Many are familiar with probiotics–the good bacteria that reside in our gut and help keep digestion running smoothly. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi as well as in dietary supplements. Experts agree that including probiotics in your diet could help protect against digestive conditions like diarrhea, IBS, constipation and bloating; however, not all probiotics are created equal. Probiotics can be tricky to determine; consulting your physician is often the best way to do it. Your doc may recommend specific dosage to ensure you get maximum benefits out of it. We enlisted some expert opinions regarding probiotics; what they recommend looking out for and when is an ideal time/day/product combo to take them.
An expert in gastroenterology and internal medicine, Patricia Raymond, MD stresses the importance of consistency when taking probiotics: your body becomes used to it and knows when its time has come, she states. Additionally, probiotics should be consumed during the day when stomach acidity levels are highest – this allows probiotic strains to pass through your stomach acid more easily and reach your intestines where they’ll have more chance of working effectively.
Research indicates that probiotics may help prevent inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by supporting your immune system. Furthermore, other studies suggest probiotics can aid with mood issues like anxiety and depression by helping regulate neurotransmitter levels in your brain.
To select the ideal probiotics, it is important to pay close attention to product labels. Make sure the strain name (Lactobacillus Casei), colony forming units (CFU), and viable microorganism count is listed; higher CFU numbers indicate more viable microorganisms present. When selecting probiotics that will best serve you, look for those which have been tested against harsh environments in stomach and intestines as well as supported by scientific research.
Make sure they’re stored properly as well. Humidity, heat and light can all affect their effectiveness; some products require refrigeration while others can be kept at room temperature. Consider whether the product contains ingredients that could interfere with or dilute its effectiveness, such as sugar. Experts recommended avoiding supplements containing sugar as this can decrease their effectiveness. Opt for probiotics that are high-quality, non-GMO and gluten-free with an adequate CFU count and variety of strains. If you’re going to try fermented foods or supplement probiotics, select ones made with whole foods rather than fillers such as maltodextrin and cornstarch that may reduce effectiveness. In addition, look for brands with certification organic status; while this might cost more, this ensures safety and quality with each dose of your probiotic.
