Do you have questions about your or your child's digestion and gut health? Ask a probiotics expert - £200 voucher to be won

[CeriMumsnet]

Created for Culturelle

PLEASE NOTE THIS Q&A IS NOW CLOSED FOR QUESTIONS. YOU CAN VIEW MARGARET'S ANSWERS HERE

Gut health is an important part of our overall health, but it can be hard to know how to improve it. Whether you’ve experienced digestion problems yourself, or you want some advice on maintaining your children’s gut health, Culturelle has invited expert Margaret Haldeman to answer your questions.

● Everyone who shares a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize
draw.
● One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher.
● Margaret will be back online in the new year to answer a selection of your questions.

About Margaret Haldeman
Margaret Haldeman is the Global Scientific Engagement Leader for microbiome targeted solutions at i-Health, Inc., a division of DSM, with specific focus on Culturelle probiotics, adietary supplement. She received her B.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Rochester and SUNY Buffalo, respectively. As a postdoctoral fellow at The Ohio State University, she was awarded an NIH Individual National Research Service Award to study bacterial transcriptional regulation.

With over 10 years of experience in the field, in her current role at i-Health, Margaret is focused on healthcare professional engagement and promoting microbiome education and clinical trial support to raise awareness of evidence-based probiotics. As co-chair of the Education and Communication Committee and Healthcare Professional Taskforce of the International Probiotics Association and through activities of the Council for Responsible Nutrition Probiotics Group, Margaret’s passion is to educate all audiences on the importance of the microbiome and evidence-based tools to promote overall health.

Here’s what Cuturelle has to say:
‘At Culturelle we believe that talking about the gut is still a stigmatized health issue around the world, and by opening up new conversations we can help people understand more about their bodies, the science and what we can all do to support the core of our health’

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

Mumsnet Insight T&Cs Apply

Constant bloating on prebioticdone Fodmap, still no luck, any advise which direction to look at.

Thank you for all the great questions about the microbiome and your health! The last ten or so years has taught scientists and clinicians a lot about the central role that the microbiome plays in our overall health and your awareness of that is impressive. This is a very hot area of scientific and clinical research so while I don't have answers for all the questions, we are learning more everyday.

Hi @loveyouradvice @PinkPlantCase @Firstbornunicorn Scientists have learned that, while antibiotics are truly life-saving medicines, they can impact the good bacteria that we have learned are needed for optimal health. While it is advised to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use that contributes to the rise of resistant bacteria, antibiotics are absolutely necessary for a bacterial infection. Select strains can help support good bacteria in the gut microbiome during antibiotic use. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been shown to help balance the effects that antibiotics have on good bacteria.

Hi @zzzexhaustedzzz The communication system between your gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis. This is the two-way biochemical signaling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and the central nervous system (CNS). The primary connection between the brain and gut is the vagus nerve but the two are also linked through biochemical signaling.

The gut has been called a ""second brain"" because it produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain, like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid, which play key roles in regulating mood. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of serotonin is made in the digestive tract. Research shows that microorganisms in the gut are responsible for producing some of these neurotransmitters.
Clinical research is shining a light on the interconnected nature of the gut and our mental and physical health. There have been human studies of select bacterial strains that demonstrate their benefits on mood, coping with stress, post-partum depression and even cognitive decline.

Hi @shumway Scientists are studying this question. There is evidence that artificial sweeteners may have an impact on the microbiome. However, it is unclear how adverse that impact is, or if the impact outweighs the benefits of reduced calorie sweeteners.

Hi @LittleDeeAndME For some time, scientists have suggested that modern lifestyles have negatively impacted the good bacteria in our guts and throughout our bodies. Our modern practices have limited our exposure to good bacteria - through nature, livestock, pets, other humans. We have increased exposure to antibiotics as well as higher levels of hygiene after the last two+ years. On the other hand, it has been suggested that our good bacteria may be evolving to optimize our changing lifestyles. I think it is possible that both are true. If you suspect your diet is “not enough”, you may consider incorporating good bacteria that have clinically demonstrated benefits and are manufactured and packaged to help deliver those benefits up to the expiration date, not just at time of manufacture. Culturelle® products are a source of good bacteria.

Hi @HobNobAddict Select strains of good bacteria, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, have been studied in the most vulnerable of babies, including premature and low birthweight infants. Culturelle® has products designed for toddlers and deliver clinically supported amounts of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Studies of L. rhamnosus GG have demonstrated benefits even in breastfed children.

Hi @maudesvagina You might experience some gas or bloating, but this is an indication that the good bacteria are working. Changes like these should subside within a week. Consult your physician if symptoms persist after two weeks.

Hi @Zarzuela @Itsybitsytitsy @StartupRepair @janney3 While certain fermented foods and beverages like sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, pickles, kefir or kombucha can assist in diversifying your microbiome, look at the label carefully to confirm that it does indeed contain or has been fortified with good bacteria. Consistent delivery of good bacteria through fermented foods is important. Supplementing with select strains of good bacteria, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG delivered by Culturelle®, is the best way to ensure you are getting the type and amount of good bacteria that you want.

