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Your health is essential to you. Adding the right probiotic to your health regimen can help improve your overall health. However, with so many options, it may be hard to know which one to choose to get your desired results.
Just like the many choices for vitamins, the variety of options for probiotics can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin. Here are a few things you should know when getting started.
What are Probiotics
You may have heard of probiotics and know they are beneficial, but it is essential to understand what they are.
According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, probiotics are living organisms that, when taken in suitable amounts, will benefit those taking them. You can find these microorganisms daily in yeast or other food products. [1]
What to Pay Attention To
Probiotics have a wide variety of bacterial strains. You must choose the right one to best address your needs to receive the desired effects. [2]
First, you will need to identify your probiotic goals and do some research. Don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor if you are unsure which probiotic to choose or want to discuss your research.
When doing your research, pay attention to the following:
· Types of bacterial strains that are in the probiotic
· The number of bacteria in each dose (this is called Colony Forming Units or CFUs)
· How it needs to be stored
· See if the strains used have gone through studies and are effective
Remember, true probiotics have living bacteria. [2] When using probiotics to treat certain diseases, it is crucial to match the appropriate bacterial strains and take the proper dosage. This is where talking with your doctor will be essential in helping to choose the right probiotic for you. [3]
Selecting the best probiotic for you can be difficult but not impossible. Use this information to help narrow your search, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor. They can help you choose the best probiotic option, especially if you want to use probiotics to help treat a particular disease or condition.
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Probiotics to consider:
References:
1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, June 2). Office of dietary supplements – probiotics. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
2. Bigleyj. (2022, October 26). How to pick the best probiotic. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-pick-the-best-probiotic-for-you/
3. Sniffen, J. C., McFarland, L. V., Evans, C. T., & Goldstein, E. J. C. (2018, December 26). Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: An evidence-based practical guide. PloS one. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306248/
