Taking care of our body is essential in all ways, from the outside to the inside. … but first, what are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to bacteria found in the human gut, which are used for regulating your body’s digestion. They have been shown to have various health benefits beyond improving digestion, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. With the growing popularity of probiotics, there are now many products on the market that contain these beneficial bacteria. However, not all probiotic products are created equal. Here are five keys to identifying the best products with probiotics.
Look for specific strains of bacteria
Not all probiotic bacteria are the same, and they won’t all provide the same benefit to your body. There are different strains, some of which have specific health benefits, while others may have little or no notable effect. When shopping for probiotic products, look for anything that naturally contains or has been engineered to contain specific strains of bacteria that provide certain benefits. For example, the strain Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to improve digestion and boost the immune system, while the strain Bifidobacterium bifidum has been shown to reduce inflammation. Each strain will have a different use or benefit, depending on your needs.
Check the CFU count
CFU, which stands for “colony forming units,” is a measure of the number of live bacteria in a probiotic product. The higher the CFU count, the more active bacteria the product contains. Look for probiotic products with a high CFU count, as this indicates the product contains a significant amount of live, active bacteria. Products with a CFU count of at least 1 billion are considered high-quality.
Consider the form of the probiotic
Probiotics are available in various forms—everything from capsules and tablets to powders and liquids. Each form has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, capsules and tablets are convenient to take and easy to store, but they may not be as effective as powders and liquids, which typically contain a higher concentration of live bacteria. Consider the form of the probiotic and how it will fit into your daily routine so you can choose the best form for your needs.
Check for additional ingredients
Some probiotic products contain additional ingredients or supplements that may enhance their effectiveness or make them easier to take. For example, some products contain prebiotics, which are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed the probiotic bacteria and help them to perform better in the gut. Others may contain enzymes or other ingredients that can help to improve digestion or detoxify your body. Check the ingredient lists on probiotic products to see what additional ingredients it contains and whether they will benefit you.
Read the reviews
Before making a purchase, be sure to read reviews from other customers. This will give you a sense of their experience with the product and whether or not it may be the right product for you. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews and look for patterns in the feedback, such as common negative reactions. If a product has a high rating and many positive reviews, it is likely that it is a high-quality product. Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different and reviews will reflect the experiences of others based on their needs at the time, not necessarily how good or bad the product will be for you.
Probiotics can be a great addition to your health and wellness routine, but remember that not all probiotic products are created equal. By looking for specific strains of bacteria, checking the CFU count, considering the form of the probiotic, checking for additional ingredients, and reading reviews, you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality probiotic product that will be effective in improving your overall health.