Beneficial Bacteria for Senior Health
Change – it’s one thing we can be sure of as we age. As we move into our 50’s, 60’s and onward, shifts in our sleeping patterns and eating habits are common. With the onset of aches and pains, arthritis, our skin loses its elasticity, and wrinkles show more definition. For some, it can be a general decline in optimal health. What may not be as apparent but significant is the shift in the gut, which helps balance digestion and age-related decline in immunity.
The gut microbiota has trillions of bacteria inhabiting the small and large intestines – some good, others not so much. Recent evidence suggests that the urinary microbiome changes with age. Women experiencing overactive bladder and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome have an altered urinary microbiome. In addition, seniors often suffer from many urinary tract infections due to incontinence.
Other health issues that prompt the need for better gut health in the elderly include chronic diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, vaginal yeast infections, ulcerative colitis, digestive malabsorption, and increased use of antibiotics.
Older adults have a much lower number of friendly bacteria in the gut than younger people causing an imbalance of the good-to-bad bacteria ratio. The more “bad bacteria “in the gut increases the potential health problems for seniors. Good bacteria, on the other hand, known as probiotics, help improve this essential balance. Probiotics can help fight inflammation, enhance immunity, and support digestive disturbances, including gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome and even infectious diarrhea.
For older adults and seniors, probiotics offer added protection:
- Some strains improve heart health
- Reduction in the frequency and duration of diarrhea
- Reduce inflammation in the vagina due to an overgrowth of bacteria
- Relieve different food and skin allergies
Increasing evidence points towards probiotic supplementation to counteract the age-related shifts in the gut composition and diversity which benefits health outcomes but also promotes healthy aging. And that is a change we should all want.
Explore these beneficial bacteria supplements from Natural Factors.
Natural Factors Senior’s Multi Probiotic is specifically formulated for seniors. It contains a proprietary blend of 8 gastric-resistant strands targeted to support the small intestines. The Seniors Multi Probiotic helps prevent infection, boost immunity, support digestion and target IBS. Senior’s Multi Probiotic also supports the manufacture of vitamins and other essential chemicals in your body, helps prevent inflammation and offers some protection from intestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases and even depression! This product requires refrigeration and is only available in-store
Natural Factors Calm Biotic is another unique probiotic formulation that supports occasional anxiety and healthy mood by helping maintain the microbiome and the gut-brain axis. CalmBiotic is one of the first probiotic products shown to temporarily modify gut flora to address both the physical and psychological symptoms of stress. The proprietary strains in this probiotic are resistant to gastric acid, making Calm Biotic a convenient, shelf-stable, one-a-day capsule.
Natural Factors IBS Relief is specifically formulated to promote a healthy gut and digestion while minimizing occasional gastrointestinal disturbances. The four unique strains in IBS Relief have been shown to relieve some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This innovative probiotic formula also helps reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and is shelf stable – no refrigeration required!
Natural Factors Travel Biotic is a high-potency probiotic. It contains some of the most researched and effective probiotics in the world. TravelBiotic is specifically formulated for those on the go. Unlike other probiotics, TravelBiotic is highly stable and requires no refrigeration. It is the perfect probiotic to have on hand whether travelling, at work, or running errands. It provides powerful intestinal and immune health support and promotes favourable gut flora.