Taking this probiotic is not just the only thing which helps improve the profile of healthy to unhealthy bacteria in the gut. Try to stop smoking, exercise more, reduce processed sugar intake, eat something with live probiotic bacteria every day such as kefir, sauerkraut and foods which help feed these bacteria such as fruit, fibre, vegetables, mushrooms and beans – read more on practical tips on: Keep-healthy.com/gut-health

Depleted healthy strains of commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus have been reported in the majority of patients with Covid expressing Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and especially those with persistent ongoing problems, coined long or chronic Covid:

1. Chen Y, et al. (2021) Six-month follow-up of gut microbiota richness in patients with Covid-19.
2. Gu S,  et (2019) Alterations of the Gut Microbiota in Patients With Coronavirus Disease or H1N1 Influenza. Clin Infect Dis71: 2669-2678.
3. Ng SC,  (2020) Covid-19 and the gastrointestinal tract: more than meets the eye. Gut 69: 973-974.
4. Yeoh Y et al. (2021) Gut microbiota reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses inpatients with COVID-19. Gut 70: 698-706.
5. Wan Y,  et al. (2020) Enteric involvement in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 outside Lancet GastroenterolHepatol 5: 534-535.
6. Ma C,  et al. (2020) Characteristics, and prognostic factor of patients with Covid-19: a meta-analysis. MedRxiv 03.17.20037572.

The Kings App study, which recorded habits of over 450,000 people over the last 2 years established a link between people who took probiotics and a lower risk of Covid:

Sudre C, et al. (2021) Symptom clusters in COVID-19: A potential clinical prediction tool from the COVIDSymptom Study Sci Adv 7: eabd4177.

The Bedford and Cambridge study reported a significant approximately three fold improvement in symptoms in participants with acute and long term covid:

Thomas R, Aldous J, Forsyth R, Chater A, Williams M (2021) The Influence of a blend of Probiotic Lactobacillus and Prebiotic Inulin on the Duration and Severity of Symptoms among Individuals with Covid-19. Infect Dis Diag Treat 5: 182. DOI: 10.29011/2577-1515.100182

Two other robust studies from across the world have also shown significant benefits for similar blend sof lactobacillus. One protecting family contacts from catching covid and another reducing during of symptoms:

Tang H, . Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Probiotics To Eliminate COVID-19 Transmission in Exposed Household Contacts (PROTECT-EHC): a clinical trial protocol. BMJ Open. 2021 May 5;11(5):e047069. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047069. PMID: 33952552; PMCID: PMC8102858.

In the formal trial, published in January 2020, the rate and degree of improvement was approximately three times greater than expected without it. Not everybody responded and a minority with severe long covid did not improve in the time frame of the study but most continued to take both supplements going forward. It seemed to benefit most participants but men, older people, those with a history of indigestion and those who did not exercise very much seemed to get a particular good benefit.

This lactobacillus blend was specifically chosen with long term safety in mind. Patients in the study did not report any problems taking it for several months. We cannot foresee and issues in taking it continually at these doses (2 a day). Although it’s normal to have some increased gas or bloating for a few days after starting, this should settle and bowel symptoms normally then improve. In the very unlikely event that a person experiences excess gas or bloating after taking yourgutplus+ for several months then it would be sensible to have a two week break before continuing.

Excess chronic inflammation of the gut wall caused by too many pro-inflammatory (bad ) bacteria over time will thin and damage the integrity of the gut wall. This leads, not only to an increase in conditions of the gut such as irritable bowel, ulcers, cancer and food intolerances, it leads to an increased risk of multiple chronic conditions throughout the body ranging from fatigue, poor exercise performance, arthritis, high cholesterol, low mood and dementia – I comprehensive summary of the links between poor gut health and disease can be found on: Keep-healthy.com/gut-health

There are several reasons why Yourgutplus+ does not need to be stored in the cold and can sustain even quite high temperature changes during transportation:

The lactobacillus probiotic strains in yourgutplus+ are more resistant loss of viability than other species.

The encapsulation of the probiotics ensures a stable PH, protects them from light, oxidation and humidity. It’s humidity which is most important so after opening the pack it would be good to store in a cold dry place if they are not going to be consumed within a month:

While they are stored and transported the Yourgutplus probiotics are supplied in a dormant (non-growing) state, due to the drying process. This process removes most of the water from around and inside the cells, leaving the microbes in a dormant state. A water activity close to zero impairs growth ensuring that no metabolic activity will take place during the shelf life of the product. When they are swallowed the water and nutrients in the gut move them back into a growth phase.

After drying, studies have shown that inactivation of Lactobacillus was initially observed at temperature of 61-65 °C. By contrast, deactivation occurred at around 54 °C for non-dehydrated strains. It is very unlikely that the probiotics will be exposed to temperatures above 40 °C let alone 60°C

There is evidence that the Inulin also offers further protection from heat.

It is well known that some of the probiotics do not recover from the packaging process which is why large numbers are added to each capsule – the amount left is still very significant. What is also important is there data to show that even damaged probiotics which are not able to pass into the growth phase still offer health benefits. For example, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 443 individuals with IBS involving orally administered, heat-inactivated probiotics substantially alleviated symptoms associated with IBS, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating and abnormal bowel habits 1.

The capsule contains pure lactobacillus which are one of the safest blend of probiotics – most of the research with lactobacillus has involved children so the evidence strong suggest it is safe in children.  Also the level of vitamin is sensible so again suitable for kids. The label has an age restriction simply because its required by the MRHA – (who without considering the evidence for all ages)

• May Prevent and Treat Diarrhea
• May Relieve IBS Symptoms
• Aids Gut Health
• May protect against cavities
• May Help Prevent UTIs

Source: Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage (healthline.com)

The National Institute of Health (NIH) did note some potential health benefits of L. d. bulgaricus and probiotics. Early-stage research suggests that they may play a role in managing the following health conditions:

• liver disease
• common cold
• ·diarrhea caused by antibiotics
• inflammatory bowel disease
• atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• colic
• tooth decay
• periodontal disease and other oral health problems
• preventing necrotizing enterocolitis

Source: Lactobacillus bulgaricus: Benefits, Side Effects, and More (healthline.com)

L. lactis is a commonly used probiotic whose health benefits we are just beginning to understand. This bacterium boosts the immune system, may combat allergies, hypertension, and IBD, and has beneficial effects on the skin.

Source: Top 8 Health Benefits of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) – SelfDecode Supplements

• Allergies
• Skin health
• Gut health
• Immunity
• Dental health
• Metabolism
• Liver function
• Insulin resistance
• Urogenital infections
• Antibacterial Activity

Source: 6+ Surprising Benefits of Lactobacillus paracasei – SelfDecode Supplements