements. Best Brand: Bowtrol Probiotic Capsules

PROBIOTICS AND BRUISING
Frequent bruising can be a sign of vitamin K deficiency. Probiotics helps to boost vitamin K levels since the good bacteria they contain make vitamin K which can then be absorbed through the gut wall into the body.Best Brands: - Bio Kult and HealthAid ImmuProbio

PROBIOTICS AND ENERGY
Many probiotic microbes make B-complex vitamins which, once absorbed into the body through the gut wall, are able to help generate metabolism and boost energy. Best Brands: - HealthAid ImmuProbio and Optibac Daily Wellbeing Extra Strength

PROBIOTICS AND BOTTLE FED BABIES
Not all mothers can breast feed. One way to ensure that your baby still receives some of the protective and nurturing effects of breast milk is to add infant probiotics to the bottle milk formula. Best Brands: Nurture Inc, Happy Bellies and Optibac Probiotics for your Child's health

PROBIOTICS AND VAGINAL INFECTION
Just like the lining of the gut, the lining of the vagina also has lots of probiotic bacteria. Hormonal imbalances, stress or STD infections can change vaginal pH which cause beneficial probiotic bacteria to decline, allowing for yeast and other infections to start. To break cycles of re-occurring thrush follow a 6 day course of vaginal probiotics. Best brands: - Mercola Complete Probiotics and Jarrow Fem-Dophilus