Biofit Probiotics are living microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that have health benefits. Many probiotics help the body to function properly, especially the digestive system. There are many bacteria in the body, both good and bad. Bacteria that live naturally in your gut help the body digest food, produce vitamins (especially vitamin K) and play a role in building immunity. These “friendly” bacteria help your body maintain a healthy balance and keep bad bacteria from flooding your system and causing problems.

In addition to probiotics naturally present in your body, Biofit probiotics are also sold in the form of food supplements (like yogurt or kefir) and as dietary supplements. The bacteria most commonly used in probiotic supplements are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus is the most common probiotic found in yogurt and other ferment foods. Some strains of Lactobacillus help with diarrhea and may help people with lactose intolerance (the sugar found in milk). Bifidobacterium is also find in dairy products and can relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Probiotic researchers have found that these beneficial microorganisms can help prevent or treat a number of conditions, including:

Digestive disorders (infectious diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease, etc.).

Allergic diseases

Skin diseases (eczema)

Cavities and various other oral health problems

Pediatric colic

Liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH)

Common cold

Urinary and vaginal infections

Colorectal cancer prevention

Biofit Probiotics and weight loss surgery

After weight loss surgery, the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria can become unbalanced. This is due to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the use of antibiotics after surgery to prevent infection. Although antibiotics help keep harmful bacteria at bay, they can also destroy the body’s good bacteria. The number and type of intestinal bacteria are regulat by both intestinal motility and gastric acid secretion, both of which are altered by RNY gastric bypass. Bacterial overgrowth can lead to vitamin deficiencies, impaired fat absorption and, in some cases, malnutrition.

In a study conducted by Stanford University School of Medicine, researchers found that patients who took probiotics after gastric bypass lost more weight than those who did not take Biofit probiotic supplements.

Biofit probiotic

The study found that, three months after surgery, the group taking probiotics lost 47.6% of their weight, while the control group lost 38.5%. There was a statistically significant reduction in bacterial overgrowth in the probiotic group compare to the control group. The study also showed that the group taking probiotics had higher vitamin B12 levels than the control group that did not take probiotics. This is important because patients after gastric bypass often have low vitamin B12 levels. Probiotics may also reduce the incidence of “pachyitis,” a common intestinal inflammation after some bariatric surgeries.

Probiotic Supplements and Foods

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates Biofit probiotics as foods, not drugs. This means that manufacturers of probiotic supplements are not require to demonstrate their safety or efficacy.

In general, probiotic products and supplements are consider safe for most people. Some people with immune system problems or other serious illnesses (the seriously ill or those who have recently had surgery) should not take probiotics. For generally healthy people, the side effects of probiotics are usually minor, limited to mild gastrointestinal symptoms (such as gas).

Many foods also contain probiotics. These foods include:

Yogurt (with “live and active cultures”).

Sauerkraut (unpasteurized)

miso soup

Some fermented soft cheeses (e.g., Gouda)

Kefir (fermented milk drink)

cottage cheese

Sourdough

Acidophilus milk and buttermilk

Tempeh

There are many over-the-counter Biofit probiotics. These include Align (B. infantis), Florastor (S. boulardii), Garden of Life probiotic (16 different strains) and Culturelle (Lactobacillus). Depending on the type of probiotic taken, a dosage level for one strain will not necessarily be the same effective dose for another strain.

Always consult your physician before starting Biofit probiotics or any other dietary supplement.