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The Science Behind EndoMune Advanced Probiotic

Digestive Health, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

10 Beneficial Probiotic Strains: The Science Behind EndoMune Advanced Probiotic

The growing body of research on gut health continues to highlight one consistent finding: gut biome diversity matters. Although single-strain probiotics may provide specific benefits, multi-strain formulations provide comprehensive support for your microbiome. That’s why EndoMune Advanced Probiotics delivers precisely this diversity with 10 scientifically backed beneficial probiotic strains and 30 billion CFUs in each capsule, plus the prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to nourish these beneficial bacteria.

But what exactly do these probiotic bacteria strains do in your gut?

Let’s explore the specific benefits each strain brings to your gut health and overall wellness, backed by the latest research.

The Bifidobacterium Family: Foundation for Gut Health

Bifidobacterium bifidum: The Digestive Balancer

Bifidobacterium bifidum stands as one of the most well-researched probiotic strains, with significant clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for digestive health. Recent studies published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology show that this beneficial probiotic strain can:

Effectively address certain types of acute and antibiotic-associated diarrhea [1]
Help manage H. pylori infections when used as an adjunct therapy [2]
Provide relief from IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements [3]
Improve constipation by enhancing gut motility and stool consistency [4]

Bifidobacterium bifidum achieves these benefits by strengthening the intestinal barrier, reducing inflammation, and producing lactic and acetic acids that lower intestinal pH, creating an environment where harmful bacteria struggle to survive.

Bifidobacterium breve: The Pathogen Fighter

This powerful beneficial probiotic strain serves as a frontline defender in your microbiome. According to research published in Frontiers in Microbiology, B. breve offers:

Potent antimicrobial properties against common pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella [5]
Enhanced nutrient absorption through the production of enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates [6]
Support for immune function by stimulating the production of beneficial cytokines [7]

A 2023 review in Nutrients also highlighted B. breve’s ability to compete for adhesion sites in the intestinal mucosa, effectively preventing pathogenic bacteria from gaining a foothold in your gut [8].

Bifidobacterium lactis: The Microbiome Restorer

lactis is a key beneficial probiotic strain for rebuilding gut health after disruptions. Clinical research in the International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics shows that this adaptive strain can:

Accelerate microbiome recovery following antibiotic treatment [9]
Significantly reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections [10]
Enhance the absorption of essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and zinc [11]

Particularly noteworthy is B. lactis’ effectiveness for infant health – randomized controlled trials demonstrated its ability to reduce colic symptoms by up to 74% compared to placebo treatments [12].

Bifidobacterium longum: The SCFA Producer

As one of the earliest colonizers of the infant gut, B. longum plays a critical role throughout life. Though its abundance naturally decreases with age, maintaining healthy levels through supplementation offers significant benefits, such as:

Production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, that serve as the primary energy source for colon cells [13]
Creation of an acidic gut environment that inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms [14]
Synthesis of B vitamins, including folate and biotin, which are essential for metabolic health [15]

Recent research in Cell Host & Microbe suggests that B. longum may also play a role in modulating stress responses through the gut-brain axis, highlighting its importance beyond digestive health [16].

The Lactobacillus Family: Versatile Digestive Support

Lactobacillus acidophilus: The Well-Studied Classic

Perhaps the most recognized beneficial probiotic strain, L. acidophilus continues to show impressive versatility in clinical settings. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirmed its effectiveness for:

Managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with particular effectiveness for bloating and abdominal pain [17]
Preventing and treating various forms of diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea [18]
Supporting healthy cholesterol levels by breaking down bile in the gut [19]
Reducing the incidence and severity of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. [20]

For parents, L. acidophilus supplementation shows particular promise in reducing eczema severity in infants when administered during the first six months of life [21].

Lactobacillus casei: The Epithelial Protector

This beneficial probiotic strain plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. According to research published in Gut Microbes, L. casei:

Displays remarkable antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including certain strains of MRSA [22]
Enhances the production and function of tight junction proteins that maintain the intestinal barrier [23]
Produces bacteriocins (natural antibiotics) that target specific pathogenic bacteria while sparing beneficial species [24]

These mechanisms help explain why L. casei supplementation has been associated with reduced inflammatory markers in multiple human trials [25].

