Best Probiotic Strains For Older Adults

As your loved one ages, they need to prioritize their mental and physical health. Since seniors are more at risk for deterring health, probiotics are suggested to help replenish their bodies. Probiotics can improve immunity and lower the risk of infections.

Benefits Of Probiotics For Older Adults

The balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut can be disrupted by physical stress, medical conditions, emotional stress, or the use of antibiotics.

Probiotics are food and supplements that contain “good bacteria.” They can help nurture your body to maintain the balance of bacteria as well as offer a variety of other health benefits:

• They can help reduce diarrhea
• Some strains can help heart health
• They can help lower inflammation in the vagina
• They can help prevent bad breath
• They can help soothe food and skin allergies
• They can help ease lactose intolerance

Which Probiotics should you add to your diet?

Foods: Many foods contain good bacteria, however, certain foods have probiotic strains that can successfully reach the gut.

• Asparagus
• Garlic
• Green bananas
• Wheat
• Leeks
• Dried beans and other legumes
• Onions
• Certain artichokes

Dietary supplements: Probiotics can also come in the form of supplements which include capsules, powders, liquids, and more.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus can balance bacteria in you that could be potentially harmful. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea and IBS.
• Lactobacillus fermentum improves your immune system. It can also block gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections.
• Lactobacillus casei/paracasei can relieve inflammatory bowel disease- a common disorder with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Lactobacillus plantarum can improve your digestive system, help your body produce vitamins, and prevent disease-causing bacteria.
• Lactobacillus reuteri can help heart health by supporting cholesterol levels. It also decreases ulcer-causing bacteria and maintains vaginal health and the female urinary tract.
• Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus is a common bacteria in yogurt. It improves digestion, reduces diarrhea, and eases symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus is already in your gut, but you can eat foods/take supplements to receive more of its benefits. It treats diarrhea, strengthens gut health, soothes IBS symptoms, and prevents cavities.
• Bifidobacterium longum ssp. Longum can reduce inflammation and help protect against colon cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal infections, and depression.
• Bifidobacterium longum ssp. Infantis is used to manage bowel problems, lactose intolerance, eczema, vaginal yeast infections, and urinary tract infections.
• Bifidobacterium bifidum can help improve your immune system, digestive system, and IBS.

Generally, probiotics are safe for the majority but be sure they’re consumed in the right amounts from a reputable manufacturer and your loved one consults their doctor before they proceed. To find out more, 1+1 Cares provides more information on probiotics.

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.