“Our health is our wealth.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
*First I am reposting important info about why caring for Gut Health is so important for physical, mental and emotional well-being for those who missed it on this website’s intro page:
This brings me to the direct connection between mental health and gut health, which has been labeled by many medical researchers “The Gut-Brain Axis.”
“Research shows that the gut and brain are connected, a partnership called the gut-brain axis. The two are linked through biochemical signaling between the nervous system in the digestive tract, called the enteric nervous system, and the central nervous system, which includes the brain. The primary information connection between the brain and gut is the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the body. The gut has been called a “second brain” because it produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain does, like serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, all of which play a key role in regulating mood. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of serotonin is made in the digestive tract.” ~ Harvard Medical School – June 2019
Fascinating.
*That excerpt is from a 2019 Harvard Medical School article titled “Probiotics May Help Boost Mood and Cognitive Function” which you can read in full here.
Researching this topic was a major Ah-Hah moment for me.
Whenever I was nervous, anxious, upset, or felt any feelings of unease, low mood, or negativity…
…I would inevitably also have an upset or queasy stomach or experience major disruptions in my digestive system.
“Have you ever felt queasy before an interview? Do you feel butterflies when you are excited or about to give a speech in front of a large audience? Do you feel nauseous when confronted with foul smells or just by imagining pending doom? All these are some outward manifestations of what you are feeling. The brain sends signals to the enteric system through the gut-brain communication pathway, which might result in stomach upset when you feel overwhelmed or emotional.” ~ Excerpt from Longevity Technology article titled “Gut-Brain Connection: How Probiotics Can Improve Mental Health – March 2023
Again, fascinating.
So why does this happen?
To recap…
…according to Harvard Medical School, 90% of serotonin is made in the digestive tract, the stomach, the gut.
What is Serotonin?
“Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) produced within the central nervous system (CNS) that contributes to feelings of happiness.” ~ Simply Pyschology.org
“…contributes to feelings of happiness.”
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. What are neurotransmitters?
“Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that your body can’t function without. Their job is to carry chemical signals (“messages”) from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell. The next target cell can be another nerve cell, a muscle cell or a gland.” ~ Cleveland Clinic.org
An extremely important point about Serotonin:
“A low level of serotonin in the brain is thought to be a cause of depression.” ~ Cancer.gov
And depression can lead to a countless number of catastrophic events and consequences in a person’s life and also for those who love them.
Depression is also a common precursor for suicidal ideation, thoughts, tendencies and tragically also suicide outcomes.
*For those who would like to learn more about this important topic, I highly recommend the informative yet fascinating book titled “The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health” by Emeran Mayer MD which you can check out here at Book Lender.
So what can we do about this?
“In recent years, scientists have increasingly recognized the power of the gut microbiome in influencing physical and mental health. While the central nervous system or the brain regulates emotions, scientists now acknowledge that the gut’s enteric system is crucial in regulating emotions. Scientists discovered the gut-brain connection that the real enteric and nervous systems are interconnected and influence one another.” ~ Excerpt from Longevity Technology article titled “Gut-Brain Connection: How Probiotics Can Improve Mental Health – March 2023
If we know that 90% of serotonin is produced by our digestive systems or guts…
….and we know that having a low level of serotonin can cause depression, low moods, anxiety, or at the very least can cause adverse changes in our moods or cause us to not feel happy or stable…
…shouldn’t a serious focus in our daily self care regimen be on supporting a healthier level of serotonin being produced in our digestive systems or guts and creating a healthy balance between the Gut-Brain Axis?
This brings me to the extremely important topic of Probiotics.
What are Probiotics?
“Probiotics are made of good live bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in your body. You constantly have both good and bad bacteria in your body. When you get an infection, there’s more bad bacteria, knocking your system out of balance. Good bacteria helps eliminate extra bad bacteria, returning the balance. Probiotic-supplements are a way to add good bacteria to your body.” ~ Cleveland Clinic
Here are some functions of Probiotics in the body:
*Boost the immune response of the body
*Produce substances such as neurotransmitters and vitamins that have health benefits for the body
*Help the gut’s microbiome return to its healthy state after experiencing disruption ~ Source: Longevity Technology
Probiotics have many beneficial and important health benefits, (including potentially helping to support and boost the immune system)…
…but the fact that they can possibly help to bring healing and balance to the Gut-Brain Axis to potentially support our mental health in addition to our gut health is a major reason why taking an excellent probiotic supplement daily should be an important part of everyone’s self care regimen.