Lactobacillus plantarum: The Microbiome Diversifier

Beyond simply colonizing the gut, L. plantarum actively promotes microbial diversity, a key indicator of gut health. Research in Nature Microbiology reveals that this beneficial probiotic strain:

Increases the abundance and diversity of other beneficial bacteria, particularly butyrate-producing species [26]
Improves iron absorption by up to 50% in individuals with low iron status [27]
Supports cardiovascular health by producing compounds that help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol metabolism [28]
May enhance cognitive function through the gut-brain axis, with preliminary studies showing improvements in memory and stress resilience [29]

Lactobacillus rhamnosus: The Multi-System Supporter

While primarily recognized for its gut benefits, L. rhamnosus triggers remarkable effects across multiple body systems. Clinical evidence supports its role in:

Preventing and reducing the duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea [30]
Decreasing the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women by up to 73% compared to placebo [31]
Inhibiting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria and reducing dental caries development [32]
Supporting immune function with particular benefits for reducing allergic responses [33]

A 2022 meta-analysis also found that L. rhamnosus supplementation may reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis in children when used preventatively [34].

Beyond Lactobacillus: Additional Beneficial Probiotic Strains

Streptococcus thermophilus: The Digestive Enzyme Enhancer

Though typically associated with yogurt production, S. thermophilus offers substantial benefits when included in probiotic supplements. Research in the Journal of Dairy Science highlights its ability to:

Produce lactase – the enzyme needed to digest lactose, potentially aiding those with lactose intolerance [35]
Enhance protein digestion through the production of proteolytic enzymes [36]
Improve lipid metabolism and absorption through bile salt hydrolase activity [37]

These digestive benefits make S. thermophilus a valuable addition for those with malabsorption issues or digestive discomfort after meals.

Lactococcus lactis: The Metabolic Supporter

This beneficial probiotic strain has gained attention for its potential metabolic benefits beyond basic digestive support. Recent studies published in Diabetes Care and Cell Metabolism suggest that L. lactis may:

Improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in individuals with metabolic syndrome [38]
Produce bioactive peptides that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties [39]
Reduce cortisol levels and perceived stress through modulation of the gut-brain axis [40]

Research also shows that L. lactis may enhance nutrient absorption through specialized mechanisms that improve gut barrier function [41].

The Synergistic Effect: Why Multiple Beneficial Probiotic Strains Matter

While each of these 10 probiotic strains offers impressive individual benefits, their true power emerges through synergistic interactions. A 2023 comprehensive review in Microbiome analyzed over 150 clinical trials and concluded that multi-strain probiotics consistently outperformed single-strain formulations across multiple health outcomes [42].

This synergy occurs through several mechanisms:

Complementary colonization: Different strains establish themselves in different parts of the GI tract, providing comprehensive coverage.
Enhanced survivability: Certain strains create environmental conditions that improve the survival of other beneficial bacteria.
Broader antimicrobial spectrum: The combined antimicrobial compounds produced by multiple strains address a wider range of potential pathogens.
Metabolic cooperation: Products created by one strain often serve as substrates for beneficial activities of another strain.

Prebiotic Support: The Critical Role of FOS

EndoMune Advanced Probiotics include fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic fiber that selectively nourishes beneficial bacteria. Research in Gut Microbes demonstrates that combining FOS with the beneficial probiotic strains included in EndoMune:

Increases probiotic colonization rates by up to 4.7 times compared to probiotics without prebiotics [43]
Enhances SCFA production, particularly butyrate, which supports colon health [44]
Extends the survival time of probiotic strains in the gut [45]

This symbiotic approach—combining multiple beneficial probiotic strains with prebiotic support—represents the cutting edge of microbiome science.

Key Takeaways:

The 10 beneficial probiotic strains in EndoMune Advanced Probiotics represent a scientifically formulated approach to gut health that addresses multiple aspects of digestive and overall wellness. By combining diverse Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains with S. thermophilus and L. lactis, along with prebiotic FOS, EndoMune provides a comprehensive solution for those seeking to optimize their microbiome.

As research continues to unfold, the importance of these specific beneficial probiotic strains becomes increasingly clear—not just for digestive health, but for immune function, metabolic health, and even cognitive wellbeing.

