Florastor https://florastor.ca/ Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:04:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.2 How to optimize our gut microbiota https://florastor.ca/how-to-optimize-our-gut-microbiota/ https://florastor.ca/how-to-optimize-our-gut-microbiota/#respond Mon, 27 Jun 2022 15:05:00 +0000 https://florastor.ca/comment-ameliorer-notre-microbiote-intestinal/ Microbiome day is upon us and we are celebrating this day on June 27th 2022. I am so happy that this topic is becoming more and more important and there is an increased awareness.  BUT…WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME / MICROBIOTA? It is important to understand the difference between the microbiome and the microbiota The microbiome […]

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Microbiome day is upon us and we are celebrating this day on June 27th 2022.

I am so happy that this topic is becoming more and more important and there is an increased awareness. 

BUT…WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME / MICROBIOTA?

It is important to understand the difference between the microbiome and the microbiota

The microbiome refers to the microorganisms and their genes whereas the microbiota only refers to the microbes themselves.

The microbiota plays such a vital role towards our overall health but what exactly is the microbiota?  The microbiota is the community of microorganisms (such as fungi, bacteria and viruses) that exists in a particular environment and in humans, it is often used to describe the microorganisms that live in or on a particular part of the body, such as the skin or the gastrointestinal tract.

Did you know that there are trillions of microorganisms hard at work deep down in your digestive system? The human intestine has many bacteria, fungi and viruses making up what is now known as our “gut microbiota” and they keep our gut healthy, strengthens our immune system and have the biggest impact on our well-being. They also help us digest food and produce vitamins and hormones that are essential for our health.

HOW DOES IT IMPACT OUR GUT HEALTH?

Unfortunately, when things get out of balance, we can experience symptoms ranging from gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, sleep disturbances, skin irritations and even food intolerances. Therefore, it is very important to keep our gut microbiota as healthy as possible and there are some simple and effective ways that are super easy to incorporate into our daily routine to maintain a healthy gut.

Keep in mind that there are several factors that have been shown to contribute to an imbalance of microorganisms in the gut such as: antibiotics use, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars and low in fiber, lack of daily probiotic, physical and mental stress, alcohol misuse, gastrointestinal infections and age. Numerous studies have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, skin conditions.

 

Therefore, taking care of our gut should be our priority. The following are some of my recommendations that can be incorporated daily for better gut health.

5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR GUT HEALTH

1) First, we need to control and lower the stress levels. Simple ways such as daily meditation and journaling have been shown to help a lot.

2) Second, we need to get enough sleep. Aim to get on average 8 hours of sleep and limit electronic use before bedtime.

3) Third, taking a well-researched probiotic such as Florastor, which has been proven in over 100 clinical studies, not only to protect and restore gut balance but also to strengthen the immune system. It flushes out bad bacteria while boosting the good bacteria to restore your natural flora and digestive balance. Florastor is a daily probiotic which contains the unique probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and comes either as a capsule or a powder sachet that are easy to dissolve and that does not require refrigeration. With over 65 years of use and research, Florastor remains one of the most trusted probiotic brands worldwide. 

4) Fourth, nutrition is super important to a healthy gut therefore it is important to incorporating a proper diet by eating nutrient-dense whole foods such as eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean protein, and healthy fats. Furthermore, adding foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics to your diet is very important. Prebiotics are specialized plant fiber that act like fertilizers that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and are found in many fruits and vegetables from asparagus to yams and examples of foods rich in probiotics are yogurt and Sauerkraut to name a few.

5) Finally, it is important to avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily because they change the flora of your gut especially killing off healthy gut bacteria during use.

I hope you now understand how important it is to keep our gut microbiota healthy. This micro-ecosystem created by the organisms that covers our lining of the gut plays an oversized role in our overall health and what you feed your microbiota may have the biggest impact on your health. I hope you will incorporate some of the ways to maintain a well-balanced microbiota because after all the healthier it is, the healthier you are.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Jenny Stepanian BSc.Phm
Nutrition and Metabolic Syndrome: Lifestyle Medicine certificate, Harvard Medical School
Pharmacist, University of Toronto
IG: @wellthypharmacist 

Reference

  1. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Microbiome
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/prebiotics-probiotics-and-your-health/art-20390058
  3. Stier, 2016. Influence of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 on the gut-associated immune system. Clinical and Experimental gastroenterology. 2016;9 269-279.
  4. Pais, 2020. Saccharomyces boulardii: What Makes It Tick as Successful Probiotic? J of Fungi. 2020; 6(2), 78
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3539293/
    Peera Hemarajata and James Versalovic, 2013. Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation; 2013 Jan; 6(1): 39–51.
  6. ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc6699480
  7. https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/dysbiosis-ibs/
  8. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/microbiome/
  9. https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness
  10. meditation#:~:text=Researchers%20reviewed%20more%20than%20200,%2C%20pain%2C%2sssmoking%20and%20addiction.

