Genestra Brands® – HMF® Probiotics

Choosing the Right Probiotic with Genestra HMF Probiotics 
Which probiotic is right for you?

As we enter a health store or browse online, we are presented with an overwhelming range of options. Each brand has its unique formulas, production methods, prices, and packaging. Having plenty of choices is great, but without proper guidance, it can be challenging to make an informed decision.

So, how do you distinguish between one probiotic and another? While we cannot comment on other companies' practices, we can offer you an introduction to Genestra Brands HMF Probiotics and provide you with guidelines to help you make an informed decision.
 

The important role of probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that contribute to maintaining a healthy gut and play a crucial role in our overall well-being. The role probiotics play in immune health is well recognized and with approximately 80% of immune cells residing in the gut, it’s easy to see how a strong immune system begins here.

What is not as well-known but gaining awareness is the intimate connection between the gut and the brain. This link, commonly referred to as the gut-brain connection, involves communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS, which is comprised of millions of nerve cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, is responsible for functions such as regulating digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination. Recent research suggests that this connection between the CNS and ENS not only affects our physical well-being but also our mental health, including mood states like anxiety and depression. Moreover, it may impact cognitive abilities such as memory and thinking. While research is ongoing in this area the importance of probiotics and maintaining a healthy gut flora is clear.

So, where do you get probiotics? Probiotics are naturally found in yogurt and fermented foods. However, if you want a more effective way to get a higher number of "good" bacteria, you can try a probiotic supplement. More importantly, tailored probiotic formulas allow you to target specific health concerns. Keep in mind that the benefits of a probiotic are specific to its strain. In other words, different strains of probiotics have different unique benefits. Since it's not easy for everyone to be a probiotic expert, it's best to choose a quality product that has been backed by research or seek the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.

Genestra HMF Probiotics 

Genestra Brands HMF Probiotics are trusted by healthcare professionals across Canada. That’s because we’re committed to providing thoroughly researched, studied and tested formulas. Our probiotics contain human-strain bacteria that offer improved colonization rates and strong adherence to the gut lining. Additionally, we offer targeted formulas designed for specific ages, life stages, and health conditions.
 

So, Which Probiotic Do You Choose?

If you are considering taking a probiotic supplement, it's a good idea to start with understanding your reason for taking it. One reason people take probiotics is to maintain healthy gut flora and to keep gastrointestinal bacteria in balance. In this case, we suggest choosing a probiotic that contains a well-studied combination or consortium of strains. HMF Forte and HMF Intensive are examples of probiotics that include just that. Our proprietary consortium is one of the most researched combinations of probiotics and has been found to offer multiple benefits, particularly for gut health. For broad-spectrum support, you may wish to choose HMF Multi Strain which contains our proprietary consortium along with a variety of other strains, making it an excellent everyday probiotic option.

If you're searching for a probiotic meant for an infant or child, it's important to choose probiotic strains that are specifically formulated and researched for use with children. For instance, HMF Baby Drops contain a combination of probiotic strains that research shows help relieve colic symptoms in infants.1,2 Similarly, HMF Fit for School is a children’s probiotic supplement that contains vitamins C & D. Studies with this probiotic consortium and vitamin C have demonstrated immune system support and reduction of symptoms such as sore throat and coughs in children.3,4 When using probiotic strains that are specifically tailored to the needs of young children, the results can be quite remarkable.

Many people take probiotics to improve specific conditions like IBS, vaginal health, a UTI, or diarrhea caused by antibiotics or traveling. Since different conditions have different causes, products that have been formulated to target specific conditions can bring about the greatest benefits. Genestra Brands' HMF Probiotics portfolio includes a range of targeted formulas designed to address a variety of specific conditions, including:

• HMF IBS Relief for reduction of IBS symptoms such as bloating or days with pain⁵
• HMF Travel to reduce the likelihood of developing Traveller's diarrhea 
• HMF Vaginal Health to support a healthy vaginal microbiome
• HMF UTI to reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in women
   

Probiotics are essential for our overall health as they influence digestion, nutrient absorption, metabolism, immune health, skin, and more. Whether you are new to probiotics, looking to improve your current choice, or interested in the fascinating world of gut health, it's crucial to know what to look for. First, understand why you want to take a probiotic; then, select quality supplements based on researched strains, and if you have a particular health concern, select a targeted formula designed to address your specific concern.
Finally, remember that your natural healthcare provider is an excellent resource for tailoring your supplement regimen to your unique health needs. 

REFERENCES: 

1. Tintoré M, Jordi C. Int J Pharma Bio Sci. 2017 Jan;8(1):281-288. 
2. Santas J, Fuentes MC, Tormo R, Guayta-Escolies R, Lázaro E, Jordi C. Int J Pharma Bio Sci. 2015 Jan;6(2):458-466. 
3. Garaiova I, Muchová J, Nagyová Z, Wang D, Li JV, Országhová Z et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Sep;69(3):373-9.
4. Garaiova I, Paduchová Z, Nagyová Z, Wang D, Michael DR, Plummer SF et al. Benef Microbes. 2021 Oct;12(5):431-40.
5. Williams EA, Stimpson J, Wang D, Plummer S, Garaiova I, Barker ME, et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Jan;29(1):97-103.