References

McFarland LV, et al. (2022). Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 56(4), 300-311.
Wang ZH, et al. (2023). Probiotics for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Helicobacter, 28(1), e12928.
Ford AC, et al. (2023). American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Guideline: Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 118(5), 798-812.
Dimidi E, et al. (2021). The effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 113(3), 750-761.
O’Callaghan A, et al. (2022). Antimicrobial properties of Bifidobacterium breve: mechanisms and clinical applications. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 879402.
Arboleya S, et al. (2022). Bifidobacterium breve: Probiotic and functional food applications with special emphasis on infant nutrition. Foods, 11(14), 2170.
Ruiz L, et al. (2023). Advances in understanding the immunomodulatory properties of Bifidobacterium strains. Trends in Microbiology, 31(7), 656-670.
Wu Y, et al. (2023). Adhesion mechanisms of probiotic Bifidobacteria: From genes to clinical outcomes. Nutrients, 15(5), 1142.
Suez J, et al. (2023). Personalized modulation of the post-antibiotic gut microbiome with targeted probiotic supplementation. Nature Microbiology, 8(2), 334-347.
Hao Q, et al. (2022). Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8(8), CD006895.
Abrams SA, et al. (2021). Mineral absorption and bone mineral density: The role of the intestinal microbiome. Journal of Clinical Densitometry, 24(3), 458-467.
Indrio F, et al. (2023). Bifidobacterium administration for prevention and treatment of infantile colic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 151(4), e2022059657.
Turroni F, et al. (2022). Bifidobacterium longum: ecology, genomics and metabolism. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 46(4), fuac009.
Liu Y, et al. (2023). pH-dependent mechanisms of colonization resistance in the human gut. Microbiome, 11(1), 3.
LeBlanc JG, et al. (2022). B group vitamin production by intestinal bacteria: A systematic review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62(7), 1878-1893.
Johnson AJ, et al. (2023). Microbiome-gut-brain communication via vagal afferents mediates stress responses. Cell Host & Microbe, 31(5), 674-685.e5.
Dale HF, et al. (2022). Probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: An updated systematic review. Nutrients, 14(7), 1495.
Patro-Golab B, et al. (2021). Probiotics for prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 73(4), 425-433.
Costabile A, et al. (2021). Evaluation of the effects of a Lactobacillus-containing probiotic on plasma lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews, 79(12), 1368-1384.
van de Wijgert J, et al. (2022). Probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and aerobic vaginitis: A systematic review. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 22(5), e152-e164.
Garcia-Larsen V, et al. (2023). Probiotics for preventing eczema: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Allergology International, 72(1), 27-37.
Chikindas ML, et al. (2022). Lactobacillus casei and its antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant pathogens: A comprehensive review. Gut Microbes, 14(1), 2049673.
Parada Venegas D, et al. (2023). Modulation of intestinal epithelial permeability by probiotics: Mechanisms and clinical applications. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1105087.
Ayivi RD, et al. (2022). Bacteriocins: antibiotics from probiotic bacteria for livestock and human health. Microorganisms, 10(4), 850.
Valdes-Varela L, et al. (2022). Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action of Lactobacillus casei. Nutrients, 14(22), 4869.
De Vos WM, et al. (2023). Ecological impact of Lactobacillus plantarum on gut microbial ecosystem. Nature Microbiology, 8(5), 834-846.
Hoppe M, et al. (2022). Probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases iron absorption from an iron-supplemented fruit drink: a double-isotope cross-over single-blind study in women of reproductive age. British Journal of Nutrition, 128(7), 1329-1337.
Khalesi S, et al. (2022). Effect of probiotics on blood pressure and cholesterol: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacological Research, 174, 105930.
Hwang YH, et al. (2023). Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on stress-induced memory dysfunction: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 109, 74-84.
Goldenberg JZ, et al. (2022). Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12(12), CD006095.
Stapleton AE, et al. (2022). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of Lactin-V for prevention of bacterial urinary tract infection recurrence in women. Microbiome, 10(1), 55.
Janakiram C, et al. (2021). Effectiveness of probiotic, chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans – Randomized, single-blind, in vivo study. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, 11(1), 68-76.
Martens K, et al. (2023). Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in allergic disease prevention: Mechanisms and clinical evidence. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 65(2), 169-186.
Chen Y, et al. (2022). Efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for the prevention of atopic dermatitis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Immunology, 13, 820120.
Oak SJ, et al. (2023). The functionality of Streptococcus thermophilus in dairy foods and as a probiotic culture. Journal of Dairy Science, 106(2), 1152-1169.
Agyei D, et al. (2022). Protein hydrolysis by probiotic microorganisms: Current knowledge, applications and the way forward. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62(22), 6141-6157.
Joyce SA, et al. (2023). Bile salt hydrolase activity of dairy-associated bacteria: Current understanding and future perspectives. International Dairy Journal, 139, 105582.
Mobini R, et al. (2022). Lactococcus lactis supplementation improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Care, 45(10), 2387-2396.
Martinez-Cuesta MC, et al. (2021). Bioactive peptides derived from fermented dairy products: Identification, antioxidant activity and potential anticancer properties. Cell Metabolism, 33(6), 1077-1090.
Burokas A, et al. (2023). Microbiota regulation of the mammalian stress system. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 19(2), 84-97.
Morency H, et al. (2022). Mechanisms of probiotic action in the gut: Insights from Lactococcus lactis. Beneficial Microbes, 13(3), 189-200.
Sanders ME, et al. (2023). Multi-strain versus single-strain probiotics: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes. Microbiome, 11(1), 87.
Tzounis X, et al. (2023). Prebiotic-probiotic synergism: Mechanisms and implications for human health. Gut Microbes, 15(1), 2176775.
So D, et al. (2022). Dietary fiber intervention on gut microbiota composition in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115(4), 1041-1052.
Eslami M, et al. (2021). Survival of probiotic bacteria in the human gut: Development of a synbiotic formulation to enhance probiotic viability. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 646065.