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]]> https://florastor.ca/how-to-optimize-our-gut-microbiota/feed/ 0 Avoiding the “Runs” on vacation https://florastor.ca/florastor-probiotics-to-avoid-travellers-diarrhea-happy-vacation-on-the-beach/ https://florastor.ca/florastor-probiotics-to-avoid-travellers-diarrhea-happy-vacation-on-the-beach/#respond Fri, 03 Jun 2022 11:41:12 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=11187 Avoiding the “Runs” on vacation You are on vacation at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort with your friends and you are having an amazing time. The sun is beaming down, the water is crystal clear, and you are enjoying the amazing food from multiple restaurants the resort has to offer and drinking wonderful drinks from the […]

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Avoiding the “Runs” on vacation

You are on vacation at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort with your friends and you are

having an amazing time. The sun is beaming down, the water is crystal clear, and you are enjoying the amazing food from multiple restaurants the resort has to offer and drinking wonderful drinks from the different bars around. You are so happy to be away, especially during the brisk cold months that we get in Canada. Unfortunately, you did not come prepared. Two days into your vacation, you start to feel unwell. You experience severe abdominal cramps and nausea and you have to rush to the washroom. You are also perspiring and it is not because of the heat. You spend the next few hours back and forth going to the washroom and as a result you have to stay in your room. You feel like your vacation has been ruined. This is the beginning of traveler’s diarrhea. As a clinical and community pharmacist, I will discuss traveler’s diarrhea and how you can reduce the risk of infection so you can enjoy your destination vacations.

Traveler’s diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose watery stools and abdominal cramps mainly acquired by eating food and beverages contaminated with infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses or parasites while travelling. It usually occurs within 10 days of travel and when you travel to low and middle income countries where there is a higher risk of encountering suboptimal sanitation and hygiene conditions. The signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe but the most common ones are a quick onset of 3 or more loose watery stools in a day, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. If left untreated it can lead to severe dehydration. You should seek medical attention if your symptoms are more severe such that you experience dehydration, persistent vomiting, a high fever, bloody stools or severe pain in the abdomen or Rectum.

Although, traveler’s diarrhea is usually a mild and self-limiting disease, up to half of travelers with it will experience some limitation of activities during their trip while up to 10% will experience persistent diarrhea or other complications. In addition, it’s been shown that between 12% to 50% of travelers were incapacitated for part of the trip due to traveler’s diarrhea. (1,2)

 As a pharmacist, I always advise my patients to travel prepared with an essential traveler’s diarrhea toolkit. I recommend that the toolkit consists of Gastrolyte (for adults) and Pedialyte (for children), which are used for re-hydration and maintenance of electrolyte balance and to prevent dehydration. Immodium (Loperamide) is effective in reducing fecal production and frequency, improving stool consistency and relieving abdominal cramps. Florastor Forte, a probiotic, which not only helps strengthen your immune system by supporting your gut health but also reduces the risk of traveler’s diarrhea. I recommend starting taking Florastor Forte two days before leaving and while on vacation. They come in a pack of 14 individual tutti-fruiti flavoured powder sachets to be taken once a day. They are super easy and convenient to carry and travel with and they don’t require refrigeration. Furthermore, of the various probiotic species studies, Florastor (Saccharomyces boulardii) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG appeared to be the most promising for the prevention of traveler’s diarrhea with no significant side effects. (3,4)

I also recommend my patients follow some of these super helpful tips to best avoid traveller’s diarrhea. Watch what you eat. A good rule of thumb to follow is: Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it. Only drink bottled, boiled or carbonated beverages, stay away from tap water and use bottled water to brush your teeth! Always wash your hands before eating and start taking Florastor Forte because it has been shown to reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea. (3,4)

So, next time you are planning to travel, make sure you are prepared and don’t forget to pack your traveler’s diarrhea toolkit!

Wishing you health and happiness,

Jenny Stepanian BSc.Phm
Nutrition and Metabolic Syndrome: Lifestyle Medicine certificate, Harvard Medical
School
Pharmacist, University of Toronto
IG: @wellthypharmacist
Email: wellthypharmacist@gmail.com

Reference

  1. Steffen R, Collard F, Tornieporth N, Campbell-Forrester S, Ashley D, Thompson S, et al.
  2. Epidemiology, etiology, and impact of traveler’s diarrhea in jamaica. JAMA. 1999;281(9):811-7.
  1. Steffen R, Tornieporth N, Clemens SA, Chatterjee S, Cavalcanti AM, Collard F, et al.
  2. Epidemiology of travelers’ diarrhea: Details of a global survey. J Travel Med. 2004 JulAug;11(4):231-7.
  3. Kollaritsch HH, Kremsner P, Wiedermann G, Scheiner O. Prevention of traveller’s diarrhoea:
  4. Comparison of different non-antibiotic preparations. Travel Medicine International. 1989:9.
  5. Kollaritsch H, Holst H, Grobara P, Wiedermann G. Prevention of traveler’s diarrhea with saccharomyces boulardii. results of a placebo controlled double-blind study. Fortschr Med. 1993
    Mar 30;111(9):152-6.
  6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/travelers-diarrhea/symptomscauses/syc-20352182

