Choosing the right probiotic is very important. Diversity is key here. It’s hard to believe that the gut of a
human has over 10,000 different types of bacteria, isn’t it? It may be even harder to believe that the
majority of these strains actually benefit our gut. We also carry yeast and fungi in our gut– and all of
these things work in harmony to provide us with a healthy digestive tract. Non-harmonious digestive
traits may manifest themselves in things like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, fatigue, headaches– just to
name a few. Nobody has time for that! Probiotics help to balance this very populated environment.
A multi-strain probiotic that contains a number of different species and groups (genera) is one to look
for. Below is a list that contains some more common strains:
- Bifidobacterium
- Streptococcus: Thermophilus
- Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii)
- Lactobacillus: acidophilus.
So now you find one that has these very hard to spell and pronounce names. . . now you have
to make sure the acid in your stomach doesn’t kill it off. Different types of delivery systems such as
delayed release, special coatings or bead-like deliveries are utilized to help protect the “fragile” bacteria
from being engulfed by the acidic environment.
If the probiotics survive the acid bath, then it is important for them to be able to colonize in the
intestinal wall and do what they are intended to do– improve the health of your intestines. If they don’t
colonize, then they just exit the body much like the midnight munch-fest that you regret.
Prebiotics have a role here too. They are part of this delicate balance. What is a prebiotic? A prebiotic is
a natural nutrient that basically feeds the probiotic. Yes, probiotics need love, care and sustenance in
order to proliferate in your gut. Make sure your chosen probiotic contains one of these.
Another important tip to consider is “shelf life.” Not every probiotic makes it to the person as efficacious
as when it was manufactured. Moisture, heat, oxygen and humidity all can take a toll on this fragile
concoction of digestive goodness. Make sure you look at the label and expiration date. If it has a “best
by” date, even better.
For those of you who are gluten sensitive, dairy intolerant or allergic to preservatives or food colors, this
is another very important factor to keep in mind when choosing “Mr. or Mrs. Right“ Probiotic for your
gut. Yes, it is possible to find ones that are free of synthetic coatings and are dairy and gluten free. You
just need to look for them.
CFU’s? Important or not important? Colony forming units (aka CFU’s) is the unit of measure for the live
cells in the probiotic. This can, and does change, however. It is also not the best predictor for how the
probiotic will fare in the gut. It is more important to look at the types of species found listed on the
ingredient label.
Hopefully this will be helpful when you are seeking out the perfect probiotic for your gut. As Mom says,
“Don’t settle.” Pick wisely and may the relationship be long and fruitful.
Call AB Hormone at 979-485-9925 and let us help you choose your perfect match.
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