Hi @jacqui5366 There is no test that can determine if you need to add good bacteria to your diet. There are stool tests that can determine if your stool microbiome looks more or less like others who have also had the test.
Clinical studies of the gut microbiome in conjunction with IBS, obesity, atopic dermatitis, and even schizophrenia, have revealed certain patterns of bacteria associated with diseases, but association does not mean causation.
It is not yet known how to deliberately shift the microbiome in such cases.
If you have concerns about stool quality or frequency, issues with bloating, or if you just want to support your immune system, adding specific good bacteria to your diet may help. It’s best to discuss with your healthcare professional if the addition of a food supplement with good bacteria, such as Culturelle®, may be beneficial for you.

Hi @ButterOllocks The body is inhabited by bacteria, yeast and viruses that are essential to our health. These microorganisms live in specific locations and communities, or microbiomes, throughout the body. For example, the gut microbiome contains an estimated 100 trillion organisms, encoding 100-fold more unique genes than the human genome. We know that these microbes produce important nutrients, compete against non-beneficial organisms, and even contribute to healthy immune systems. Some scientists believe that our modern lifestyles are exacerbating the incidence of non-communicable diseases but evidence for causation is lacking. It is notable that diagnostics may have improved making us aware of more diseases. The role of the microbes that live in us and on us towards our overall health is now widely accepted so taking care of those beneficial bacteria, viruses and fungi is now mainstream. Adding specific good bacteria, like those found in Culturelle®, to our health regimens supports the health of those microbes.

Hi @LittleDeeAndME Adding good bacteria to your husband’s diet may be helpful but should be discussed with a healthcare professional as they know his case and medical history best. Specific strains of good bacteria, such as the Lactobacillus GG in Culturelle®, have been shown to improve stool quality. We recommend you speak with your healthcare professional about your concerns as they will be able to advise if Culturelle® is a good fit for you.

Hi @Rummikub There is emerging evidence that the microbiome plays a role in food intolerances and allergy. An estimated 70-80% of your immune cells are in the gut. An allergy is the immune system over-responding so there is a clear connection.

However, what bacterial strains and what amounts are not fully understood. Plus, intolerances and sensitivities are unique to individuals. If you are considering adding a supplement, look for one that is formulated to be allergy-friendly- including dairy-free, gluten-free, etc. Most Culturelle® products are formulated to be allergy-friendly.

Hi @PinkPlantCase Best practices for manufacturing and packaging can provide live, efficacious products through the expiration date. Some products, like Culturelle®, are produced in controlled environments with superior packaging to deliver the most clinically studied strain+, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, with guaranteed purity and potency^ and without the need for refrigeration.

+Based on the number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG studies, as of January, 2022
^Guaranteed potency through date on box when stored as directed (cool, dry place away from sunlight).

Hi @CatNamedEaster The first 1000 days, from conception to age two is an important time to set up the foundation of lifelong health.
We are lucky to have interventions like antibiotics and Caesarean section for situations that may put the baby or mother at risk.

Researchers have shown that the gut microbiome of infants born by C-section appears to contain different species than that of vaginally delivered infants. We know the immune system is supported by the gut microbiome. It is not yet known how to shift the gut microbiome from one state to the other.
Specific bacterial strains, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, have been shown to promote health in children.
As always, it’s best to discuss with your healthcare professional if the addition of a food supplement with good bacteria may be helpful.

Hi @ChildcareIsBroken Scientists are learning a lot about the First 1000 Days- the period from pregnancy to the age of two years. While avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics is important at any time, we have to be grateful for access to necessary antibiotics. Offering a healthy diet that can include evidence-based good bacteria, like Culturelle®, along with opportunities for playing outdoors, can help support children’s health.

Hi @MumC2141 There have been many well-designed clinical trials demonstrating the benefits of supplementing with specific strains of good bacteria, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, the most clinically studied probiotic strain in the world+. Culturelle® delivers this strain in a variety of
product forms for a range of ages, including sachets, chewables, and capsules.

+Based on the number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG studies, as of January, 2022

Hi @PlaitBilledDuckyPuss In addition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity, food supplements can help support overall health. Supplements containing good bacteria can contribute to the good bacteria already present in the gut and help foster the proper balance between good and non-beneficial bacteria. Choose a supplement product that delivers a clinically studied strain, is well designed, manufactured and packaged to be shelf-stable and ensure an effective amount of good bacteria is present until product expiration.

Hi @mynamesnotMa The gut microbiome is known to change over the course of the lifespan. As we age, the gut microbiota becomes less diverse. In the gut, this is a hallmark for vulnerability. Focusing on a healthy diet and adding good bacteria with quality supplements can support your gut health. For women, another microbiome is also changing with age, the vaginal microbiome.