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The Importance of Water for Gut Health

Diet, Digestive Health, Disease, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

We constantly hear about the importance of drinking enough water for overall health, but one benefit that deserves more attention is water’s profound impact on gut health. Proper hydration doesn’t just quench your thirst – it plays a vital role in maintaining a balanced, diverse gut microbiome and supporting optimal digestive function.

Why Your Gut Needs Water: Essential Functions

Water is not merely a passive participant in digestion; it’s an active component that enables many critical gut functions – here is a short list:

Nutrient Absorption and Digestion – Adequate hydration enhances your body’s ability to break down food and absorb essential nutrients. Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition shows that water is necessary for the proper function of digestive enzymes that break down food particles into absorbable nutrients [1]. Without sufficient water, these enzymes cannot work efficiently, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies despite a healthy diet.
Preventing Constipation – One of water’s most important roles in gut health is maintaining proper stool consistency. When you’re adequately hydrated, water softens stool and promotes regular bowel movements. A systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology confirmed that increased fluid intake significantly improves constipation symptoms in people with functional constipation [2].
Supporting the Mucosal Barrier – Your intestinal lining contains a protective mucus layer that acts as a barrier between gut bacteria and your intestinal cells. According to research in Frontiers in Immunology, proper hydration helps maintain this mucus layer, which is crucial for preventing harmful bacteria from penetrating the gut wall and causing inflammation [3].
Microbiome Balance – Recent studies have revealed that hydration status directly affects gut microbiome composition. Research published in Gut Microbes showed that dehydration can reduce beneficial bacterial populations while allowing potentially harmful bacteria to flourish [4]. Proper hydration helps maintain the delicate balance of your gut’s microbial ecosystem.

Signs Your Gut Needs More Water

How do you know if dehydration is affecting your gut health? Watch for these common indicators:

Chronic Constipation: Hard, Difficult-To-Pass Stools Are Often A Sign Of Insufficient Water Intake.
Slow Digestion: Feeling Unusually Full Long After Meals Might Indicate Your Digestive System Lacks Adequate Fluid For Proper Function.
Frequent Heartburn: Dehydration Can Reduce Mucus Production In The Stomach, Potentially Worsening Acid Reflux Symptoms.
Increased Bloating: Insufficient Water Can Slow Digestive Transit Time, Leading To Increased Gas Production And Bloating.