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]]> https://florastor.ca/florastor-probiotics-to-avoid-travellers-diarrhea-happy-vacation-on-the-beach/feed/ 0 Easy and Effective ways to strengthen your gut https://florastor.ca/easy-and-effective-ways-to-strengthen-your-gut/ https://florastor.ca/easy-and-effective-ways-to-strengthen-your-gut/#respond Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:29:33 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=10971 Do you experience stomach issues? Do you ever feel like you have to pass gas and are embarrassed to be in public? Do you ever feel bloated? If your gut is healthy, it is not normal to feel this way and using a reliable probiotic like Florastor can definitively make things better. Working as a […]

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Do you experience stomach issues? Do you ever feel like you have to pass gas and are embarrassed to be in public? Do you ever feel bloated? If your gut is healthy, it is not normal to feel this way and using a reliable probiotic like Florastor can definitively make things better. Working as a community pharmacist for over 15 years, I can confidently say that gut health is a very hot topic that me and my patients always discuss and has recently gained more popularity.

Did you know that there are trillions of microorganisms hard at work deep down in your digestive system? The human intestine has many bacteria, fungi and viruses making up what is now known as our “gut microbiome” and they keep our gut healthy, strengthens our immune system and have the biggest impact on our well being. Unfortunately when things get out of whack dysbiosis occurs and can cause symptoms ranging from gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, to constant fatigue, sleep disturbances, skin irritations and even food intolerances.

The following factors have been shown to contribute to dysbiosis: antibiotics use, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars and low in fiber, lack of daily probiotic, physical and mental stress, alcohol misuse, gastrointestinal infections and age. Numerous studies have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune disease, endocrine disease, skin conditions and even cancer. Therefore, taking care of our gut should be our priority.

I help a lot of patients with their health-related gut issues. I work through their health concerns and develop a plan that is specific to them. The following are some of my recommendations for better gut health. Controlling and lowering your stress levels, getting enough sleep, taking a well-researched probiotic such as Florastor that has been shown to protect and restore gut balance, incorporating a proper diet and adding prebiotics as well as avoiding taking antibiotics unnecessarily. Taking Florastor daily along with making lifestyle changes has helped a lot of my patients improve their symptoms and feel better.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Jenny Stepanian BSc.Phm Nutrition and Metabolic Syndrome: Lifestyle Medicine certificate, Harvard Medical School Pharmacist, University of Toronto IG: @wellthypharmacist

Reference

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc6699480
  2. https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/dysbiosis-ibs/

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]]> https://florastor.ca/easy-and-effective-ways-to-strengthen-your-gut/feed/ 0 Andy the RD: Introducing The Unique Florastor® All-In-1 Probiotic https://florastor.ca/andy-the-rd-introducing-the-unique-florastor-all-in-1-probiotic/ https://florastor.ca/andy-the-rd-introducing-the-unique-florastor-all-in-1-probiotic/#respond Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:55:43 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=6053 It is always a privilege to partner with healthcare professionals to highlight the benefits of Florastor and our probiotic line. We recently collaborated with Andy the RD, Toronto based renowned registered dietitian (RD) and published author. Here’s what Andy had to say about Florastor! Florastor is one of the most used and recommended probiotic globally, […]

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It is always a privilege to partner with healthcare professionals to highlight the benefits of Florastor and our probiotic line.

We recently collaborated with Andy the RD, Toronto based renowned registered dietitian (RD) and published author.

Here’s what Andy had to say about Florastor!

Florastor is one of the most used and recommended probiotic globally, backed by over 65 years of use and referenced numerous times in  the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) guidelines1, and  also recommended by Aeprobio Canada, Alliance for education on probiotics in north America: www.probioticchart.ca

So why is this product so well established and what gut health benefits can you expect to gain from using it?

These are the questions I will address in today’s post.

Let’s get to it! 

Probiotics 101 – An Introduction

In order to better understand the benefits of using Florastor®, it will help to first lay a bit of groundwork for the term “probiotic”.

Probiotics, by plain definition, are live microorganisms that confer a benefit to those who use them.

Very often this is because they result in a net positive impact on the state of our gut bacteria by either increasing the population of healthy bacteria, decreasing the populations of unhealthy bacteria, or both.

This occurs in addition to specific actions related to the nature of the probiotic strain, such as anti-inflammatory effects and immunity stimulation.

Dysbiosis, the state of imbalance between good and bad gut bacteria caused by environmental factors (antibiotic use, diet, stress, sleep, tobacco,…), can be resolved or aided to some extent through the use of probiotics but the exact impact of any given probiotic is heavily dependent on the species and strain of the probiotic used, and not necessarily on the number of CFUs contained in the probiotic.

So when I discuss some of the science behind the highly specific Florastor® Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745® probiotic, it’s important to understand that you cannot necessarily expect these same benefits by taking just any other probiotic product containing different species/strains.

A Closer Look At The Evidence Supporting Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745® 

Now that we’ve established some common ground, let’s look specifically at the body of science that supports the use of Florastor and its strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745®.