“Probiotics can do more than improve your gut health. They also may indirectly enhance your brain, too.” ~ Excerpt from 2019 Harvard Medical School article titled “Probiotics May Help Boost Mood and Cognitive Function”
Considering that it should now be very obvious how extremely important Probiotics and Gut Health in general is to caring for and maintaining both Physical Health and Mental Health and well being…
…no authentic Self Care regimen should ever ignore it.
For this reason I have researched and compiled what I believe is an excellent collection of Probiotic and Gut/Colon Detox companies for your review.
Important Note: It’s vital to know that not all Probiotics are the same, and many formulations currently on the market are far less potent and much less effective than others.
I learned this lesson the hard way via many months of trial and error while on my own search for an effective and high quality Probiotic which actually worked for me.
For example, a product advertising that it has “1 billion CFU per capsule” may sound like a lot until you recognize that this is truly only a tiny drop in the bucket compared to the trillions of good and bad bacterial organisms that are actually living in our bodies.
The KEY is to not allow the bad bacteria to over run the good bacteria which is why daily supplementation with Probiotics is so necessary, especially if you have consumed antibiotics which tends to kill both good and bad bacteria when taken.
Also please do not confuse “Lactobacillus Acidophilus” with a full spectrum “Probiotic” and “Prebiotic” because they are not the same, particularly in regard to overall effectiveness.
Knowing how confusing I myself found this entire topic and how long I had to research and try several products until I found the perfect one for my own unique personal needs is why I have compiled a collection of what I believe are the best and most diverse Probiotic/Prebiotic supplements on the market all based on my own trial and error personal research.
“Current studies on the effects of probiotics supplementation on mental and physical health showed that it could help maintain a healthy gut, increase the diversity of the microbial population and improve mood or reduce symptoms of depression. Improving the gut’s health would help the good bacteria produce neurotransmitters that enhance mood and prevent depression.” ~ Excerpt from Longevity Technology article titled “Gut-Brain Connection: How Probiotics Can Improve Mental Health – March 2023
For those interested in finding a high quality Probiotic supplement to utilize on a daily basis…
…following are some really excellent online companies offering highly rated and very effective probiotic products that I have found for you visit and browse.
“By far the largest store of the molecule that plays such a big role in modulating our mood and our wellbeing – also appetite, pain sensitivity – is stored in the gut.” ~ Dr. Emeran Mayer, author of the must read book “The Mind-Gut Connection”
Suggestion: Each probiotic company is numbered in no particular order to make it easier for you to browse.
I suggest clicking each link to check what each company has to offer because all probiotics and price points aren’t the same.
Some companies have multiple probiotic products that are geared towards specific health issues.
*Simply write down each company name and store number that has a Probiotic product which appeals to you and yours and your family’s needs and price range, and then choose from the store numbers you wrote down when you have finished browsing through the list. 🙂
*FTC Disclosure: This website will receive a small commission for purchases made through the following links:
Check out Selfcaretaker.com’s Hand Picked Probiotic Recommendations at the following links.
“All disease begins in the gut.” ~ Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine
(2) Clear Probiotics
(4) Oweli Probiotics
(5) VSL Probiotics
“Almost all our health concerns can be traced back to our belly. Ensure a healthy gut and the rest will take care of itself.” ~ Behzad Azargoshasb
(6) Peak Biome
(7) Pure Essence
(8) Trulacta Health
(9) Progurt
(10) Hello Health
“Every day we live and every meal we eat we influence the great microbial organ inside us – for better or for worse.” ~ Giulia Enders, author of “Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ”
(11) Diverxin Probiotic
(13) ProBrainBiotics Max
(14) RKMD Probiotic
(15) Microbiome Plus+
“If there’s one thing to know about the human body; it’s this: the human body has a ringmaster. This ringmaster controls your digestion, your immunity, your brain, your weight, your health and even your happiness. This ringmaster is the gut” ~ Nancy Mure
(16) MacroLife Naturals
(17) Bowtrol Probiotic
(19) Wink Well Prebiotic & Probiotic
(20) Physician Nutrients
(21) Elm & Rye Probiotic
“Your gut is not Las Vegas. What happens in the gut does not stay in the gut.” ~ Peter Kozlowski, MD, and author of “Unfunc Your Gut: A Functional Medicine Guide: Boost Your Immune System, Heal Your Gut, and Unlock Your Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health”
One could say because of what has been discovered about “The Gut-Brain Axis”….
…A Cleaner Body = A Fresher Mind
“Death begins in the colon.” ~ Elie Metchnikoff, Russian Nobel Prize winning scientist
If you are also having issues with Chronic Constipation…
…or if you would like to Cleanse or Detox Your Colon/Gut of built up toxins, fecal matter, etc. (something that is highly recommended done every season or four times a year)…
…I highly recommend adding one of the following highly effective products to your Probiotic choice.