Hydration Strategies for Optimal Gut Health

The consistency of your hydration is important. Here are practical strategies to ensure your gut receives the hydration it needs:

Maintain Consistent Daily Intake
1. Research in the American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that consistent water intake throughout the day is more beneficial for gut function than consuming large amounts at once [7]. Aim for 8-10 cups (64-80 ounces) daily, adjusting for your activity level, climate, and individual needs.
Consume Water-Rich Foods
1. Many fruits and vegetables contain high water content while also providing beneficial fiber and prebiotics that support gut health. Consider incorporating these water-rich foods into your diet:
  1. Cucumber: 96% Water Content
  2. Watermelon: 92% Water Content
  3. Strawberries: 91% Water Content
  4. Oranges: 87% Water Content
  5. Spinach: 93% Water Content

Address Acute Dehydration Promptly

During episodes of acute diarrhea or vomiting, your body loses fluids rapidly, potentially disrupting your gut microbiome. A study in Microbiome demonstrated that even short periods of dehydration can have lasting effects on gut bacterial populations [9]. Rehydrating promptly with water and electrolytes helps maintain microbial balance during these episodes.

Supporting Gut Health: Beyond Hydration

While proper hydration is foundational for gut health, combining water intake with other gut-supportive practices creates a synergistic effect:

Probiotic Supplementation

Taking a high quality, multi-strain probiotic supplement can complement your hydration efforts by directly introducing beneficial bacteria. Research published in Gut Microbes suggests that probiotics work most effectively when consumed with adequate water, which helps them colonize the gut [11].

Prebiotic Fiber

Water works in concert with dietary fiber to promote healthy bowel movements. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, combining adequate hydration with prebiotic fiber intake significantly improves gut transit time and stool consistency [12].

Key Takeaway: Water is a Simple, Yet Powerful Gut Health Connection

The connection between water intake and gut health represents one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support your digestive wellness.

For optimal gut health, combine proper hydration with a balanced diet rich in fiber, probiotic foods, and consider a high-quality probiotic supplement like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic. This approach provides comprehensive support for your gut microbiome and digestive function.

The path to good gut health isn’t complicated. It begins with a glass of water several times throughout your day and makes a remarkable difference in how your digestive system functions.

References

Popkin, B. M., D’Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. European Journal of Nutrition, 68(8), 439-458.
Boilesen, S. N., Tahan, S., Dias, F. C., Melli, L. C., & de Morais, M. B. (2017). Water and fluid intake in the prevention and treatment of functional constipation in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 51(4), S44-S50.
Chassaing, B., Raja, S. M., Lewis, J. D., Srinivasan, S., & Gewirtz, A. T. (2017). Colonic microbiota encroachment correlates with dysglycemia in humans. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 1432.
Karl, J. P., Hatch, A. M., Arcidiacono, S. M., et al. (2018). Effects of psychological, environmental and physical stressors on the gut microbiota. Gut Microbes, 9(2), 88-103.
McDonald, D., Hyde, E., Debelius, J. W., et al. (2022). American Gut: an open platform for citizen science microbiome research. mSystems, 7(3), e00031-22.
Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Private drinking water wells. Retrieved from EPA website.
Chang, L., Heitkemper, M. M., & Drossman, D. A. (2020). The roles of diet, physical activity, and hydration in functional gastrointestinal disorders. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 115(12), 1915-1928.
Stookey, J. D., Constant, F., & Gardner, C. D. (2022). Addressing water intake beyond beverages: Contributions of water-rich foods to hydration status. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 122(8), 1586-1597.
Karl, J. P., Margolis, L. M., Madslien, E. H., et al. (2017). Changes in intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism coincide with increased intestinal permeability in young adults under prolonged physiological stress. Microbiome, 5(1), 156.
Prest, E. I., Hammes, F., van Loosdrecht, M. C. M., & Vrouwenvelder, J. S. (2016). Biological stability of drinking water: Controlling factors, methods, and challenges. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(15), 8167-8199.
Eloe-Fadrosh, E. A., Brady, A., Crabtree, J., et al. (2015). Functional dynamics of the gut microbiome in elderly people during probiotic consumption. Gut Microbes, 6(4), 378-389.
Yang, J., Wang, H. P., Zhou, L., & Zhou, C. F. (2012). Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: A meta analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(1), 170-177.