As per a review paper published in 2015 out of Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology2, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745® Florastor probiotic is very effective at helping the body recover from a state of dysbiosis more quickly than it otherwise would.

It does so via the exact mechanism I discussed in the previous section; it allows for the re-establishment of healthier gut bacteria species while inhibiting the growth of the “bad” bacteria that may be contributing to the problem.

According to a 2018 SAGE review3, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745® achieves this effect via:

  • Direct effects on the immune response
  • Changes to digestive enzymes
  • Binding and removing “bad” bacteria
  • Creating a more favourable environment for the growth of “good” bacteria
  • Protecting the delicate mucus layer of the digestive tract

So what does all of this scientific stuff actually mean to YOU, the end user.

Well, according to a 2017 report published by the World Gastroenterology Organisation1,  Florastor All-In-1 Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745® has been determined to help with the following conditions:

  • The treatment of acute cases of diarrhea in adults
  • Antibiotic associated diarrhea (ie; diarrhea in those who are prescribed antibiotics)
  • Treatment of conditions related to infection by Pylori and Clostridium difficile
  •     Gastritis, certain bacterial infections and antibiotic associated diarrhea in children

Getting Started With Florastor®

Now that you have a better understanding of how it helps, let’s jump into the practical aspects of getting started with Florastor®.

Here are a few things you need to know:

  • Florastor® All-In-1 probiotics do not need to be refrigerated
  • They are vegetarian and suitable for use for ages 3 months and beyond (speak with healthcare team if unsure)
  • They can be taken simultaneously with antibiotics
  •     You can find and buy online the full product range via florastor.ca and on social media @florastor_canada

I’m very confident in the safety and efficacy of this product and my hope is that, after today’s article, you have gained a really good understanding of the types of benefits you can expect from the use of Florastor® All-In-1 and its unique Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745® probiotic strain.

Until next time,

Andy De Santis RD MPH

Probiotics For Vulnerable Populations – Please Read

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain. Do not use if you have an immune compromised condition (e.g. AIDS, lymphoma, patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment). If symptoms of digestive upset (e.g. diarrhea) occur, worsen, or persist beyond three days, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner. This product contains lactose, dextrin, and potato starch, do not use if you have such allergies.

References

  1. Francisco Guarner. Probiotics and prebiotics. World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines. February 2017.
  2. Moré MI, Swidsinski A. Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 supports regeneration of the intestinal microbiota after diarrheic dysbiosis – a review. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2015;8:237-255. Published 2015 Aug 14.
  3. Moré MI, Vandenplas Y. Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 Improves Intestinal Enzyme Function: A Trophic Effects Review. Clin Med Insights Gastroenterol. 2018;11:1179552217752679. Published 2018 Feb 9.

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]]> https://florastor.ca/andy-the-rd-introducing-the-unique-florastor-all-in-1-probiotic/feed/ 0 Gut Imbalance in Children (Dysbiosis) https://florastor.ca/gut-imbalance-in-children-dysbiosis/ https://florastor.ca/gut-imbalance-in-children-dysbiosis/#respond Wed, 02 Jun 2021 16:52:02 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=4943 Did you know? A child under the age of five has an average of three episodes of diarrhea per year.1 Our gut is made up of billions of microorganisms that coexist within the gut in a mutually beneficial partnership: symbiosis.2 All of these microorganisms are called Microbiota, they are present in the intestine and in […]

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Did you know?

A child under the age of five has an average of three episodes of diarrhea per year.1

Our gut is made up of billions of microorganisms that coexist within the gut in a mutually beneficial partnership: symbiosis.2

All of these microorganisms are called Microbiota, they are present in the intestine and in the colon and contribute to the proper digestion of substrates to provide the nutrients and energy we need. They also act as a barrier against external pathogens and have a major role in maintaining and stimulating our immune system.3

At birth, the gut microbiota is introduced primarily by the mother, but also by the environment. This newly acquired microbiota varies greatly due to its fragility and immaturity during the first three years of life before gradually becoming relatively stable in adulthood. During this period, factors such as gestational age, mode of birth, preference for breast or bottle feeding, exposure to antibiotics, and short-term illnesses positively or negatively influence the composition of the microbiota developed during these early years.4 All of these factors make the gut microbiota of each human unique.

Subsequently, during the course of his or her life, the human being, and even more so the child, is constantly in contact with a multitude of factors influencing the intestinal microbiota, causing or not an imbalance in its composition and/or diversity, this disturbance is also called dysbiosis. For certain factors such as antibiotics, this imbalance can persist long after the treatment. This dysbiosis can have a direct and visual impact on health, reflected in diarrhea, but also a less visible and longer term impact on intestinal health and thus on overall health.5

Information highlighted by Dr. Gianluca laniro who explains how dysbiosis is caused by an imbalance in the gut microbiota and how it can have long-term consequences throughout life. He also describes how balance can be maintained and restored, for example by taking Florastor, our probiotic containing our unique Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745® strain.

