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Probiotics to Reduce Fatigue

A New Human Study Shows Dr. Ohhira's Can Help.

By Ross Pelton, PhD

In partnership with Essential Formulas

Fatigue is one of the most common medical complaints. In addition to increasing risks for accidents, it negatively impacts physical and mental health, relationships and reduces overall quality of life.

A Study on Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics

Essential Formulas is happy to announce the publication of a new study which reported that people taking Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics daily for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in fatigue.

Study Design

This was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 40 healthy men and women between the ages of 40-59 were randomly divided into two groups:

  • One group took three capsules of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics once daily for 12 weeks.
  • The other group took three capsules of an identical-looking placebo for 12 weeks.

People with significant health problems were excluded from this study.

How Was Fatigue Measured?

The following two independent methods were used to measure levels of fatigue in this clinical trial:

  • Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    This scale consists of a horizontal line 10 centimeters (3.94 inches) long. Participants are asked to place an ‘x’ on the line that represents their level of fatigue over the past 7 days (left side = low fatigue, right side = high fatigue). Placement of the ‘x’ is then converted into a numerical score. Higher score corresponds with higher fatigue.

  • Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS)

    This is a questionnaire consisting of 14 questions relating to different aspects of physical and mental fatigue. The rating goes from 1 (no fatigue) to 4 (high level of fatigue). The higher the total score, the higher the overall level of fatigue.

Results

All participants consuming Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics registered significant reductions in fatigue on both the Visual Analog Scale and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. This provides very strong scientific validation showing that taking Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics (3 a day for 12 weeks) lowers levels of fatigue and increases energy in healthy adults.

Explanation / Mechanism of Action

Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics is produced by fermenting a wide range of plant-based foods with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for several years. The resulting product contains over 500 postbiotic metabolites such as antioxidants, short-chain fatty acids, organic acids, vitamins, polyphenols, carotenoids, etc.

It is well known that increased levels of free radicals can damage mitochondria. This in turn reduces the production of cellular energy (ATP), which results in higher levels of mental and physical exhaustion and fatigue.

The antioxidant activity provided by the ingredients in Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, especially the antioxidant activity of various postbiotic metabolites, and polyphenols, provides an explanation for the finding of reduced levels of fatigue in this recently published human clinical trial.

Exclusion Criteria

It is important to emphasize that only healthy individuals were allowed to participate in this clinical trial. People with any type of illness were excluded. Other criteria for exclusion included anyone with a food or drug allergy, a history of alcohol or drug dependence, smokers, women who are using hormone replacement therapy and women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the study.

ALL healthy participants taking Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics gained significant reductions in fatigue. Although it has not been tested, we might assume that people with health problems might gain even greater reductions in fatigue and improvements in energy levels when taking Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics.

Conclusion

The study reviewed in this article along with dozens of earlier studies collectively make a strong statement about the benefits from taking Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. The postbiotic metabolites in Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics help reduce inflammation, increase antioxidant activity, and enhance immune function. All of these benefits help contribute to healthy longevity and a better quality of life.

Contributor

Ross Pelton, PhD

Dr. Ross Pelton is a microbiome scientist and scientific director for Essential Formulas, which specializes in premium probiotics. He is also a pharmacist, clinical nutritionist, health educator, and the author of 12 books. In 1999, Dr. Pelton was named one of the top 50 most influential pharmacists in America by American Druggist magazine for his work in natural medicine. Learn more about Dr. Pelton and his work at his website.

As a professional pharmacist, Ross Pelton knows pharmaceuticals. As a CCN, he knows nutrition. As a health professional who is personally devoted to fitness, nutrition and longevity, he knows how to integrate them.

With over 30 years of research and scientific experience, Ross Pelton has turned his passion for educating people on their health into a legacy for thousands of clients around the world. Whether its tackling tough subjects like safe natural therapies for depression and anxiety, ADD & ADHD, or preventing the side effects of oral contraceptives, Ross covers a myriad of subjects and speaks frankly about what you need to do naturally to take charge of your life.

Ross Pelton began his career in the health sciences by graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1966. Ross worked as a pharmacist for a number of years before joining the Peace Corps in 1972. He taught high school chemistry for 2 years in Malaysia, and also closely observed the village shamans and native healing arts in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1966 with a degree in pharmacy, he went on to receive his Ph.D. in Psychology and Holistic Health in 1984 from the University for Humanistic Studies in San Diego, California.  In 1993, Dr. Pelton also became a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN).

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