Why it’s a good idea to take a cure of probiotics this summer

Lactobacillus gasseri, a probiotic strain for supporting weight control

During the summer months, keeping in trim can be a bit of a challenge. Between the long lunches in the garden, the drinks with friends and the many family dinners, the calories can pile up and put paid to all our efforts over preceding months to lose a few kilos. So how can we stay in control? What support is available? How can we avoid putting on weight over the summer? Among the things that can help is a particular strain of probiotic called Lactobacillus gasseri. The subject of numerous studies in recent years, this probiotic strain has been shown to offer beneficial effects for weight control. In a recent study, a 12-week cure of Lactobacillus gasseri led to a reduced waistline and a a significant decrease in abdominal fat mass.

Opinion of the SuperSmart experts: Available as a dietary supplement for some years, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus gasseri is attracting significant interest among the scientific community. The many studies conducted on it show that it acts on leptin, a hormone involved in weight control.

DermaRelief, a probiotic formulation for combatting skin problems

The sun is shining, the temperatures are soaring! Summer is the perfect time to achieve that sun-kissed complexion. Unfortunately, however, exposure to the sun is not without risks: it can cause serious damage to the skin. Health professionals therefore urge caution: avoid prolonged exposure, apply sun cream or oil with a high SPF and top up regularly … There are additional steps you can take to maintain your skin’s beauty and integrity. We’re not just talking about moisturisers and other skin care products but also about probiotics, several of which have demonstrated benefits for combatting itching, redness, flaky skin as well as pimples and blackheads.

Opinion of the SuperSmart experts: The formulation Derma Relief, which comes in ‘stick’ sachets, is unique in that it combines four probiotic strains recognised for their benefits to skin: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic for preventing traveller’s diarrhoea

The well-known traveller’s diarrhoea can turn a dream holiday into a nightmare. It can stop you from keeping to your planned itinerary. It can make a hiking trip very difficult. In short, it can really spoil your summer holiday. So it makes sense to protect yourself against it! First of all, remember that even though some countries present more of a risk than others, travellers’ diarrhoea can strike in a large majority of destinations. Secondly, be aware that it is caused by the growth of pathogens in the body but that this can be reduced by taking certain strains of bacteria such as Saccharomyces boulardii. This has been used for many years to treat diarrhoea.

Opinion of the SuperSmart experts: The benefits of Saccharomyces boulardii have been the subject of numerous studies. This strain of probiotic now features in many travellers’ first aid kits. It is available these days as a supplement in the form of DR Caps™, gastro-resistant capsules which preserve the integrity of the Saccharomyces boulardii probiotics.

BONUS: For even greater efficacy, combine your cure of probiotics with prebiotics such as fructo-oligosaccharides, substances that ‘nourish’ the probiotics.