• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • COVID-19
  • Find A Doctor
  • Subscribe
Home / Wellness / Vitamins & Supplements / 5 Probiotic Myths Everyone Should Know

5 Probiotic Myths Everyone Should Know

 

African American man eating yogurtProbiotics are living strands of bacteria and yeasts thought to be good for your health, especially your digestive system. While we normally associate the word “bacteria” with disease, in reality, our body is flooded with bacteria, both good and bad.

This form of bacteria is often called “good” or “helpful” because they help keep your gut healthy. “There is scientific evidence that specific strains of probiotic microorganisms confer health benefits on the host and are safe for human use,” says the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (NCBI).

The site went on to say that, “probiotics have potential health benefits for conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, genitourinary infections, allergies and certain bowel disorders, all of which afflict a considerable proportion of the global population.”

What misconceptions do people have about the use of probiotics?

MYTH 1. All probiotic supplements are the same.

Not at all. In fact, some probiotics have a single strain of organisms, while others contain multiple strains. Naturally, different strains of the same species may even be different, and could have different effects on health. With hundreds of species, it makes sense that researchers have yet to study them all. So, do your research for high-quality supplements!

You May Also Like
9 Things that Happen to Your Body When You Drink Pineapple Water

MYTH 2. Supplement labels provide accurate “live bacteria” counts.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) proposed to update the labeling on food packages to reflect the latest diet and nutrition trends. While some food and supplement labels may state that it contains “live cultures” or “live bacteria,” or even the genus and species names – for example, far too often, products don’t have a fair or accurate microbe count.

MYTH 3. Say bye, bye to probiotics use during antibiotic treatment.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. According to research, this is the very time you should take probiotics, as they can reduce side effects linked to antibiotic treatment, such as diarrhea.

MYTH 4. Probiotic supplements can replace medications.

While some may prefer homeopathic medicine – treatment that embraces a holistic, natural approach to illness — probiotics have typically been studied in conjunction with medications — not as a substitute.

MYTH 5. You’ll get the most from probiotics taking them on an empty stomach. 

It may go against common reasoning, but taking your probiotics on an empty stomach doesn’t pack a stronger punch. In fact, it does just the opposite. Without any food, your probiotics will be first in line to be broken down by the stomach’s gastric fluids. Eat first or take your probiotics with your meal.

You May Also Like
13 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar that will Change Your Life!

December 22, 2016 by Ruthie Hawkins, BlackDoctor.org Contributor

Read Next Article

The Latest In Vitamins & Supplements

5 Stress Reducing Vitamin Supplements

With the temperature dropping and the sun hibernating, there’s no denying that winter is finally here—and with the season comes increased stress and strain on your immune system. Yep, it’s not just your imagination that you tend to get sick read more about 5 Stress Reducing Vitamin Supplements
man eating a salmon salad for lunch

What Omega-3 Can Do For You…Right NOW!

Most research on omega-3 focuses on heart health benefits. But, new research is showing that eating plenty of fish and great sources of Omega-3, or taking Omega-3 Supplements, can do so much more for you. The three main forms of read more about What Omega-3 Can Do For You…Right NOW!

The Secret to Growing Long, Healthy Hair

We are all aware of the many health benefits Biotin and Keratin have for our bodies. In fact, when most people think about growing their hair, strengthening their nails, and improving their skin, they often turn to Biotin supplements and read more about The Secret to Growing Long, Healthy Hair

Milk: Animal or Plant – Which is Best?

  Today, your milk mustache may not come from drinking a glass of dairy milk. There are so many milk options readily available at your supermarket and just as many homemade milk recipes online.  With all of the debate over read more about Milk: Animal or Plant – Which is Best?

Before You Take That Supplement, Here’s What You Should Know

With so many pills and potions to choose from on the supplement aisle of your local pharmacy, grocery, and vitamin stores, “How can you possibly decide on which is best for you?” An even better question to ask yourself is, read more about Before You Take That Supplement, Here’s What You Should Know

Diabetics! This Vitamin is Vital for Your Health

Recent research reveals that vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to increased death in adults and is particularly associated with diabetes-related deaths. These findings are especially worrisome for black people who are disproportionately affected by vitamin D deficiency and type read more about Diabetics! This Vitamin is Vital for Your Health

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain
  • Method Man and wife Tamika Celebrate 20 Years Married!Method Man and wife Tamika Celebrate 20 Years Married!
  • This Exercise Gets Rid of Mucus in Your ChestThis Exercise Gets Rid of Mucus in Your Chest
  • 5 Things That Stops Your Hair From Breaking Ever Again5 Things That Stops Your Hair From Breaking Ever Again
  • 10 Cities With The Highest HIV Rates10 Cities With The Highest HIV Rates

Podcast

Diabetes prevention and management podcast

Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Lenore Coleman, a Pharmacist and Founder of Healing Our Village, as they offer you the tools you need to prevent and manage diabetes.

Listen Now

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2021, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.