  1. Farthing M, et al. Acute diarrhea in adults and children: a global perspective. Journal of clinical gastroenterology. 2013; 47(1): 12-20.
  2. Thursby E, Judge N. Introduction to the human gut microbiota. Biochemical Journal. 2017;474(11):1823-1836. doi:10.1042/BCJ20160510. 
  3. Tomas J, Sansonetti P. Host-microbiota dialog: interactions between the microbiota and the intestinal epithelium. In: Marteau P, Dore J, eds. Gut Microbiota: A Full-Fledged Organ. Paris: John Libbey Eurotext; 2017:55-64.                                                                                                       
  4. Butel M, Lepage P, Collignon A. Microbiota development: from the in utero period to the first few years of life. In: Marteau P, Dore J, eds. Gut Microbiota: A Full-Fledged Organ. Paris: John Libbey Eurotext; 2017:25-34.           
  5. Petersen C, Round JL. Defining dysbiosis and its influence on host immunity and disease. Cellular Microbiology. 2014;16(7):1024-1033. doi:10.1111/cmi.12308

FlorastorKids® and its unique strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745®, a kids-friendly probiotic! 

FlorastorKids® has been specially formulated to promote gut health and help support the immune system in your children while pleasing their taste buds. Naturally flavored with Tutti-Frutti, this probiotic is also vegetarian.

FlorastorKids® also helps reduce the risk of antibiotic-induced diarrhea or symptoms during episodes of acute infectious diarrhea by preventing and restoring the imbalance of the intestinal flora.

Florastor® is the only brand of probiotics containing Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745®, a unique probiotic strain that has been studied and used for its effectiveness for over 65 years, making it the probiotic of choice for millions of families worldwide.

FlorastorKids® is suitable for children aged 1 year and older.

May 29 is World Digestive Health Day:

Healthy gut bacteria may be linked to lower risk of obesity and diabetes

In the rise of obesity and diabetes in the population, changes in gastrointestinal microbiota have been identified.

Indeed, poor gut health and obesity are also linked. Compared to healthy individuals, the gastrointestinal microbiota of overweight individuals shows patterns of dysbiosis (imbalance of the gut flora). Ultimately, dysbiosis causes greater energy absorption from food, which correlates with inflammation and higher blood sugar levels. 6,7

This year the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) will celebrate World Digestive Health Day on May 29, 2021, with the topic: obesity, an ongoing pandemic. Note that the WGO, an organization recognized worldwide by health professionals, recommends the use of Florastor® probiotics! For more information on this event and on this organization: https://www.wdhd2021.org/

  1. Miller SA et al. The association between antibiotic use in infancy and childhood overweight or obesity: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Obes Rev. 2018 Nov;19(11):1463-1475.
  2. Tilg H et al. The intestinal microbiota fuelling metabolic inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol. 2020 Jan;20(1):40-54.

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]]> https://florastor.ca/gut-imbalance-in-children-dysbiosis/feed/ 0 How Gut Health Can Improve Your Overall Well-Being In 5 Unexpected Ways! https://florastor.ca/how-gut-health-can-improve-your-overall-well-being-in-5-unexpected-ways/ https://florastor.ca/how-gut-health-can-improve-your-overall-well-being-in-5-unexpected-ways/#respond Mon, 12 Apr 2021 18:24:17 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=4445 Problems with the digestive system, such as heartburn, gas, bloating, and constipation show just how complex a mechanism your body is. Imbalances in the gastrointestinal flora and the diversity of the bacteria population in the digestive tract are key factors that could have an effect on your gut health. In fact it has been noted […]

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Problems with the digestive system, such as heartburn, gas, bloating, and constipation show just how complex a mechanism your body is.

Imbalances in the gastrointestinal flora and the diversity of the bacteria population in the digestive tract are key factors that could have an effect on your gut health. In fact it has been noted that you are less likely to suffer damaging inflammation and loss of immunity when your intestinal health is good-standing.

Since it’s not just about food, the following ways your gut health is linked to your well-being may seem … surprising!

1. A healthy gut is important for immune function

It could help protect your body against allergies and autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease or arthritis.
About 100 trillion living microorganisms are found in the intestine. They promote normal gastrointestinal function, protect the body from infections, regulate metabolism and the immune system.
In fact, they make up over 70% of the immune system, hence the importance of maintaining good gastrointestinal health!

A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system and supports heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, and efficient digestion.

By strengthening your immune system, a healthy gut could help protect you against allergies and autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease or arthritis.

2. Gut health can affect your mood  

The intestinal microbiota will indeed induce changes in the response of our brain. The gut and the brain are closely linked, allowing the brain to influence gut functions, including the activity of functional immune effector cells; and the gut to influence mood, cognition and mental health.

Scientists have also found that many other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and GABA – essential for mood, anxiety, focus, and motivation – are generated by bacteria in the gut.

For a balanced mood, exposure and consumption of good bacteria are essential.

3. It can help you sleep better  

The microbiota, sleep and brain activity are closely linked to each other.
Indeed, recent research from the University of Tsukuba in Japan indicates that by helping to generate essential chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, gut bacteria can also influence normal sleep patterns.
By maintaining a healthy intestinal flora, you guarantee yourself a quality night’s sleep!