*Simply write down each store number that has a Colon Cleanse or Detox product which appeals to you and your needs and price range, and then choose from the store numbers you wrote down when you have finished browsing through the list. 🙂
Check out Selfcaretaker.com’s Cleanse/Detox Recommendations at the following links.
“Detoxing your mind and body does wonders. It is a natural reset button.” ~ Robin S. Baker
(1) Colon Broom
(2) Peak BioBoost
(3) Toxin Rid
“. . . our body is an ecosystem. This ecosystem must be maintained.” ~ Ilchi Lee, author of “Belly Button Healing: Unlocking Your Second Brain for a Healthy Life”
(6) Maximum Detoxify
(8) Detox Me – Ultimate Recovery
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~ Jim Rohn
*Selfcaretaker.com Spotlights:
Following are two wonderful possible add on products which incorporates Probiotics into a healthy green drink and a delicious latte:
Product Spotlight: Daily Greens
Support your Gut Health by consuming your probiotics in a delicious green drink which also offers you nutrition for your WHOLE body.
Daily Greens is a 100% Organic Cleanse & Detox Formula which can be used daily. It’s Doctor-Formulated Concentrated Nutrition which also supports Gut Health.
Daily Greens combines 34 organic superfoods and 11 herbs and extracts to create what many believe is the world’s BEST green drink.
This amazing tonic alkalizes your body with wholesome nutrients while helping flush dangerous toxins from your system.
Discover a powerful combination of greens, vegetables, herbs, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes in a delicious formula you can drink anytime in a smoothie, nutritional shake, with nut-milk, or just plain water.
Not only will Daily Greens ensure you “get your greens,” but it also supports healthy gut bacteria via it’s probiotics.
Daily Greens is a powerful and delicious way to nourish your body.
It’s an organic and pleasant tasting Green Drink formula that contains no sugar, salt, dairy, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors in addition to being non-GMO.
The best part?
Daily Greens guarantees you will be 100% satisfied or you will receive 100% of your money back via a no questions asked full refund.
Learn more about Daily Greens in addition to receiving a 10% discount on your first order at the following link:
Click here to learn more about and purchase Daily Greens
Product Spotlight #2: Clevr Blends Barista Inspired, Science Backed
“We set out to make the smartest latte on the planet—with the taste and texture of our coffee shop favorites, but the research-backed benefits of an expensive supplement. And honestly, we rocked it.” ~ The founders of Clevr Blends
In short, Clevr Blends has designed a much better daily latte.
It took all your coffee shop favorites, skipped the sugar and dairy, and added brain-boosting, mood-lifting ingredients to help you to feel your BEST every day.
Each Clevr Blends latte offers a creamy delicious barista inspired taste, while also offering adaptogens for stress, mushrooms for mood, and probiotics for immunity.
This highly unique combination in a delicious latte has proven to help stabilize stress, energy & mood.
“A super-charged way to start your day.” ~ Dr. Mark Hyman, Physician & NYT Best-Selling Author
All you do is add water to enjoy the perfect coffeehouse quality latte.
More than 7,000 5-Star Reviews can’t be wrong!
“No jitters or nervous energy—it’s pure focus” ~ Well + Good
The best way to get started with Clevr Blends is with their excellent Starter Kit which comes with a Free frother to help give you the perfect and most authentic coffee house experience at home.
And for a limited time, the Clevr Blends Starter Kit is 20% off with the code: NEWRITUAL and it also comes with Free shipping.
You can check Clevr Blends out here.
Finally… ….Don’t Forget Your Dog/s!
Ruff Green – Boost the Nutrients and Probiotics In Your Dog’s Food
Your dog needs probiotics and good nutrition, just like you do!
The only problem is, Dog Food is ‘DEAD FOOD’.
Ruff Greens provides you all the LIVE nutrients you need to bring your dog’s food back to LIFE!
Ruff Greens is sourced and made in the U.S.A. with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, omega oils and anti-oxidants…
….all in a delicious blend that Dogs really LOVE.
Ruff Greens is super easy to add to your dog’s favorite food.
Just add a scoop on top of your current dog food and wait until you see the benefits!
The best part?
You can try Ruff Greens for Free!
Just try a Ruff Greens JumpStart Trial Bag for Free, (just pay the shipping and handling cost)
Within 14 Days, if you and your dog/s are not loving the Ruff Greens experience, you can cancel your “Subscribe & Save Program” no questions asked.
And let’s not forget our pet CATS:
Power Flora is an advanced Probiotic supplement for dogs and cats which you can check out here:
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