A probiotic supplement is a dietary supplement that contains live bacteria or yeast. It aims at increasing the number of good bacteria or yeast in the gut. Probiotic supplements are usually taken orally. It offers great health benefits when consumed as these organisms are similar to the ones already present in our bodies.
Many probiotic supplements of different brands are available on the market today. They come in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. When choosing a probiotic supplement, it is essential to choose one containing many live organisms.
With so many different probiotic supplements to choose from, how do you know which one is the best? Well, a list of the most used and trusted probiotic supplements can be found online, along with their descriptions. You should always consider the features of probiotic supplements too.
What Features to Consider While Taking Probiotic Supplement
When considering a good probiotic supplement, go for the one that contains the following seven features. This will ensure you are getting maximum benefits.
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The Number of Live Organisms
It is the foremost thing to take into account while selecting a particular probiotic supplement. Choose a product that contains around 1 billion CFUs (colony forming units). It is the minimum number of live organisms needed to provide health benefits.
2. Strains Diversity
It is also essential to choose a product that contains multiple strains of bacteria. It will ensure that you are getting a variety of different organisms. The best probiotic supplements will contain only those different strains that have been proven to be effective and work well together.
3. Delivery System
Another critical feature to look for is a delivery system. It is how they live organisms are delivered to your gut. Some products use an enteric coating, as stated on SFGate, which protects the organisms from stomach acid to reach the intestines alive. Other products use a time-release system, which slowly releases the organisms over some time. Choose a product with an effective delivery system.
4. Dosage
Be sure to take the recommended dosage of probiotics. Taking too much or too little will not provide the desired results. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to take the supplement. Moreover, it is crucial to take the probiotic supplement at the right time. Some products need to be taken on an empty stomach, while others can be taken with food.
5. Brand
Choose a probiotic supplement from a reputable company. Look for a company that has been in business for many years and has a good standing. Also, look for a company that uses high-quality ingredients and manufactures its products in an FDA-approved facility.
6. Storage
Probiotic supplements need to be stored properly to maintain their potency. Most products should be stored in a cool, dry place, while some products may need to be refrigerated. Ensure that you read the storage instructions on the product label. These supplements are heat-sensitive, so storing them in a dark and cool place is best.
7. Cost
Probiotic supplements are available at a wide range of prices. You can find very affordable products and others that are pretty expensive. It is not recommended to spend much on a probiotic supplement. Choose a product that is within your budget and contains the features you are looking for.
Now that you know what to consider when buying a probiotic supplement, you can choose the right product for your needs.
Benefits of Probiotic Supplement
Many people who use these products having these features claim to have noticed several health advantages, including:
Improved Digestion
Prebiotic supplements can help improve your digestion by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. It can help improve your overall gut health and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Boosted Immunity
Another benefit of probiotic supplements is that they can help boost your immunity. Because the good bacteria in your gut are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, they help fight off infection and disease. Probiotic supplements can help you stay healthy by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut.
Reduced Allergies
Probiotic supplements can also help to reduce allergies. It is because they can help balance the immune system and reduce inflammation. Probiotic supplements can help to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions and improve overall health.
Better Brain Function
Prebiotic supplements can also improve your brain function. If you don’t want to use enzymes, try natural yogurt since it has probiotics. It produces compounds that help to protect and nourish your brain cells. These compounds can also help to improve your mood and cognitive function.
Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is a major reason of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and arthritis. Prebiotic supplements can help reduce inflammation throughout your body, which may help to protect you from these diseases.
Better Bone Health
Prebiotic supplements can also improve your bone health. It helps absorb calcium and other minerals essential for strong bones. For example, they can also help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Improved Skin Health
Finally, prebiotic supplements can also improve your skin health. It’s because your gut’s beneficial bacteria assist in the development of compounds that feed and protect your skin cells. These compounds can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Balanced Microbiome
A healthy microbiome is vital for good health. Probiotic supplements can help maintain a balance in your body’s microbiome, which is the collection of all the microorganisms living in your body. This balance is essential for good health, and probiotic supplements can help maintain it.
As you can see, there are many potential benefits of taking prebiotic supplements. Boost your overall health by adding these supplements to your diet. Ensure you choose a high-quality product from a well-renowned company having all the features stated above. Remember to follow the instructions by the manufacturer on how to take the supplement and store it properly. They are generally considered safe, but there is always the potential for side effects. So, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement, particularly if you have a medical condition.