4. Healthy gut bacteria may be linked to a lower risk of obesity and diabetes 

In the rise of obesity and diabetes in the population, changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota have been identified.

Indeed, poor gut health and obesity are linked. Compared to healthy individuals, the gastrointestinal microbiota of overweight people exhibit patterns of dysbiosis. Ultimately, since there is greater absorption of energy from food due to dysbiosis, this correlates with inflammation and high blood sugar.

This puts into perspective that maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal balance can affect blood sugar levels and intestinal inflammation, reducing the risks associated with obesity and diabetes.

5. The microbiome in the gut may have an effect on brain development, mental health, and behaviour

As illustrated in point 2, the microbiome in the gut is closely linked to brain development, mental health and behavior. Probiotics can improve your gut health in addition to improving your mood. They may, in fact, indirectly benefit your overall brain health.

A number of studies in recent years have shown that the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS) have significant bi-directional connections, linking emotional and cognitive centres of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions.

By influencing neural and immune processes, the billions of bacteria that live in the gut play a key role in gut-brain communication.

References

  1. Thursby, Elizabeth, and Nathalie Juge. “Introduction to the human gut microbiota.” The Biochemical journal vol. 474,11 1823-1836. 16 May. 2017
  2. Institut Pasteur. (2020, December 11). Gut microbiota plays a role in brain function and mood regulation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 2, 2021
  3. Ogawa, Y., Miyoshi, C., Obana, N. et al. Gut microbiota depletion by chronic antibiotic treatment alters the sleep/wake architecture and sleep EEG power spectra in mice. Sci Rep 10, 19554 (2020)
  4. Davis, Cindy D. “The Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Obesity.” Nutrition today vol. 51,4 (2016): 167-174.Musso, Giovanni et al. “Obesity, diabetes, and gut microbiota: the hygiene hypothesis expanded?.” Diabetes care vol. 33,10 (2010): 2277-84.
  5. Marwa Azab. “Gut Bacteria Can Influence Your Mood, Thoughts, and Brain”. Psychology today. Aug 07, 2019. Bravo, Javier A et al. “Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol. 108,38 (2011): 16050-5. Tillisch, Kirsten et al. “Consumption of fermented milk product with probiotic modulates brain activity.” Gastroenterology vol. 144,7 (2013): 1394-401, 1401.e1-. Valles-Colomer, Mireia et al. “The neuroactive potential of the human gut microbiota in quality of life and depression.” Nature microbiology vol. 4,4 (2019): 623-632.
 
 
 

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]]> https://florastor.ca/how-gut-health-can-improve-your-overall-well-being-in-5-unexpected-ways/feed/ 0 Rebalance your gastrointestinal health after the holidays https://florastor.ca/rebalance-your-gastrointestinal-health-after-the-holidays/ https://florastor.ca/rebalance-your-gastrointestinal-health-after-the-holidays/#respond Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:02:56 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=3815 Following the happiest time of the year, these sweet holiday celebrations could turn out to be a real nightmare. All those servings of turkey or log may leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, which may linger. Also, let’s not forget the weather-related issues. Did you know that antibiotics do more damage to your stomach than […]

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Following the happiest time of the year, these sweet holiday celebrations could turn out to be a real nightmare. All those servings of turkey or log may leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, which may linger.

Also, let’s not forget the weather-related issues. Did you know that antibiotics do more damage to your stomach than good to your sinuses? After the holiday season, consider investing in your gut health with Florastor!

Less festive drawbacks

After the holiday season where we usually participate in a lot of festivities (and that usually means rich foods and alcohol), all that unbalanced diet wreaks havoc on the stomach. Therefore, winter is a critical time for gastrointestinal health.

Here are some of the benefits of taking probiotics after the holidays:

  • You will suffer less from intestinal discomfort 
    After consuming a large and rich meal, or after drinking alcohol, a balanced gut will help protect against stomach problems. Probiotics will help you keep your gut flora on point.

  • You’ll keep holiday tension down.
    No matter what we prepared, this festive period is still hectic. To help you cope with the holiday frenzy, a good bowel will help relieve stress.

  • You will lessen the side effects of taking antibiotics.
    Taking antibiotics can often create dysbiosis. This imbalance in the intestinal flora can be easily avoided by combining the intake of your antibiotics with Florastor probiotics.


Florastor Probiotics VS Dysbiosis

In the process of digestion, the intestines are populated with billions of living microorganisms that lead the way. These are actually a type of “good bacteria”, and outnumber the cells in your whole body! Over time, bad eating habits and/or high doses of antibiotics decrease the optimal concentration of “good bacteria”, beneficial for our intestines and our health, and increase the development of unhealthy bacteria.

Taking a probiotic supplement will help replenish your body with what it needs to keep you on top of it. But how exactly do Florastor probiotics work?

Florastor Probiotics when combined with prolonged use of antibiotics, can help minimize their side effects, such as diarrhea. In general, you can benefit from their implementation in your daily life whether you have chronic digestive problems or not!

