A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Probiotics for Your Body
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for your health, particularly for your digestive system. These ‘good bacteria’ help in fighting against the bad bacteria present in your gut, aid in digestion, and also promote an overall healthy gut microbiome.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic Supplement?
With so many probiotic supplements available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that would be best for you. Here are some factors you should consider when selecting a probiotic supplement:
1. Strain Diversity
Probiotics come in different strains, and each strain has a different effect on the body. The more diverse the strains, the better it would be for your overall gut health. A probiotic supplement should have at least 5-10 different strains to be effective.
2. Colony Forming Units (CFUs)
CFUs refer to the number of live bacteria present in a single dose of the probiotic supplement. A higher CFU count guarantees that more beneficial bacteria will reach your gut. Look for a supplement with at least 15-20 billion CFUs per dose.
3. Shelf Stability
Some probiotic strains are more vulnerable and die off easily when exposed to heat, light, or moisture. Look for a supplement that has been designed to survive the digestive process and can be stored at room temperature without losing its potency.
4. Quality Standards
Make sure that the probiotic supplement you choose has been manufactured by a reputable company that follows good manufacturing practices (GMP) and has third-party certification like USP or NSF to verify the quality and potency of its products.
Types of Probiotics
There are several types of probiotics, each with a specific strain and function. Here are some commonly found probiotics:
1. Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus is a popular probiotic that is naturally present in the gut and is also found in foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables. It aids in the digestion of lactose and also strengthens the immune system.
2. Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium is another commonly found probiotic in the gut and is also present in foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt. It helps in maintaining gut health and also alleviates symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. Saccharomyces Boulardii
Saccharomyces Boulardii is a yeast probiotic that is effective in treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics or infections. It also aids in reducing inflammation in the gut and is safe for people with lactose intolerance as it does not contain lactose.
Probiotics for Specific Needs
Depending on your specific needs, certain types of probiotic strains may be more beneficial for you. Here are some scenarios where certain strains have proven to be effective:
1. Women’s Health
Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri strains are effective in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal infections like yeast infections.
2. Immune System Support
Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus are effective in boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
3. Digestive Health
A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum is effective in reducing the symptoms of IBS and improving overall gut health.
Conclusion
Probiotics are an essential part of our gut health and choosing the right probiotic supplement can make all the difference. Make sure to consider strain diversity, CFU count, shelf stability, and quality standards when selecting a supplement. Also, choose a strain that is best suited for your specific needs. When chosen correctly, probiotics can help in improving digestion, boosting immunity, and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