There are a variety of factors that influence the vaginal microbiota throughout a woman’s life.Some of the most dramatic changes occur at puberty and at menopause. A predominance of lactobacillus species and low bacterial diversity are hallmarks of a healthy vaginal microbiome. With menopause, estrogen levels decrease, causing a decrease in glycogen and a corresponding drop in lactobacilli. It is well known that the decrease in estrogen levels contributes to vulvovaginal symptoms, but researchers are now looking more specifically at the role of the vaginal microbiome. A predominance of lactobacillus species and low bacterial diversity are hallmarks of a healthy vaginal microbiome.

Good bacteria strains are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. A loss of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli, as in menopause, can create challenges for a healthy vaginal microbiome. Recolonization with appropriate, specific lactobacilli may be the only effective means to reestablish these healthy species in the vagina. This is one reason why Culturelle® Women's Daily Balance was designed for women by women. It contains Lactobacillus GG and a blend of four additional lactobacilli that are most dominant in a healthy vagina.

Hi @ButterOllocks Culturelle® delivers the #1 clinically studied strain in children+, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. With nearly 100 clinical trials in children and babies, a variety of health benefits have been demonstrated.
When first taking Culturelle®, due to changes in the gut microbiome, you may experience minor gas or bloating, but this dissipates with continued use.
Consult your physician if symptoms persist after two weeks. The unflavored Culturelle® Kids Daily Supplement sachets are designed to be mixed into a cool (not hot) food or beverage but changes the taste very little. The Culturelle® Kids Daily Supplement chewables are a great tasting bursting berry flavor.
The appeal of the berry flavor has kids asking for their chewable supplement each day.
The Culturelle® Kids Daily Supplement + Fiber is also designed to be mixed with a cool (not hot) food or beverage. Culturelle® should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight but the products do not need refrigeration and are packaged smartly for on the go use. You can find Culturelle® at www.Culturelle.co.uk.

+Based on the number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG studies, as of January, 2022
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Hi @Wailywailywaily @gawditswindy We know that up to 30% of children experience occasional constipation. If they associate discomfort with using the bathroom, then they may avoid it and the problem can become worse. Consulting your child’s healthcare professional about these issues is your first step.
Increasing fiber and fluids is typically recommended to maintain regularity. We know that most people, and especially children, do not get enough fiber in their diet. In the US, 95% of children do not meet fiber recommendations. Processed foods are typically not good sources of fiber.
You can make modest changes in your child’s diet to help increase fiber; it doesn’t have to be full on whole grain everything. For example, adding apples to lunch and peas to dinner can increase fiber by nearly 5g. Including one sachet of Culturelle® Kids Daily Supplement +Fiber would add an additional 3.5g. With that additional 8.5g of fiber, you are making serious improvement toward dietary intake recommendations. However, it’s always best to ask your child’s doctor before increasing your child’s fiber intake.

Hi @Cocoandcleo If you are looking for good bacteria to add to your diet, look for products that specify the strain of bacteria – so you should see THREE names for the given bacteria, for example Lactobacillus (1) rhamnosus (2) GG(3).
The unique strain, in this case “GG”, denotes the specific features of that good bacteria. Also look for a product that is manufactured and packaged to deliver a beneficial amount of that bacteria until the expiration date.

Many products will only assure the live bacteria until the time of manufacture. Finally, look for a strain of bacteria that has been clinically demonstrated for the benefit you seek in the age group who will use it. For example, Culturelle® has products for all ages that deliver the most clinically studied strain+ in amounts that have been shown to be beneficial. Furthermore, Culturelle® guarantees the amount of good bacteria until expiration^.

^Guaranteed potency through date on box when stored as directed (cool, dry place away from sunlight).

Hi @BristolMum96 I don’t know of any drinks specifically targeting kids. You might consider the Culturelle®Kids chewable delivering the #1 clinically studied strain in children+. Children that I know ask for their chewable each morning because they love the berry flavor. Plus, no refrigeration required! Just store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

+Based on the number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG studies, as of January, 2022

Hi @MrsFrTedCrilly Food supplements are not intended to replace a healthy, well-balanced diet. Getting nutrients from food is ideal; however, this can be a challenge for some people. Limiting processed foods, incorporating a diversity of foods contributes to an overall healthy diet. Busy lifestyles, access to quality food, and picky eaters are just a few barriers that I can think of to achieving a healthy diet. Of course a supplement can't undo a lot of bad choices but if you're doing your best and you still think you're coming up short, then I think a supplement is a great place to start. And while fermented foods are healthy choices, they may not be offering the specific good bacteria that you are looking for. Fermented products can be inconsistent in terms of the live microbes they do provide, they may not be providing clinically supported strains and these are things that you can get with the supplement.

Hi @kateandme It does seem like there are “more sensitivities” today. IBS diagnoses continue to rise. Prevalence of gluten sensitivity is also increasing. Controlling the diet does help in these instances. Who is to say that it is the anxiety about the food and not the physiology of the food? We know that certain foods are processed differently in some people and can lead to adverse symptoms. People who are considering cutting out certain foods from their diet should discuss with their healthcare professional.