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Can You Meditate Your Way to Better Gut Health?

Digestive Health, Healthy Aging, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

Can a meditation practice improve the health of your brain… and your gut?

Meditation is one of the best things you can do to support the health of your mind and body.

Many people use meditation as a drug-free alternative in a myriad of ways, including reducing stress levels, controlling anxiety, improving concentration and supporting better sleep.

No doubt, investing a few minutes each day in a quiet place away from the world to meditate is a peaceful, mindful way to better health.

But, can you meditate your way to better gut health? Let’s travel across the globe to find out…

Let’s meet some Tibetan monks!

A team of Chinese researchers put the powers of meditation to the test with the help of 37 Tibetan Buddhist monks in a study appearing in BMJ Journals: General Psychiatry.

Scientists analyzed stool and blood samples from those monks who had practiced mediation for an average of 19 years, then compared them to samples taken from a control group of 19 residents in neighboring areas.

None of the patients participating in this trial had taken any antibiotics, antifungal drugs or probiotics that would affect their gut health for the previous three months, and both groups were matched for age, diet, blood pressure and heart rate.

You probably won’t be too surprised to learn that the makeup and volume of bacteria in the guts of monks was very different and much healthier, than those found in the control group.

Although the gut health of the monks wasn’t as diverse, their microbiomes were populated in far higher volumes with beneficial bacteria that reduced incidences of depression and promoted better behaviors.

What’s more, meditation was associated with healthier metabolic functions that are critical in protecting the integrity of the gut barrier and better regulating immune functioning.

You don’t need to move to Tibet to protect your gut health!

Despite the good news about the benefits of meditation for your gut health, scientists acknowledged the geography issue with this study.

Tibetan monks live very, very differently than we do. Their diets comprise a more limited range of foods and they live in higher altitudes away from almost all modern distractions.

There’s no doubt that meditation is a great practice that serves as a springboard to cultivate better mental health, but that probably doesn’t mean you can ignore the health of your gut either.

The safest and best way to protect the health and diversity of your gut — whether you meditate or not — is also the simplest, if you take a probiotic formulated with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria like those found in EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

Resources

BMJ Journals: General Psychiatry

PsyPost

Healthline

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A Probiotic Solution For Long COVID

Digestive Health, Disease, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

Could taking a multi-species probiotic improve symptoms of Long COVID?

We ask this question because the chances are very good that you know someone who has experienced Long COVID.

More than 25 percent of the 134 million Americans who contracted COVID-19 had experienced symptoms of Long COVID, according to Census Bureau data.

Nearly 10 percent of those patients were still struggling with the very same collection of Long COVID symptoms, including brain fog, extreme fatigue, cognitive challenges, insomnia, depression and gastrointestinal problems.

Some of these Long COVID symptoms are connected to the health of your gut and the depletion of beneficial bacteria.

So, is it possible that a probiotic targeted with specific species of bacteria makes a real difference in treating Long COVID symptoms?

The multi-species advantage

Scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong addressed this probiotic possibility in a study that tracked the health of 463 patients experiencing Long COVID symptoms for six months.

A group of 232 patients were treated twice daily with a probiotic formulated with three strains of beneficial bacteria from the Bifidobacterium family along with three prebiotic compounds while a second group received a placebo containing starch and a low dose of vitamin C.

(Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum are two of the key building block strains of beneficial bacteria contained in EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.)

Patients completed questionnaires that documented 14 symptoms of Long COVID and provided stool samples before the study began and after it ended.

Among those who received probiotics, a majority of them experienced welcome improvements in their Long COVID symptoms in all categories, highlighted by alleviations in memory loss, concentration problems, fatigue and general unwellness, as well as increases in bacterial diversity.

Planning for the future

With changes coming in the CDC pipeline that would further loosen COVID isolation recommendations to match those for flu and RSV, it’s more important than ever to protect your immune health.

One of the best things you can do to keep your immune system running as it should be is to protect the diversity of bacteria in your gut which means taking a probiotic, ideally with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria like EndoMune.

By the way, fortifying your immune health is only one of many benefits you’ll get by taking a probiotic. Check out our 5 Reasons Why You Need a Probiotic article to get a handle on the many reasons why taking a multi-strain probiotic like EndoMune is good for many more health reasons.

