How to Choose the Best Probiotic

The stores are LINED with probiotics supplements which leaves you confused and empty handed.  It can be a grueling task to choose the right probiotic supplement.  So which probiotic is right for you? 

Here are some tips that will help guide you to select the best probiotic supplement. 

Colony Forming Units (CFUs)

CFUs, or Colony Forming Units, are the measuring unit of probiotics. This number must be clearly displayed on the probiotics bottle. A probiotic should be in the range of 3-50 billion CFUs to best suit the digestive system. 

A lower range would be sufficient as a maintenance product. This potency will allow you to recover the probiotics lost due to the modern lifestyle when otherwise you have a completely healthy digestive system.  

The higher potencies are recommended for specific instances, including the following:

Stress and Travelling: Raise your hand if you’re a professional working parent living a high stress life (RIGHT HERE, HERE I AM!!) Most of our immune cells live in our gut, so it is imperative to reinforce them during times that might prove crucial for our immunity, like while traveling or going through a stressful situation. The intake of probiotics at this time can help you to avoid any future concerns.

Older Age: As we age, the microbiomes lose probiotics much faster, particularly Bifidobacteria, which is found in the large intestine. A reduction in its amount may cause digestive problems. For such cases, a high potency probiotic that has high concentrations of Bifidobacteria is recommended. 

Diet: An unhealthy diet loaded with processed foods is also responsible for depleting natural probiotics. Including probiotics supplements may help in offsetting this damage.

Compromised Digestive System: If you have a problematic digestive system, probiotic intake may help restore some balance. 

Products above 50 billion CFUs really don’t provide any added benefit, so don’t be fooled into thinking more is better.  

No irritants

Look for a supplement that is free of chemicals and ingredients that could upset your gastrointestinal tract. Be sure the supplement is of good quality.

Shelf Stability and Guaranteed Potency

Be sure you get what you pay for.  If the manufacturer says they put 50 billion CFUs in the product you purchased be sure that number of CFUs remains the same four months later. The supplement you purchase should specifically say, “Potency Guaranteed Until Time of Expiration.”  It should also be shelf stable so that you don’t have to refrigerate it to keep its potency. Look for a label that says “Refrigeration Not Required” or “Shelf Stable.”

Strain Diversity

Look for a combination of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli for an average adult. This will support both the large and small intestine. Look for the abbreviations L. and B. on the label. 

Probiotics are trial and error.  Continue your investigation until you find a brand which works best for you. 

Still confused?  Review a few of my recommendations here -> Fullscript  Directions: Sign up for an account, click catalog, digestive health.  Feel free to send me an email if you need additional help. [email protected]

Your #1 Working Mom Fan,

-Mary