The human gut is home to a vast ecosystem of microbes who have a huge impact on our health(1). The human microbiome is a booming field of research – clinical trials clearly point to the trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes living in our bodies that directly affect immune function, digestion, and energy metabolism.

The microbiome impacts the way we digest and assimilate nutrients from our food, with a recent study describing the microbiome as “a key factor in shaping the biochemical profile of the diet”(2). Our microbes are also responsible for producing essential vitamins and amino acids that we can’t make ourselves, including several B vitamins, as well as Vitamin K2 which plays an important role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism and heart health(3).

Probiotics help re-colonise the gut by introducing microbial strains that are known to have a beneficial effect on our health. There is now overwhelming evidence showing that probiotics, including transient species can have a positive impact on gene expression and immune regulation(4)(5).

One of the most pure and advanced probiotics available is Smidge® Optimal Probiotic Capsules. It contains a unique combination of 13-different strains of the most human-compatible bacteria, specifically formulated to improve gut microbe biology. When used in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, Smidge® Optimal Probiotic can help to kick start the rebalancing and restoration of healthy gut microbiota.

Smidge® are a trusted source of premium supplements and make the most pure and potent probiotics available, with no additives, chemicals, allergens or fillers. All Smidge® probiotics have been formulated to minimise production of histamine and d-lactate. They contain the most human-compatible bacterial strains to feed and nourish the inner ecosystems of you and your customers.

Benefits of Optimal Probiotic Capsules

- A strong and well-regulated immune system due to the vigilant bacteria inside of your system

- Greatly improved digestion that will aid the breakdown of nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy

- A healthy urinary and reproductive tract thanks to the healthy microbes occupying your urogenital tract that produce chemicals keeping problematic microbes at bay

- A sharp memory, good concentration and overall positive outlook on life

Optimal Probiotic Capsules contain histamine-degrading species

Histamine is part of a natural and healthy immune response to local or systemic inflammation.

Many compromised people produce too much histamine. Once histamine levels are elevated, it may be difficult to metabolise the excess histamines in the body. This cycle is sometimes referred to as histamine intolerance (6).

If you have experienced histamine issues, you may benefit from a holistic approach to managing your natural histamine response. One option is to reduce the amount of histamine-rich foods that you eat. Carefully selected probiotics can also help, provided they contain only histamine-neutral or histamine-degrading bacterial strains.

Optimal Probiotic Capsules and D-lactate

D-lactic acidosis occurs when the body is unable to properly metabolise excess d-lactate. Symptoms can include headaches, irritability and being unable to concentrate. All Smidge® probiotics are formulated to reduce the production of d-lactate. Optimal Probiotic Capsules have been designed for people who can tolerate some d-lactate and are ready to advance to a more complex gut flora supplement. If you have experienced issues with d-lactate, you may be best to start with Sensitive Probiotic and then move up to taking Optimal Probiotic Capsules as the next step in improving overall gut health.

How do I take Optimal Probiotic Capsules?

Optimal Probiotic Capsules are a premium, pure and potent probiotic with 15 billion CFU’s per 1/16 teaspoon. It is important to start slowly, for example, a very small dose every other day, or even once a week, until you can determine how the supplement affects your body and what dose feels right for you.

When you first begin taking Optimal Probiotic Capsules, the recalibration of your inner ecosystem may cause unwanted bacteria to die off. Some people may experience some discomfort in the initial two weeks of starting. Beginning with a smaller dose and building this up gradually can help with some symptoms associated with “die off”, by gradually rebalancing the gut microbiota.

Optimal Probiotic Capsules can be taken before a meal, or ideally with a meal that includes some organic fat or oil. Taking it with food can help the capsule safely get through the digestive tract. Food can also help the good bacteria in the capsule thrive in your gut.

Can Optimal Probiotic Capsules be taken during pregnancy?

All Smidge® probiotics have been shown to be safe during pregnancy, but as always, we recommend checking with your doctor first and always starting low and slow with the dosage. Breastfeeding mums can begin on Infant Probiotic, but may also use Probiotic Capsules and Sensitive Probiotic safely.

References:
1. Defining the Human Microbiome - NCBI - NIH
2. Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components
3. The contribution of vitamin K2 (menaquinones) produced by the intestinal microflora to human nutritional requirements for vitamin K.
4. A systematic review of the safety of probiotics
5. Digital Immune Gene Expression Profiling Discriminates Allergic Rhinitis Responders from Non-Responders to Probiotic Supplementation.
6. Histamine and histamine intolerance