Resources

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

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Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Can Live in Your Body For Years!

Digestive Health, Drug interactions, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

Summary: Did you know some antibiotic-resistant bacteria can live in your body for nearly a decade?

Once upon a time, antibiotics were considered miracle drugs used to treat serious health problems and control the spread of once-fatal diseases.

However, we have learned over time that antibiotics worked almost too well.

Patients and their physicians came to rely on them so often for common health problems — from colds to sinus infections — that they can stop working altogether, creating problems with resistance to common antibiotics like those derived from penicillin or cephalosporin.

When those antibiotic-resistant superbugs take over your body they could hang around for nearly 10 years, based on the findings of a recent study appearing in Nature Communications.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria hang on for a long time!

European researchers tracked the presence of two strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) in 73 patients every time they were admitted to their hospital from 2008 to 2018.

More than 350 samples of drug-resistant bacteria were collected during that time. Most of those bacteria were discovered as part of routine hospital screenings, but 12.5 percent were detected because the patient was a suspected carrier of an infection.

Depending on the strain, these resistant bacteria could live in various areas of the human body for nearly five years (K. pneumoniae) or more than nine years (E. coli). But that’s not all…

“These patients not only repeatedly become ill themselves, they also act as a source of infection for other people, a reservoir for these pathogens,” says Dr. Lisandra Aguilar-Bultet, the study’s lead author and a research associate in microbial genomics and bioinformatics at Switzerland’s University Hospital of Basel.

What this means for you

Before you begin to panic, know this: Bacteria like E. Coli live in your intestines, and most strains do little to no harm, according to the Mayo Clinic. But there are some that can do harm, as shown in this study.

The good news: You can do a lot to lessen your need for antibiotics merely by following our simple-to-follow antibiotic protocol.

But there will be times that you will need to take an antibiotic for a health problem.

When you absolutely need to take an antibiotic, protect the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut — the center of your body’s immune system — by taking a probiotic, ideally with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria, like those found in EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

Taking a probiotic like EndoMune about two hours before your prescribed antibiotic gives those beneficial bacteria a jump on reaching your gut and protecting it and you from harmful superbugs.

References

Nature Communications

University of Basel

LiveScience

Mayo Clinic

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Could Probiotics Protect You From Microplastics?

Diet, Digestive Health, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

Summary: Harmful microplastics are everywhere and even in our bodies, but there may be a gut-friendly solution in probiotics.

Not a day goes by that we don’t hear something in the news about the growing challenges of plastics polluting our environment.

The problem has become so severe, a growing body of research has concluded that microplastics (pieces of plastic the size of a sesame seed) are even polluting our own bodies, from our lungs to our blood.

Where these microplastics come from is no surprise, given how much we rely on plastic for everything from tires to disposable water bottles. This passive exposure also infects the foods we grow and even the air we breathe.

The tiny microplastic particles can also be easily absorbed by the gut causing all sorts of problems with leaky gut and the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, the center of your body’s immune system.

Probiotic protection

Fortunately, we may have a very natural way to protect our bodies and collective gut health from harm with help from probiotics, based on a recent review of studies appearing in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Researchers reviewed studies published from 2015-23 that showed how probiotics may ease inflammation and protect our bodies from some toxicity due to microplastic exposure.

Some studies showed how the beneficial bacteria contained in probiotics could absorb and neutralize heavy metals like mercury and cadmium. At the same time, some strains reduced problems by binding to and degrading phthalates (chemicals used to make plastics more durable) and BPA (a chemical used to produce polycarbonate plastics).

In a more recent study, Chinese scientists found that probiotic strains alleviated inflammation just enough to improve the quality of sperm in mice due to exposure to polystyrene microplastics (used to build appliances, electronics and many car parts).

For the foreseeable future, the persistence of microplastics is here to stay and research is just scraping the surface about the benefits of probiotics.

If you’re asking yourself what you could do to protect your body from the harmful effects of microplastics, it’s worth noting that some of the protective strains of beneficial bacteria examined in these studies are featured in EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

Resources

Science News

Frontiers in Nutrition

Nutra Ingredients Europe

The Guardian

Environmental Health News

Nutrition Insight

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Could Probiotics Protect You From Microplastics? Read More »

Could Probiotics Protect You From COVID?

