We have over 100 trillion bacteria in our gut. They are, or should be, mostly good bacteria. A common term known when one has an overgrowth of bad bacteria is yeast overgrowth, or candida flare up. We need to increase the number of good bacteria coming into the body so they can help colonize, yes colonize, and grow their numbers. This, in turn, helps to crowd out the bad bacteria or overgrowth that can cause issues of digestion, inflammation, mood swings, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and an inability to focus.

Probiotics help to keep the balance in your digestive tract, strengthen the immune system, and feed your brain too. The brain is directly affected by the gut and the microbes in it. If the gut is weak it affects the ability of neurotransmitters (brain messengers) such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA from being created. These neurotransmitters affect mood, sleep, appetite, ability to focus, and stay calm.

Knowing which probiotic formula to take can be daunting. It is a mass of unknown products to most people. Quality is key, so choosing the right company and the right formula for your needs is essential. You will also see something referred to as “colony forming units” (CFU’s). This refers to the number of bacteria in the product. Most doctors say you should have, at least, 40 billion CFU’s, but this varies greatly due to age and need.

More is not always better

The high number of colony forming units (CFU’s) can be good if you are not concerned with an autoimmune response. Really high numbers can trigger an autoimmune response in some people. Probiotics must be able to exert their benefits on the host through growth and/or activity in the human body (Collins et al., 1998; Morelli, 2000). It is therefore the action, and not the source (or the numbers) of the probiotic microorganism that is a key factor in choosing a probiotic.

CFU’s are important, but only if the product is able to survive the high acid levels in the stomach to allow the greatest exposure there. They must also be able to adhere to the epithelial cells to be carried throughout the gastrointestinal tract and further colonize it with their increased growth of good bacteria. Epithelial cells in the lining of the digestive tract mobilize and absorb nutrients.

Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics by Essential Formulas is a naturally fermented product that contains both probiotics and prebiotics in one small soft gel. The prebiotic is naturally occurring, as it has grown along with the probiotics during the natural fermentation process. Prebiotics offer the probiotic bacterial strains the food they need to help growth of the good bacteria in the gut. There are 12 strains of quality bacterium in each Dr. Ohhira’s capsule. These capsules can be punctured and squeezed out into any beverage for non-pill takers.

On the important note of the strain, Strep. thermophilus, and the concern of it triggering symptoms in those with PANDAS/PANS, (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), I have  received a clear response from the scientists who make Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics by Essential Formulas; from Dr. Takahata with Biobank (manufacture of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic, and the lead researcher and protoge of Dr. Ohhira), who states:

“Streptococcus genus consists of 60 species, and there is a Pyogenic group within Streptococcus genus that shows pathogenicity. This group consists of 14 bacterial species and 5 subspecies including “beta-hemolytic” species that rupture the red blood cells.  And they are categorized into group A, group B etc. based on serotypes (Lancefield).

As for PANS and PANDAS you inquired about, pathogenic bacteria in group A like Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus dysgalactiae etc. are said to be causative species.

Other than these, Streptococcus agalactiae and S. peumoniae are known to belong to group B. In each species categorized by Lancefield grouping has (a)species that show(s) pathogenicity.

Streptococcus thermophilus used in our products does not belong to any group and is a safe species without hemolyzing property.

Also S. thermophilus is approved as a starter bacteria of yogurt in Codex international food standards set by WHO and FAO. Therefore, the consumption of S. thermophilus does not have any negative influence on PANS or PANDAS.”

Why Spores?

There is a product that also contains four of the most important strains for autistic children with strains known as endospores. Spores read the microbial environment and kill off the pathogenic bacteria while producing compounds to improve the growth of the right bacteria. These are the good ones that promote a healthy gut. They are able to survive and withstand the heat and acid levels of the stomach. They improve the condition in the gut, so “the garden can grow.” This cultivates the right environment for the body to return to its natural state. Use code “Karen15” to get 15% off of any Just Thrive product order.

Click here to listen to my video podcast interview with the developer of Thrive.

Human strain probiotics

Human strain probiotics are typically derived from human source. They are from the same source as which they are working in humans, so are easily able to survive in the conditions within the organism that is their natural habitat. This makes them a good choice.

Common human strains used are:

1. Bacillus Coagulans: reduces inflammation and increases the number of good bacteria.
2. Bacillus Subtilis HU58: stimulates the immune system and is known as a powerful deterrent of bad bacteria.
3. Bacillus Clausii: Found in many products. Known for its ability to rebuild positive microflora in post-antibiotic treatment.

 Prebiotics

Prebiotics are the food source for the probiotic stains. This food needs to be available to them when they are in the gut so that they can thrive in this environment. Many products do not contain a prebiotic and must be added as an additional supplement.

Quality probiotics need to be non-GMO, have no added fillers, and be gluten free.

Beware of die-off symptoms using probiotics. As the bad bacteria are crowded out by the growth of new good bacteria it causes the bad to die. When they do this they release more toxins.

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This is for informational purposes only and not meant to diagnose or treat any illness.

The first crucial step of autism recovery is to begin restoring health to the gut and the immune system.

The health of the gut is directly linked to the health of the brain and therefore to the symptoms of autism. In fact, 80% of the immune system comes from the gut so if the gut is not healthy, then the brain can’t thrive, and the immune system is compromised. It’s a vicious cycle, but thankfully, it’s one that we can put an end to by first eliminating harmful foods.

This is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat. Every child’s level of recovery is different. No two people are the same. It is never implied that all children will have the same outcome. Results are all based on individual biology and the work that is done. This process takes time and various steps, effort and resources need to be weighed. Our programs are intended to help you become more knowledgeable and guide you to help bring your child a better quality of life, whatever that may be. We want to help by giving great content, direction and strategies that move you forward. Nothing on this page or any of our websites is a promise or guarantee of results or future outcomes. The results on this page and any of our websites are not typical or promised. In fact, there will be people who purchase this and other programs and never put the work into implementing the strategies taught and therefore will achieve little to no results. Our more detailed earnings disclaimer, privacy policy, and terms and conditions for this program and website can be accessed via the links below. We hold ourselves (and you) to a high standard of integrity. We are cheering you on every step of the way.