Can i take culturelle while pregnant

Taking probiotics while pregnant functions similarly to the way they do at most other times in life. They colonize the small and large intestine gut , and help to improve many functions of the body. Probiotics are live microorganisms that occur in certain foods and are common in supplements. You ingest these via the mouth and they travel down to your intestines, where they naturally live and perform their many tasks.

Specifically, probiotics are the billions of good bacteria that naturally occur in a healthy human gut and assist in many important functions in the body. These beneficial bacteria help with digestion, bowel movements, detoxification, and support the immune system and cognitive function. Common probiotic bacterial species include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Many individuals do not have a sufficient amount, a healthy balance or a diversity of probiotics in their intestines.

Stress, an unbalanced diet, processed foods and certain medications, to name a few factors, can kill off the good bacteria in their gut.

A probiotic supplement simply replenishes these good bacteria in the gut, making sure that they will continue to assist the healthy function of your whole body. In addition, probiotics help improve digestion and keep bowel movements regular , which can be an issue during pregnancy. Also, if an expectant mother has to take strong medications for whatever reason, such as antibiotics, probiotics will help to rebuild a healthy gut flora.

This ensures that all processes influenced by the gut will continue to function properly. A healthy balance of gut bacteria also lays the foundation for a strong immune system. Taking a probiotic supplement in the postpartum period is also highly beneficial, because this is a very stressful time for the mother, which often takes a toll on her body and mind.

The mother is recovering from pregnancy and birth, and her hormones and immune function are re-adjusting. In addition, for many mothers, stress occurs due to the lack of sleep and constant worry about the newborn. Probiotics also help the baby develop a healthy gut microbiome in the first year after birth. For example, developing allergies and skin conditions is less likely in babies whose development is supported by probiotics.

Constipation is defined as less than three bowel movements per week. However, for many individuals, not passing stool for more than one day is considered abnormal and cause for discomfort. The answer is, it depends. Other supplements — including high quality prenatal supplements and omega-3 fatty acid supplements — are more important to support maternal and fetal health But what remains the most important is enjoying a nutrient-dense, well-rounded diet and a healthy lifestyle.

For example, make sure to eat plenty of protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, vegetables and fruits, and healthy sources of fats like full fat dairy, avocado, nuts, and seeds to provide your body with the nutrients it needs. In addition, adding foods rich in prebiotics — fibers that help feed the good bacteria in your gut — like artichokes, garlic, onions, and asparagus to your diet can promote the overall health of your digestive system.

Being rich in fiber, these foods can also help prevent constipation They can provide customized recommendations and help you learn which supplements match your diet, lifestyle, and overall health. Plus, if they do recommend a probiotic supplement, they can advise you on which specific strains may be most effective. On a final note, when purchasing supplements, including probiotics, make sure to choose products from reputable brands to ensure safety. Oftentimes, a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle will do the trick, but make sure to raise any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.

In fact, taking them during pregnancy has been linked to benefits like fewer pregnancy complications, reduced risk of eczema in babies, and improved markers of metabolic health in expectant mothers. Despite this, probiotics are not necessary or appropriate for all pregnant women.

Prenatal nutrition can be confusing. This article explains which supplements are believed to be safe during pregnancy and which ones you should avoid. Eating fermented foods with live probiotics can have powerful benefits for your body and brain. Here is a list of 11 super healthy probiotic foods. Feeling constipated during pregnancy is common, but uncomfortable. There's not enough evidence to suggest probiotic supplements will benefit most pregnancies.

However, many foods containing probiotics are also high in nutrients that pregnant women need, so eating them can still lead to a healthy pregnancy, even if it's not from the probiotic microorganisms themselves.

For example, the dairy in yogurt. Ultimately, every pregnancy is different and if you're planning to make a drastic change to your diet you should consult a doctor, first.

But if you're used to eating probiotic foods, then don't be afraid to pick up a jar of kimchi, yogurt, or sauerkraut if the craving strikes. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation.

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