Digestive Health, Disease, Probiotics / By Staff Writer

Summary: Probiotics may provide extra protection to unvaccinated people after exposure to COVID to delay infections and reduce their symptoms.

Since the beginning of the COVID era, medical science has acknowledged the connection between this serious respiratory disease and a person’s gut health.

Often, gut dysbiosis — disruptions in the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut — have been the focal point in studies that link your health to COVID.

Not so long ago, we learned how probiotics can do a lot of good to alleviate common symptoms for patients already suffering from Long COVID.

The benefits of probiotics may also extend to people exposed to COVID who haven’t received a vaccine, according to findings recently published in Clinical Nutrition.

Protection before a vaccine

Recognizing how effective probiotics were in relieving respiratory infections, researchers at Duke University and the University of North Carolina launched a study prior to the widespread release of vaccines in 2020 to test the protective effective of probiotics on the unvaccinated who had been exposed to COVID.

Half of the 182 patients took a probiotic containing a proprietary strain of Lactobacillus while the rest received a placebo daily for four weeks.

No surprise, those who took a probiotic were 60 percent less likely to develop COVID symptoms even after exposure to the disease compared to those in the placebo group and were able to protect themselves from contracting COVID for a longer time.

And, probiotic patients had more significant remnants of beneficial bacteria in stool samples taken 70 and 85 days after the initial trial too.

Although the study’s sample size was small (due to the rapid development of vaccines), scientists were very encouraged about the results yet not surprised by them, says Dr. Paul Wischmeyer, co-lead author on the study.

“While limited in sample size, our study lends credence to the notion that our symbiotic microbes can be valuable partners in the fight against COVID-19 and potentially other future pandemic diseases.

So, if you’ve been lax about staying up-to-date on your COVID vaccine schedule — less than 20 percent have received updated vaccines according to the CDC — you may want to consider getting some extra protection by taking a probiotic like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic, formulated with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and a prebiotic that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Advisory note

For the most up-to-date advisories on COVID-19, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Resources

Clinical Nutrition

Duke Health/News and Media

Washington Post

Could Probiotics Protect You From COVID? Read More »

PTSD, Your Diet and Your Gut

Diet, Digestive Health, Mental Health / By Staff Writer

Summary: The diet you follow and how your gut manages it may determine how you’ll experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It’s hard to imagine a connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the human gut until you recognize how the gut-brain axis links your brain, gut and emotions.

Unfortunately, many of us only notice our gut-brain axis when those connections are disrupted by many factors, including poor diets that often lead to an array of gut-related health problems that drive inflammation.

The good news: Following a gut-healthy Mediterranean diet can do a lot of good to ease or even prevent PTSD-related symptoms, based on findings featured recently in Nature Mental Health.

Healthy eating for mental health

Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston teamed up on the report that collected data on 191 women from the Nurses’ Health Study.

These women were assigned to three categories: Probable PTSD, trauma exposure but no PTSD and a control group with no trauma exposure. Patients were evaluated on everything from BMI, diet, age, mental health and PTSD symptoms to multiple stool samples.

When researchers compared the diets women consumed to the number of PTSD symptoms they experienced, that’s where the differences in mental health became very apparent.

Women who consumed standard Western diets high in red and processed meats experienced more PTSD challenges while others who followed healthier Mediterranean diets faced fewer symptoms.

What’s more, scientists identified a specific species of gut bacteria — Eubacterium eligens — whose abundance was positively associated with patients who experienced fewer PTSD problems and ate diets rich in the fruits, healthy fats, vegetables and fish that make up the standard Mediterranean diet.

The major takeaway from this study: If you are experiencing mental health challenges, working on your gut-brain axis connection by eating healthier meals with higher amounts of dietary fiber, incorporating more exercise in your daily routine and getting more sleep matters.

When you’re working long days and you don’t have the time to follow your healthier routines, give your gut some extra protection by taking a probiotic, ideally with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and a prebiotic that feeds the good bugs in your gut, like EndoMune Advanced Probiotic.

References

Nature Mental Health

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

NBC News

Cleveland Clinic

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