Gut health is all the rage right now. People are trying to lose weight, heal skin conditions, and combat illness by making their gut flora happy and healthy. Most people are turning to probiotics to support good gut flora and diminish the bad.
What are probiotics?
WedMD defines probiotics as , “… live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy."
As an herbalist, I think probiotics are pretty cool. Why? Because probiotics help support the NATURAL function of the digestive system. The digestive tract was made to have certain bacteria and yeast to help with absorption and even production of certain nutrients.
But, like everything these days, there are so many choices! How do you pick out a probiotic that works for you? I have complied a list of tips (with help from a real pharmacist too!) to help you choose a probiotic. Please remember that this information is for educational use only and is not intended to take the place of any professional health counseling.
1. High quality. This is important and I must warn you that it may be more expensive. The bottom line is you want something that works. Why waste money on a mediocre probiotic that doesn’t work?
2. No allergens or irritants. This is for those of you with sensitivities to gluten or casein. This can be especially important for children. The bottom line: be mindful of other ingredients included in your probiotic.
3. 2-4 strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria
4. A blend with 5 or more strands of an assortment of bacteria
5. More than 1 billion strands of viable cells
6. Human strands for maximum absorption
7. Know how/when ( right away in the morning, during or after a meal, etc.) to take the probiotic so you can maximize the amount of viable bacteria that enter the small intestines (I would follow the bottle instructions or talk to your pharmacist).
8. Watch for a dosage form (tablet, what form of capsule) that allows the bacteria to survive the stomach and get to the intestines. Remember that the stomach is strongly acidic and a lot of bacteria cannot survive the harsh conditions. The company you choose should explain how their probiotic is supposed to work. If you have questions ask your pharmacist.
8. Always keep refrigerated.
9. Remember that new research is always coming out and that can bring changes to what we know or what we think we know.
Reputable Probiotic Companies:
Bio-Kult
Florajen
Enzymatic Therapy: Probiotic Pearls
Flora Health
What do you think of probiotics? Would you consider using them in your home? Is there a brand that you have found helpful?
Credits: I would like to thank Pharmacist Tara Scaife for helping me with this article.
Sources:
Understanding Natural Health by Jessie Hawkins
WebMD.com
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