Take the holidays by the guts and enjoy a moment of relief. The best thing is, over time the benefits of taking Florastor probiotics will increase, thus continuously improving your well-being from the inside out.

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]]> https://florastor.ca/rebalance-your-gastrointestinal-health-after-the-holidays/feed/ 0 Dysbiosis and rebalance of gut microbiota https://florastor.ca/dysbiosis-and-rebalance-of-gut-microbiota/ https://florastor.ca/dysbiosis-and-rebalance-of-gut-microbiota/#respond Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:48:53 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=3121 The gut microbiome contains the genetic material for all microbes that live in the intestinal tract, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. A symbiotic refers to a preparation that is a mixture of probiotics and a prebiotic that selectively promotes the probiotic. Did you know that there are more microbial cells in us than human […]

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The gut microbiome contains the genetic material for all microbes that live in the intestinal tract, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. A symbiotic refers to a preparation that is a mixture of probiotics and a prebiotic that selectively promotes the probiotic.

Did you know that there are more microbial cells in us than human cells? The extent to which microbes influence our lives, our health and even our decision making is certainly not surprising, with 150 times more genetic control. To maintain health and survival, a collective microbiome is essential. Our microbes modulate our immune systems to judge friends of enemies, break down and consume nutrients for which we lack enzymes, and provide our skin, mucous membranes and intestines with a living barrier against pathogens.

What is dysbiosis / gut microbiota imbalance?

We talk about dysbiosis when our intestinal flora is out of balance. There will then be several impacts on health: fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, immune deficiencies or intestinal disorders. In some more severe diseases, dysbiosis may also be involved.

 Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria that are in the gastrointestinal system and can change it dramatically, causing long-term disturbances. Diarrhea is a common side effect of using antibiotics, signaling an alarm in your gastrointestinal system.

Florastor reduces the incidence of diarrhea associated with antibiotics and restores harmony to your intestinal flora.

Probiotics have been used for decades to treat a number of ailments, but what is the reason for their application? In the early 19th century, such treatment was first suggested based on the results of reducing populations of bifidobacteria in children with diarrhea, indicating that oral intake of bifidobacteria can replenish this microbiota subpopulation and improve health. Since then, in a number of illnesses, studies have shown changes in the gut or skin microbiota and have indicated the beneficial effects of these probiotics.

With the increase in next-generation sequencing, areas historically considered sterile have been found to have their own microbiota, such as breast tissue, liver, brain, and bladder. Numerous studies have found that virtually all processes in our body are linked to our gut flora, and scientists have shown that changes in the makeup of the microbiome can be caused by different factors.

In the 1980s, while studying the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections, Dr. Gregor Reid suggested the idea of a “natural flora”, but the ability to use microbes to support the host (probiotics) is now worldwide, scientifically valid and of increasing importance.

Florastor: your best ally against dysbiosis!

Florastor ® probiotic is your best ally for restoring your intestinal microbiota and promoting favorable gut flora. Vegetarian, gluten-free and non-GMO, It is also the only probiotic resistant to any tested antibiotic* and prevents antibiotic associated diarrhea.

So always remember, when taking antibiotics, pair with Florastor! 

* Any tested oral antibiotic according to Neut et al. 2017 (Penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolides, fluoroquinolones and others)

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]]> https://florastor.ca/dysbiosis-and-rebalance-of-gut-microbiota/feed/ 0 Beneficial effects of probiotics on the Immune System https://florastor.ca/beneficial-effects-of-probiotics-on-the-immune-system/ https://florastor.ca/beneficial-effects-of-probiotics-on-the-immune-system/#respond Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:07:04 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=2982 For a few years now, doctors have reminded people of how important it is to take care of your gut health because your gut houses more than 70% of your immune system. A healthy immune system can help fight many external aggressors, and it has the power to improve the older we get. Whether it […]

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For a few years now, doctors have reminded people of how important it is to take care of your gut health because your gut houses more than 70% of your immune system. A healthy immune system can help fight many external aggressors, and it has the power to improve the older we get. Whether it is to fight against the benign diseases to which we are potentially exposed throughout our life, or for more serious diseases, our immune system protects us as soon as an abnormal rate of bacteria becomes lodged in our body. In other words, it is therefore important to take care of it.

You may not know it, but ensuring balance in the gut is one of the first steps we can take to support our immune health. Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water throughout the day, eating properly, and avoiding excesses such as too much alcohol or cigarettes are just a few of the additional steps we can take to ensure that our immune system is functioning at its best. However, there are even simpler actions that we can add to this routine to support our immune health, which are the intake of health supplements, in particular those that target the proper functioning of your digestive system.

Indeed, the balance of the intestinal flora plays a major role in strengthening our immune defenses. When bad bacteria try to attack our immune system, defense mechanisms are put in place by the immune cells and the intestinal flora to prevent these bacteria from entering the bloodstream. The intestinal flora, also called gut microbiota, form a protective lining that prevents bad bacteria from colonizing and multiplying in the gut.  

A balance of intestinal flora also creates an environment conducive to the further development of good bacteria.

Clinical studies have shown that a diet rich in fiber allows the microbiota to work more effectively against micro-attacks in our environment. Probiotics, too, are there to ensure that bad bacteria don’t take over your gut’s balance and prevent immune system dysfunction. Probiotics, which are living microorganisms, mimic the action of the intestinal flora that reside in our digestive tract, supporting your digestive health and promoting a healthy immune system.

Florastor® is the only brand of probiotics with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, a unique probiotic strain with over 65 years of use and researched in more than 100 clinical trials worldwide, recommended by international scientific societies including WGO « World Gastroenterology Organisation », making it the trusted probiotic of choice by millions of families around the world. It’s also the only probiotic strain resistant to any tested antibiotic*, and promotes favorable gut flora, reduces the risk of diarrhea caused by antibiotics, and improves your immune system by supporting gut health.

What makes Florastor unique?

  • It enhances the immune defenses against external pathogens by increasing IgA levels1,2.
  • It promotes a favorable gut flora for the support of gastrointestinal health
  • It prevents antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • It treats and/or reduces the symptoms related to acute infectious diarrhea
  • It’s Vegeterian, Gluten-Free and Non-GMO

Improving your health should be an everyday life priority! You can do so by choosing Florastor® to boost your immune system.

*Any tested oral antibiotic according to Neut et al. 2017 (Penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and others)
1. Buts JP, Bernasconi P, Vaerman JP, Dive C. 1990;35:251-256
2. Ozkan TB, Sahin E, Erdemir G, Budak F. J Int Med Res. 2007;35:201-212

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]]> https://florastor.ca/beneficial-effects-of-probiotics-on-the-immune-system/feed/ 0 Back to school with probiotics: how to support the immune system during a pandemic https://florastor.ca/back-to-school-with-probiotics-how-to-support-the-immune-system-during-a-pandemic/ https://florastor.ca/back-to-school-with-probiotics-how-to-support-the-immune-system-during-a-pandemic/#respond Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:26:19 +0000 https://florastor.ca/?p=2882 Around the country, parents and their kids are gearing up for back-to-school day. The school supplies list is ready, and it almost feels like nothing has changed this year…. However, this year’s major crisis, COVID-19, has drastically changed the way we operate on a daily basis in recent months. It means physically protecting your child’s […]

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Around the country, parents and their kids are gearing up for back-to-school day. The school supplies list is ready, and it almost feels like nothing has changed this year…. However, this year’s major crisis, COVID-19, has drastically changed the way we operate on a daily basis in recent months. It means physically protecting your child’s health with the use of masks and more frequent hand-washing. But it’s also more important than ever to do everything we can to support their immune system. In a situation like this, what can we do as parents to help create a healthy environment for our kids at school?

When a microbe tries to attack our immune system, defense mechanisms carefully orchestrated by immune cells and the intestinal flora are put into action to eliminate it. This protective barrier, erected by the intestine, prevents bad bacteria from colonizing the gut and multiplying to create an environment more conducive to the further development of good bacteria, and prevents foreign bodies from entering the bloodstream. The purpose of this immune system-gut alliance is to promote and maintain health throughout our lifetime.

Studies have shown that a diet high in fiber, a food source for intestinal flora, enables the microbiota to work more efficiently against microaggressions from the outside environment. What has also been shown to support the critical role that intestinal flora play when it comes to immune health are probiotics.

Probiotics, which are living microorganisms much like intestinal flora, not only support your child’s digestive health, they also promote a healthy immune system so it is worth considering adding them to your go to list for school supplies. Probiotics can be found in foods and medicines, but they can also be found as supplements.

As we grow and age, diet, lifestyle choices, patterns of sleep, and environmental stressors can impact the health and diversity of our intestinal flora. These changes can cause our immune system to become more susceptible to microbial aggressions. Making healthy lifestyle choices, like using a daily probiotic, is one of the best ways to help maintain the health and diversity of your child’s intestinal barrier.

Studies have shown that probiotics can help improve nutrient absorption and increase digestive enzymes as well as stimulate the development of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), the primary antibody in our digestive tract that helps fight infection.

Florastor® is the only brand of probiotics with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, a unique probiotic strain with over 65 years of use and researched in more than 100 clinical trials worldwide, recommended by international scientific societies including WGO « World Gastroenterology Organisation », making it the trusted probiotic of choice by millions of families around the world. It’s also the only probiotic strain resistant to any tested antibiotic*, and promotes favorable gut flora, reduces the risk of diarrhea caused by antibiotics and improves your child’s immune system by supporting gut health.

FlorastorKids® is a kid-friendly solution that will help your child preserve the delicate balance of their healthy gut flora. It can be blended in beverages or snacks, such as applesauce, and is naturally sweetened with Tutti-Frutti flavor to please their delicate taste buds. It’s also Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and non-GMO.

 When it comes to preparing our kids for school, we want the absolute best for them, as well as for their health. Choosing FlorastorKids to help them boost their immune system for such an important moment of their lives is choosing what is best for them!

* Any tested oral antibiotic according to Neut et al. 2017 (Penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolides, fluoroquinolones and others)

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